Kia SP2i SUV (Hyundai Creta Rival) – what to expect
Kia will officially unveil the much-awaited SP2i based SUV on June 20, 2019.
Korean automaker, Kia will officially unveil the much-awaited SP2i based SUV on June 20, 2019. It will be the brand’s first model to be launched in the Indian market this year. The SUV is scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2019, most probably around August-September 2019. The upcoming SUV will directly rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster and others in its category.
The Kia SP2i SUV was first previewed as the SP concept at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. It will be the brand’s global SUV aiming at emerging markets including Brazil and India. The production version of the SP2i is rumoured to be called Kia Tusker or the Kia Trailster; however, Kia is yet to reveal the final nameplate. Though unveil is scheduled for June 20, 2019, the revealed car’s sketches gave us the glimpses of what it will offer.
The Kia SP2i SUV is based on the thoroughly upgraded Creta’s platform, which is compatible enough to accommodate longer wheelbase or 7-seater SUV. In fact, media reports claim that the 7-seater version of the SUV could also be launched on a later stage. The next-gen Hyundai Creta will also utilise this platform. It is also confirmed that the next-gen Creta will also receive a 7-seater derivative.
The Kia SP2i was recently unveiled in the pre-production form as the Kia SP Signature concept. The sketches reveal that the SUV gets the signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, dual-headlamp setup with LED DRLs on top and main headlamp lower on the bumper, vertically stacked fog lamps, aggressive bumper and a faux skid plate. It gets strong shoulder line and flared wheel arches with big wheels. At the back, the SUV gets wrap-around LED tail-lights and a chunky bumper with a skid plate and reflectors. Other features include dual-tone roof, roof rails and roof-integrated spoiler.
It is expected that the upcoming Kia SUV’s will have comfortable and well-equipped interior. The SUV will also receive several segment-first features. Some of the features will include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a list of connectivity features, a digital instrument console, automatic air-conditioning, multi-functional steering wheel, power adjustable driver’s seat, etc.
The Kia SP2i SUV will be offered with 2 engine options – a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. Both manual and automatic versions of the SUV will be on offer. The company is also working the performance oriented version of the SUV, which is likely to get a 140PS, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a 7-speed DCT. The Kia SP2i is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh – Rs 15 lakh.
