Kia SP Signature SUV; Hyundai Creta rival unveiled in near-production form
Kia SP Signature is a near-production version of the SP concept showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.
Kia had showcased the new SP Concept at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. The Korean automaker will launch an all-new SUV based on this concept in India in mid-2019, most probably around July-August. Kia has now revealed a more evolved and near-production version of the SUV, which is called the SP Signature at the Seoul Motor Show.
The Kia SP Signature concept looks largely identical to the SP concept, though it gets some production-ready parts. The SUV gets new door handles, sleeker headlamps and new front and rear bumpers, which looks like production ready. Similar to the one unveiled in India, the Kia SP Signature is wrapped in orange exterior paint. The vehicle gets contrasting black roof and black outside rear view mirrors. In the concept, the daytime running lights were placed on the roof. However, the new SP Signature gets the DRLs on the bumper. Also See – Kia Carnival MPV India Launch & Other Details
The Kia SP Signature also gets newly designed alloy wheels, which looks different from the camouflaged SP2i SUV unveiled in India. The production model will ride on new 17-inch alloy wheels. In terms of styling, the Kia SO SUV gets slim front grille complemented by a new two-tier headlight setup, prominent chrome strip on the tailgate and LED tail-lights. Faux exhaust tips are placed into the contrasting rear bumper, which also features a bash plate-style treatment.
Kia hasn’t revealed the interior of the SP Signature. It is expected that the SP Concept based SUV will receive a large infotainment system with modern-day connectivity features, all-digital instrument console, telematics functions, ventilated seats, multi-functional steering wheel, automatic climate control, etc.
The Kia SP based SUV is likely to be called Tusker or Trazor in India, though official announcement is yet to be made. The SUV will be available with 2 engine options – a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh – Rs 16 lakh. The Kia SP will rival the likes of Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier and others in its category.
