Kia India will launch an all-new 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle in the Indian market in the early next year. Previous reports suggest that the production version could be unveiled in January 2022. Codenamed KY, the new 7-seater MPV will sit alongside the Seltos SUV in terms of pricing. The new Kia KY MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta, in terms of pricing and size.
The Kia KY 7-seater MPV is likely to be based on the modified version of Creta or Seltos platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Alcazar. The Alcazar’s wheelbase is around 150mm longer than the Creta, which allows Hyundai to create more space inside the cabin for 3rd row seats. Kia could follow the same strategy with the new KY 7-seater MPV.
The Kia KY MPV is expected to measure around 4.5 meters in length, which is in-line with the Mahindra Marazzo. The MPV will rival the higher-end variants of the Maruti Ertiga, XL6 and the entry-level variants of the Toyota Innova Crysta. The MPV will also rival the Mahindra Marazzo and the upcoming Toyota-Suzuki C-segment MPV.
It is reported that the Kia KY 7-seater MPV could be the first vehicle in its segment to offer access to third row via an electronic button. The MPV is likely to be offered in both 6-and 7-seat options. The MPV is likely to share the design and features with the Hyundai Stargazer 7-seater MPV, which is scheduled to be introduced in Indonesia in 2022.
The 7-seater MPV has already been caught testing in Korea. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the new MPV’s headlamp set-up is inspired by the Kia Sonet, featuring a wraparound headlamps with LED DRLs on top. The MPV will feature a wide ‘Tiger Nose’ grille along with wide air-dams, and chrome highlights, large rear doors and shark fin antenna. The MPV will come with a factory-fitted sunroof and 16-inch alloys. The MPV will also be launched in Indonesia, where it will rival the Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio.
The new Kia KY MPV is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel with 6MT & 6AT, and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol with 6MT & 6AT. While the former is good for 113bhp and 250Nm of torque, the NA petrol engine produces 113bhp and 244Nm of torque.
