Autocar India reports that Kia Motors is working on a sub-4-metre SUV that will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2020. The new model will become the South Korean manufacturer's second offering in India and will lock horns with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza.
The latest development is in line with an earlier report, which stated that the second Kia model for India could follow in the first quarter of 2020. Currently, Kia Motors India is in the process of setting up its production facility at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The company is reportedly 60 days ahead of schedule and would commence trial production in early-2019.
The sub-4-metre SUV from Kia Motors will be its smallest offering worldwide and could be sold internationally. The Kia compact SUV will share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Styx (QXi), which will launch around March 2019. Reportedly, in spite of the platform sharing, the new model from Kia will not mimic the aesthetics of Maruti Vitara Brezza-slayer from Hyundai. Its interior is likely to feature a higher equipment level along with a better quality of materials.
The Kia Compact SUV will share its engine options with the Hyundai Styx (QXi). Hence, you can safely expect the new model to offer both petrol and diesel variants. The former will be powered by a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine with 118.31 hp of maximum power, whereas the latter will be propelled by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a maximum output of 115 hp.
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While the Styx is expected to receive a BS6-compliant version of the Grand i10 and Elite i20's 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine in the interest of a competitive base price, Kia Motors India might choose against engaging in pricing wars with the competition and instead project itself as a premium offering. Furthermore, the Kia compact SUV will reportedly receive a re-tuned suspension.
Source - autocarindia.com
