MG and Kia Plan Small SUVs for Indian market
Buoyed by excellent response for Hector and Seltos, MG Motors and Kia Motors are now planning to enter into the more affordable sub-4 meter and compact SUV category. The Korean automaker, Kia is reportedly working on a sub-4 meter SUV based on the Hyundai Venue compact SUV. While the platform and engine specs are likely to be shared with the Venue, the design of the upcoming Kia compact SUV will be completely different.
The Kia sub-4 meter SUV is likely to be unveiled at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo in a concept form. It will come with Kia’s signature design with similarities with Seltos SUV. Kia has already confirmed that it will introduce a new product every six months in India. The second Kia car for India will be an MPV, the Carnival. Apart from the new sub-4 meter SUV, Kia is also considering a cross-hatchback based on the Rio.
MG Motors is also planning to launch a compact SUV in the Indian market. The new SUV will be positioned below the Hector and is expected to challenge the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. MG is testing the Baojun 510 SUV, which is likely to be re-engineered for our market. Chinese media reports that an all-new Baojun RS-3 compact SUV is coming soon to replace the Baojun 510.
The new SUV measures 4,300mm in length, 1,750mm in width, 1,625mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,550mm. The new model is slightly longer and wider than the Baojun 510. We believe that India could get the re-badged version of the RS-3. The new Baojun RS-3 is expected to be offered with 2 petrol engines – a 104bhp, 1.5-litre petrol and a 128bhp, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol.
