The Kia SP Signature concept showcased at the 2019 Seoul Motor show effectively showcases the almost production version of the upcoming Kia SP SUV in India.
The Kia SP concept SUV garnered a lot of positive attention when it was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. The SP SUV is set to be Kia’s first car for India and has already been spotted testing numerous times under heavy camouflage. Autocar India has now reported that the SP SUV – which could be titled as the Trailster – will be revealed on June 20, 2019, followed by a launch later this year.
Kia recently showcased the SP Signature Concept at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show and we expect that the production version of the SP SUV will be largely similar to the SP Signature Concept. Although the SP Signature has been labelled as a concept, it looks pretty close to a production car and was only thinly disguised to be a show car. It featured fancy looking ORVMs and 19 inch alloy wheels whereas the production car will most likely get 17 inch alloy wheels. The SP Signature concept also sported considerable differences from the SP concept we had seen at the Auto Expo last year and it effectively previewed the production spec SP SUV for us.
The SP Signature concept continued with the bold ‘Tiger nose’ grille along with sharp and sleek LED headlamps that were joined together by a thin band of LED lighting atop the grille. The SP Signature concept also sported a dual-tone color finish with contrasting roof and we expect that to continue in the production version as well. There will be slim LED fog lamps on the bumpers, a slightly different looking D-pillars from the SP concept, prominent roof rails, a chunkier chrome bar connecting the mildly reshaped tail-lights and a tweaked design for the faux exhaust garnish and rear diffuser.
Also Read : Five Things You Should Know About Kia SP2i Compact SUV!
The interiors of the Kia SP is also expected to be very well appointed including some segment first features. The interiors would certainly boast of a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and in-car WiFi. The SP Concept also featured a heads-up display, an ambient lighting package and a fully digital instrument cluster which also we expect would make it to production
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 as well. 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 : Kia SP2i SUV Spotted Testing In Its Production Guise- Images
When launched, the Kia SP SUV will be priced around Rs. 10-16 lakhs (ex-showroom) and will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur, Tata Harrier, and even the lower variants of the Jeep Compass and the upcoming MG Hector.
Image Source
