The Kia sub-compact SUV is confirmed to launch in India. It will be Kia’s second product for India and is going to make its debut at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Kia Motors India is going to launch its SP Concept based, Hyundai Creta rival compact SUV in India next year. Recent developments suggest that its launch is going to take place during the first half of 2019. After this, the second product for the South Korean automaker in India is going to be a sub-compact SUV. A recent report from Autocar India confirms that the debut of what essentially is going to be the second Kia product in India is going to take place during the 2020 Auto Expo, in Delhi.
Image- Kia Niro image used for representation purpose only
So far there have been numerous speculations regarding the future line-up of Kia cars in India. Bets were high on the Rio hatchback and the sedan. However, it seems that Kia is planning to focus first on making the best out of the increasing popularity of urban utility vehicle in India.
Also Read: Kia SP Concept SUV India Launch, Price Expectations, Features, Specifications And Other Details
The report further states that the Kia sub-compact SUV is already in development stages. The same is essentially going to be the smallest Kia SUV till date. In addition to the Indian market, the automaker could also export this vehicle to other Asian countries.
The new Kia sub-compact SUV is going to share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Carlino based sub-compact SUV. The latter’s launch is set to happen sometime around the month of March next year. Just like other Kia cars using Hyundai platform’s, this new SUV will have an altogether new exterior and interiors design. Furthermore, being a Kia, expect it to come with a host of features and creature comforts.
Also Read: Kia SP Concept SUV Vs Hyundai Creta – What to expect
In terms of features, the Kia sub-compact SUV is going to get a bag full. Touchscreen infotainment unit, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, parking camera, rear AC vent are amongst some of the possible inclusions on the list.
Just as its underpinnings, the Kia SUV will share its engine specifications with the Carlino (Qxi) based SUV. As a result, expect it to come with both petrol as well as diesel engines in its line-up. The petrol derivatives are likely to come with a 1.0-litre, turbocharged unit producing 115 BHP. The diesel derivative, on the other hand, could be a 1.5-litre unit also generating 115 BHP.
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In addition to the standard manual gearbox, automatic transmission variants will also exist. They too are likely to be common with the Hyundai Qxi.
The Kia sub-compact SUV is going to cost somewhere in between the price range of INR 7.5 lakh to INR 10.5 lakh. In addition to the Qxi, it is going to compete against the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon.
