In the sketches revealed by Kia, the SP SUV looks quite similar to the SP Signature Concept that was showcased earlier at the Seoul Motor Show, and boy does it look sexy!
Kia Motors India have released a new set of sketch images of their first product to be launched in India – an SUV based on the Kia SP concept showcased at Auto Expo, 2018. Kia has also confirmed that the new SUV will see its world premiere ‘this summer’. However, by common word in the industry and as we have already reported, the unveiling will most likely take place on June 20, 2019. The market launch with the announcement of the prices will take place sometime later this year.
The Kia SP SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads under heavy camouflage for numerous times now. It will most likely be titled as the ‘Trailster’ and was first seen in concept form at the Auto Expo, last year. Kia also recently showcased a near production version of the SP SUV at the Seoul Motor Show in Korea as the SP Signature concept.
The Kia SP SUV sketches reveal that the SP Signature Concept has quite some resemblance with the car in the sketches. And it sure is a looker. Up front, the Kia SP SUV gets the brand’s bold new ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, a stylish nose, sharp and sleek headlights and a chunky bumper with fog lamps as well. The bonnet features some bold character lines and the carmaker has confirmed that the SP SUV will get LED head lamps and tail lamps, at least on the top spec models. The headlamps also get four separate LED diodes with LED DRLs which seem to be integrated into the grille as turn indicators are also expected to be LED units.
It also looks equally imposing from the rear. It gets a chunky bumper with prominent faux skid plate and dual exhaust outlets. The flared wheel arches and the muscular hips add a lot of character and it also get horizontally placed wrap-around tail-lights with LED patterns. The chrome license plate garnish bridges the two tail lights and have been integrated into them on the two sides.
Like its sister brand Hyundai, the interiors of the Kia SP SUV is expected to be very well loaded indeed. It is expected to get a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, in-car WiFi, a head-up display, an ambient lighting package and a fully digital instrument cluster. A panoramic sunroof might be a part of the package as well.
Also Read : Five Things You Should Know About Kia SP2i Compact SUV!
When launched, the Kia SP is expected to be powered by a 1.5L Petrol and a 1.5L Diesel engine. Both engines are likely to be BS-VI-ready, but could be BS-IV complaint at launch. There will be the option of manual and automatic gearboxes with both the engines. Kia is even said to be working on a sportier version of the SP SUV which will be powered by a 1.4L, turbocharged, petrol engine producing 140 horsepower and will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.
Also Read :Carnival MPV Could Be Kia’s Second Launch After SP2i SUV In India!
The Kia SP SUV will go against the likes of the MG Hector, the Tata Harrier, the Nissan Kicks, the Renault Captur and the Hyundai Creta when its launched later this year. The compact SUV segment is getting more and more congested by the day and it would be interesting to see how the Kia fights out the competition.
