Buoyed by excellent response for Seltos and the Sonet, Kia Motors is now planning to expand its product line-up by introducing new models and electric vehicles in India. The next big launch from Kia will be a new 7-seater utility vehicle based on the Seltos platform. Codenamed Kia KY, the new MPV has been spotted testing again in India.
Kia Motors will follow Hyundai’s strategy of introducing a new 7-seater model on the existing platform. Hyundai had launched the Alcazar 7-seater SUV, which is based on the modified Creta’s platform. Kia will also use the same platform for the new model. The spotted model reveals that the SUV will share the raked A-pillars, window line and the front doors with the Seltos.
The biggest change will be made to the side and rear profile. It has a taller roof for greater headroom for the third row of seats. The new Kia Seltos based 7-seater SUV will have an extended front and rear overhangs with more prominent rear quarter glass area for the third-row.
The SUV is expected to receive a more prominent front fascia with a bolder Tiger Nose grille with mesh pattern, sharper headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, bigger alloys and newly styled tail-gate and LED tail-lights. It will have flatter roof and rear design.
The spotted model has sunroof; however, it is not the panoramic sunroof offered on the Alcazar. The 7-seater model is also likely to share the engine options with the Alcazar, which includes a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol. While the former is good for 115PS of power and 250Nm of torque, the petrol engine produces 159PS and 191Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
The new Kia KY 7-seater UV is most likely to share the interior and features with the Seltos. The SUV could also receive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) with features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and others. Feature list will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a digital instrument console, UVO connected car tech, front and rear parking sensors, 360 degree camera, ESC, hill start assist, VSM, TPMs and many more.
Source – Motoroids
