Kia Motors is testing multiple new cars on the Indian roads. The company has officially teased its upcoming Project X, which is basically the Seltos X Line. Adding to it, the company has officially announced to enter into the 7-seater utility vehicle segment. It is expected that Kia will launch at least 3 new cars in the Indian market in the next 1 year.
Kia Seltos X-Line
For people not in the know, Kia had showcased the Seltos X-Line concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company has officially announced to launch the X-Line in our market in the month of September 2021, ahead of Diwali. The new model will come with cosmetic design changes to set itself apart from the standard model. Except the SUV to get new matte grey paint scheme, blacked-out treatment, chrome appliqué, side skirts, new bumper and fog lamp housing. The vehicle is likely to get a dark chrome bar between the tail-lights, new bumper, a prominent faux skid plate and new alloys.
The production version of the X-Line Seltos is likely to be offered with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is good for 138bhp and 250Nm of torque. It is likely to get a 7-speed DCT. The diesel version will get the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Kia KY 7-Seater MPV
Kia Motors will launch an all-new compact MPV, codenamed Kia KY in our market in the first half of 2022. It is reported that the production of the car could commence in the end of this year or early next year. The new MPV is rumoured to be unveiled in January 2022. In terms of pricing, the new Kia KY MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Cyrsta.
The upcoming all-new Kia MPV will be based on the Seltos platform, which also underpins the new-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is compatible enough to accommodate different body sizes including a 7-seater SUV and the MPV. It is likely to measure around 4.5 meters in length, and will share the features with the Seltos SUV. The new MPV is expected to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. While the former is good for 113bhp of power and 144Nm of torque, the oil burner produces 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Kia Sonet 7-Seater
Kia Motors is also testing a 7-seater version of the Sonet SUV in India. For people not in the know, Kia is selling the 7-seater Sonet in Indonesia. It is reported that the SUV could be launched in our market in early next year. For people not in the know, the Indonesian-spec Sonet (both 5 and 7-seater) is being manufactured and exported from Kia’s Anantapur based plant in Andhra Pradesh, India.
The Indonesian-spec 7-seater Kia Sonet measures 4120mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1615mm in height. In fact, the wheelbase remains unchanged – i.e. 2500mm. Similar to the Indonesian-spec model, the 7-seater Kia Sonet could come with 2+3+2 seating configuration with split folding for the middle row and a one-touch tumble mechanism for the third row. The second row can be slide forward or backward for adjusting legroom for the middle row and third row occupants. The 7-seater Sonet could be powered by a 113bhp, 1.5-litre petrol and a 113bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The company could also use the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to power the SUV. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer.
