Kia Sportage Expected India Launch, Price & Details
2019 Kia Sportage will take on Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and Tata Harrier.
We all know that Kia Motors is ready to enter our market in the first half of 2019. The Korean carmaker will first enter into the mid-size SUV space with the SP concept based vehicle, followed by other models. Recently, the Korean carmaker released a teaser video featuring Kia Sportage SUV with a message – “Are you ready for Kia?” It hints that the Sportage could be one of the Kia cars that are planned for the Indian market.
The Kia Sportage (global-spec facelift) was recently spotted while being transported over a flatbed truck. The SUV had its India debut at the Auto Expo in February 2018. Compared to its arch rivals – Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson, the 2019 Kia Sportage will have bigger dimensions. Though, it will be smaller than the Tata Harrier. Similar to the global model, the India-spec version might use a new 2.0L diesel with mild hybrid system and a 1.6L diesel engine.
Kia Sportage India Launch
Kia Motors had announced that it will launch one new product in every six months for three years in our market. And the Kia Sportage is likely to be one of them. The latest teaser video further hints at its Indian arrival. Rumour has it that the premium SUV could be the second big launch from the Korean carmaker in the country. It might hit our shores sometime in 2019. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews for its official launch date and details. Read – 5 Interesting Facts About Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage Price In India
The Korean auto major has setup its manufacturing plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The facility has annual production capacity of 300,000 units, which will be expanded by 100,000 units more in the short term. The local production and parts sharing with Hyundai will certain help the carmaker achieve competitive pricing. Read: Kia To Launch Maruti Baleno & Honda City Rivals In India
In India, the 2019 Kia Sportage will face challenge from cars like Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and the upcoming Tata Harrier. With rivals in its sight, the new Kia SUV is estimated to be priced between Rs 16 lakh – Rs 21 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Sportage India Specifications
Official engine details of the 2019 Kia Sportage (India-spec) will be revealed near its launch. Though, it is likely to feature a new 2.0L, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel motor with a mild hybrid system consists of a 48V battery and a new 1.6-litre diesel unit replacing the existing 1.7L engine. Read – Kia Sub-Compact SUV To Challenge Vitara Brezza & Nexon In India
Rumours also suggest that the new Kia SUV might share its powertrains with the Hyundai Tucson – i.e. a 2.2L VTVT petrol and a 2.0L CRDi diesel. The gasoline unit makes 155bhp and the oil burner delivers 185bhp. Transmission choices will include both manual and automatic units. The SUV will also offer three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport.
Kia Sportage India Mileage
It would be quite early to comment on fuel economy of the SUV as its engine details are yet to be confirmed by the carmaker. If engines will be borrowed from the Tucson, it will return mileage around 13kmpl to 18kmpl.
Kia Sportage India Exterior
Visually, the 2019 Kia Sporage (global facelift) will look more premium than the current model. Upfront, the SUV might feature revised bumper with fog lamp pods and a silver skid plate. The 2019 model year might also get dual-tone alloy wheels along with new rear bumper with a chrome strip running along the fog lamps. Read: Kia Stonic Crossover – 5 Interesting Facts
The SUV, though, will continue to use the advanced high-strength steel enhancing its torsional rigidity and safety quotient. With respect to dimensions, the 2019 Kia Sportage will measure 4480mm in length, 1855mm in width and 1645mm in height with a wheelbase of 2640mm.
Kia Sportage India Interior
The Kia Sportage will be one of the most feature-loaded vehicles in its league. The updated model will feature a twin-dial setup with a large MID integrated in the centre, a new instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. Most of the comfort and safety equipment will be carried over from the current model. Read: Kia Grand Carnival MPV – What To Expect?
With a full suite of active safety tech, the Sportage will ensure safe drive. It will get lane departure warning, blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert and forward collision warning along with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Though, there is no clarity whether the India-spec version will have all these features or not.
Related Video – Kia Sportage Review
