Hyundai’s sister brand Kia made its India début at the 2018 Auto Expo, showcasing a range of products ranging from concepts to production models on sale in global markets. One of these models on display was the SP Concept, which previewed a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks. The production SUV (codename SP2i) will be the manufacturer’s first model for India and is set to go on sale this year.
Here is what we know about the upcoming SUV:
1. Kia’s first model for India:
As mentioned above, the SP2i SUV will be the first Kia product to hit the Indian market. Its styling will bear resemblance to the SP concept with bits like Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, dual-headlamps set-up and upright stance. What is interesting is that the platform underpinning the production SP2i is expected to form the basis of the next-gen Creta, with Kia being a sister brand to Hyundai.
2. Locally produced at Kia’s AP plant
While many brands have entered India with CBU products and then begun local assembly or production, the Kia SUV will be locally produced at the company’s new plant in Andhra Pradesh. This will allow Kia to benefit from lower costs of production and allow for aggressive pricing of the SUV. The car-maker also has plans to launch two additional locally-produced models and two CKD models in India by 2021.
Special Arrangement
3. Multiple engines on offer
At the time of launch, the production-spec SP2i will come with a pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Both units will get manual and automatic gearbox options, and are likely to be BS-IV compliant initially. The manufacturer will shift to BS-VI compliant engines closer to the April 2020 deadline.
4. Feature loaded
Kia is expected to offer the production SP2i with a fair bit of tech, including some that will be segment-first or best-in-segment. As per sources, the equipment list is expected to include in-car WiFi, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, electric adjust driver seat, heads-up display and ambient lighting. The SUV is also expected to get a dual-tone cabin with a widescreen infotainment system taking centre-stage on the dashboard — as seen in the SP concept shown at the Auto Expo.
5. Aggressive pricing
Kia is expected to price its first product for the Indian market aggressively, with reports suggesting a price tag in the range of ₹10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). The pricing will put the production SUV in the same segment as the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Captur.
6. World début likely in April
The SP2i isn’t just an India-specific model, and is likely to be sold in other markets like North America and China. The production SUV for global markets is expected to make its global début at the New York motor show later this year, and while it may be similar to the model for India, we can expect some differences. Apart from producing the SUV in India, the manufacturer also has plans to produce the SUV at its existing facility in South Korea for international markets. The Indian facility is expected to cater mainly to the local market, at least initially.
Special Arrangement
7. India launch likely in August
While an exact date is not currently known, the production of Kia SUV is expected to launch sometime in August in India, with the plant already having begun trial production for the SUV earlier in January. As per reports, full-scale production of the SUV is expected to start soon.
8. Sportier derivative
Kia also plans to develop a sportier iteration of the SP2i SUV. This variant will be offered with a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox as standard. The model is expected to get a sportier body kit and interior trim to set it apart from the standard SUV, as well as a retuned suspension for a sportier drive. This model is likely to arrive in 2020.
