Buoyed by overwhelming response for new Seltos and Sonet, Kia is now planning to introduce 3 more SUVs in the Indian market in the next 1 year. The company has already confirmed that it will launch the flagship EV9 electric SUV and the new-gen Carnival MPV in India in 2024. Adding to it, the Korean brand will introduce an all-new sub-4 meter SUV, rumoured to be called the Kia Clavis, in the country in early 2025.
Kia Clavis
To be positioned below the Venue compact SUV, the Kia Clavis will rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Hyundai Exter. The new SUV has been caught testing multiple times on the Korean streets. It will be offered with both ICE and electric powertrain options. This could also be the brand’s first model to feature a hybrid powertrain. The ICE version is expected to share the engine options with the Venue, which is offered with a 1.2L NA and a 1.0L turbo petrol engine. The electric version is likely to be fitted with a battery pack of around 30-35kWh with a front-axle mounted electric motor.
Kia EV9
Kia will launch the EV9 3-row electric SUV in our market this year. It is based on the brand’s e-GMP skateboard architecture that underpins the EV6 on sale in our market. The 3-row SUV comes with multiple seating layout, depending on the variant. It is available with 3 powertrain options. There are two battery options – a 76.1kWh and a 99.8kWh. While the former is offered with RWD standard version, the latter is available with both RWD long-range and AWD variants. The RWD long range model with rear axle mounted electric motor is rated at 150kW & 350Nm. There is a more powerful 160kW/350Nm, single electric motor option. The AWD version has two electric motors that offer 283kW & 600Nm. It is claimed to offer a certified range of 541km on a single charge.
New Kia Carnival
Kia has officially announced that the new gen Carnival MPV will be launched in the Indian market in 2024. The company had showcased the new Carnival as the KA4 RV (Recreational Vehicle) concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new model will grow in size and will offer more space inside the cabin. It will come with an advanced ADAS suite with features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring, among others. The new model is expected to be powered by the same 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 200bhp and 440Nm of torque. The transmission duties will be handled by an 8-speed ‘Sportsmatic’ automatic gearbox.
