Kia Telluride – Fortuner Challenger – Might Come To India
Kia Motors has aggressive plans for the Indian market. The Korean carmaker plans to produce 5 models locally at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. While the Seltos is already on sale here and is doing well for the brand, the Carnival MPV will come next. And then may come three premium offerings from the brand – Sorento, Stinger sports car and Telluride. These models will fall in the price range of Rs 10 lakh – Rs 50 lakh.
As per a report published in ET, Kia is conducting feasibility study for the abovementioned products that will be imported as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units in the next 3 years in the country.
Coming to the products, the Kia Telluride is a 7-seater luxury SUV that will be put up against the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Powering the vehicle (global-spec) is a 3.8L V6 direct injection petrol engine that’s paired to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The gasoline motor pushes out a peak power of 290bhp and 355Nm of torque.
The Telluride comes with AWD (all-wheel-drive) system and multiple drive modes. It measures 5000mm in length, 1990mm in width and 1750mm in height with a wheelbase of 2900mm. That means, it’s longer and wider than both of its arch rivals – Fortuner (4795mm (L) X 1855mm (W)) and Endeavour (4903mm (L) X 1869mm (W)).
In fact, the wheelbase of the Kia Telluride is 155mm and 50mm longer than the Fortuner (2745mm) and Endeavour (2850mm) respectively. With longer wheelbase, the new 7-seater SUV from Kia will ensure more cabin space than its rivals.
Talking about the Kia Sorento, the mid-size SUV will take head-to-head against the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Hyundai Tucson. The Kia Stinger is the brand’s fastest sports car that comes with three powertrain options. The Korean carmaker is also considering the Kia Soul or Niro EV for the Indian market.
