Korean automaker, Kia has officially announced to introduce an all-new product in the Indian market in early 2022. The new model is reportedly to be an all-new 7-seater MPV, which has already been caught testing in Korea as well as in India. Kia has officially announced that the brand will be focusing on SUVs and MPVs for the Indian market.
The Kia 7-seater MPV could follow the Hyundai’s strategy of introducing a 7-seater Alcazar SUV on the Creta’s platform. Similarly, the 7-seater Kia MPV could use the Creta or Seltos platform. The Alcazar’s wheelbase is around 150mm longer than the Creta. The longer wheelbase should allow Hyundai to create more space inside the cabin to accommodate 3rd row of seats. With all 3 rows in position, the Alcazar offers a boot space of 153-litres. Similarly, the Kia upcoming 7-seater MPV could offer spacious cabin.
Previous reports claim that the Kia 7-seater MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta (in terms of pricing and size). It will be positioned against the Mahindra Marazzo, and the upcoming Toyota-Suzuki C-segment MPV. A new rendering suggests the possible design of the upcoming Kia 7-seater MPV. The MPV’s rendering is based on the spy shots available on the internet.
The render shows striking and bold design of the MPV. It features the signature Tiger nose grille, and split headlamp setup. The upper half of the headlamp has the Sonet-like LED DRLs, while the main LED headlamp cluster is placed below. The front bumper accommodates a wide central air dam with matte satin trip runs above and surrounds the fog lamp housings. The MPV also gets new alloy wheels.
The new Kia MPV is expected to measure around 4.5 meters in length, which is around 190mm longer than the Seltos. The new MPV will be manufactured at the brand’s Anantapur based plant. It is expected that Kia will export this model to select Asian markets including Indonesia. Leaked documents reveal that Kia Motors aims to sell 50,000 units of the new compact MPV in India. Adding to it, the brand will export close to 25,000 units annually.
The new Kia MPV is expected to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel. While the former is good for 113bhp and 145Nm of torque, the oil burner produces 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. The MPV could also share the 159PS, 2.0L petrol engine from the Alcazar SUV.
