Korean automaker, Kia will officially launch its first model in the country in 2019. The new model will be manufactured at the company’s new facility in Yerramanchi village of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. The company has invested $ 1.1 billion in its new production plant and aims to spend a total of $ 2 billion by 2021. The first model to go on sale in India will be based on the Kia SP concept, which was previewed at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. Here are 5 things you wanted to know about the upcoming new Kia SP SUV –
– Hyundai Creta Challenger
The Kia SP concept is based on the Creta platform. The new model is expected to share some of the features and components with the Creta SUV, but it will have different styling and profile. Kia is aiming to position this model as a premium 5-seater SUV and is likely to be priced slightly on higher side. It will rival a wide range of cars including Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, Nissan Kicks and the Jeep Compass.
Kia SP SUV Concept Image Gallery
– Launch During Festive Season 2019
Kia has officially confirmed that the SP based SUV will go on sale in India in the second half of 2019. A possible launch during Diwali can’t be ignored. In fact, testing of the SUV has already been commenced and one such prototype was recently snapped at Kia’s Korean facility.
– Tusker or Trazor?
It is expected that the SP concept based compact SUV will be called the Kia Tusker. The South Korean automaker had conducted an online poll on the microsite where visitors are voting for the final name of the concept. Out of these four options – SP-Z, Trailster, Tusker and Trazor, the Tusker got the maximum votes followed by Trazor.
– Creta’s Engine
The Kia SP based compact SUV will share mechanics with the Hyundai Creta. It is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine producing 126bhp and 259Nm. The petrol version is likely to receive a 1.6-litre unit that is good for 121bhp and 151Nm. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Also See – Kia Grand Carnival – 5 Things To Know
– Expensive than Creta and Captur
Kia Motors will enter into India as a premium manufacturer, which means all its products will come with high-end features and excellent build quality. Expect Kia SP based SUV to get premium features like automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, power tailgate, touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, electrically adjustable seats, etc. This will make it expensive than its direct rivals. We believe that the new model will be priced somewhere between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 17 lakh.
Kia SP Concept Preview
