Kia India recently revealed its big plans for the Indian market. The South Korean carmaker announced it will launch the updated Seltos and Sonet SUVs with the brand’s new logo in the first week of May. Both models will receive a few feature upgrades along with addition of new variants. The company aims to expand its sales network up to 360 touchpoints by the end of this year. The plan outlines to cover a total of 218 Indian cities including expansion into Tier III and IV cities. The carmaker will ramp up production at its Anantapur based facility in Andhra Pradesh with a new shift.
Besides this, Kia India confirmed its entry into a new segment in early next year. While the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed product details, a fresh media report claims that it could be a new 7-seater SUV. The new Kia 7-seater SUV will be put up against the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and the upcoming Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Alcazar.
While there is no official confirmation, rumours suggest that the new Kia 7-seater SUV could be based on the Seltos. If it happens, the model will have significantly longer wheelbase and offer more cabin space with three-row seating configuration. It might be come with 6 and 7-seats layout options. Some of its design elements and features are likely to be carried forward from the Kia Seltos.
It would be quite early to comment on its powertrains. Though, the new Kia three-row SUV might share its engines with the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar. The latter will be offered with the 2.0L, 4-cylinder (152bhp/192Nm) petrol and 1.5L turbo (115bhp/250Nm) diesel engine options. Transmissions could also be borrowed from its cousin – i.e. 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
More details on the upcoming new Kia model are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
