Kia Motors India plans to introduce five new vehicles in India within a strict timeline of 18 months.
Kia Motors India is technically the third automaker from South Korea that will be bringing its products to the nation. Hyundai was the first company from our neighbouring nation to start its sales in India. Ssangyong Motors, owned by Mahindra was the second automaker from South Korea to bring its vehicles to India. Hyundai owns a major share in Kia Motors and the two companies often share parts such as platforms to minimise individual expenditure keeping the final cost of the product in check. Kia Motors India plans to introduce 5 new products in the nation in a short span of just 18 months. Want to know which products are expected to be launched here, read along.
Kia Motors India – SP Concept SUV
The first product to be introduced by Kia Motors India will be the production version of the SP Concept SUV. The concept was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and is expected to carry most of its design cues and technology to the production version. The upcoming SUV borrows its platform from the Hyundai Creta and will command a little premium over the Hyundai’s compact SUV. The production version of the SP Concept is expected to be launched by mid -2019.
Also Read: Kia SP Concept – 5 Facts You Must Know
Kia Motors India – Compact SUV
Next up in the queue is the Kia Motors India’s sub-4 meter compact SUV. Like its elder sibling, this offering will borrow its platform from the upcoming Hyundai Carlino production version. The Hyundai Carlino concept was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and with the overwhelming response it received, Hyundai decided to get it into production. The upcoming sub-4 meter SUVs from Kia and Hyundai will have a lot in common except for the design. The Kia SUV will sport a distinctive design than the Hyundai’s version. Both the compact SUV will also share the new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is good for 118 bp of power. The 1.5-litre, BS-VI compliant diesel engine will also be shared amongst the two. Expect the Hyundai Carlino to be launched first followed by the Kia version.
Also Read: Kia Stinger India Debut Takes Place, Headed to Auto Expo 2018
Kia Motors India – Another SUV?
The third and fourth product to be launched in India is expected to be SUV-flavoured as well. While one of these SUVs will be locally manufactured, the other one will be brought in via CKD route. We expect the Tucson-sized Sportage to be one of the products being considered by Kia and since most of the products available in the segment are imported as CKD kits. Another SUV expected from Kia Motors India is the Santa Fe sized Sorento SUV which is also expected to be brought in as a CKD kit. The final specifications of both these models are not available yet and will be shared as we near the launch.
Kia Motors India – Fifth Product
The fifth and final product planned to be launched within 18 months timeframe could be a sedan as most of the portfolio includes SUVs. However, it is unclear as to which Kia Motors India’s offering would make it ashore.
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Source – Autocar India
