Kia SP concept-based SUV spied for the first time

Kia motors’ first model for India, the SP-concept based SUV has been spied for the first time.  The model will see a market introduction sometime in second half of next year.  The pre-production test-mule of this SUV has been spied being road-tested in south India and is interestingly wearing a TN87 test-plate that is registered at Sriperumbudur where sister-brand Hyundai’s plant is located.

A close look at the spy shots reveal that the production-spec SUV from Kia will stick to most of the design cues from the concept shown at Auto Expo 2018. The production spec SUV like the concept features a strong shoulder line with a tapered glasshouse going up towards the rear. Upfront the SUV features Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille and a new slimmer design for the headlamps.  Pair of large fog lamps are placed just below the headlamps – a trend that is now catching up and has been seen on more upcoming SUVs like the Tata Harrier, the upcoming Hyundai QXi compact SUV and the new MG Motor’s SUV.

The production-spec SUV is likely to share its underpinnings, engines, and transmissions with the Hyundai Creta. The new Kia SUV does look a lot like the Hyundai Creta when viewed from the sides however a closer look reveals that the rear door is slightly bigger and there is a decent-sized quarter glass behind the C-pillar which confirms the model will be longer than the Creta. At the back, the SUV has upright tailgate with sloping glass and large horizontal taillamps. Expect subtle bits of chrome on the tailgate and on the grille in the production car. On the inside, the production-spec SUV from Kia is likely to come with widescreen infotainment system, ambient lighting and other premium bits

This new SUV will roll out of a spanking new factory in Andhra Pradesh in which the automaker plans to pump in over a billion dollars (around Rs 6,400 crore).  The company has also begun work on more models for India which will include a compact SUV based on Hyundai’s QXi. This new SUV will see a public debut at the next Auto Expo that will take place in 2020. Additionally, Kia Motors India has been studying the possibility of bringing the Grand Carnival MPV to India. The model is now almost certain to be part of Kia’s India line-up by 2020.

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