Kia SP Signature concept previews a near production Kia SP2i [Update]

01/04/2019 - 14:47 | Kia SP, Kia | Yatharth Chauhan

Update: YouTube channel Mautodaily has a new walkaround video giving a closer look at the Kia SP Concept.

28 March 2019 -

Kia Motors Corporation has showcased an evolved version of the Kia SP Concept at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show. The latest show car, which has been dubbed as the Kia SP Signature, previews several design cues of the Kia SP2i.

Kia Sp Signature Images Front Three Quarters — Kia SP Signature concept wears a 19-inch version of the 18-inch machined alloy wheels that were spotted on a test mule recently.

Compared to the SP Concept, the Kia SP Signature features a slightly watered-down shoulder line, pull-type door handles, and a greenhouse that tapers towards the rear. Other highlights of the new model include sleek LED lighting fixtures at the front and back, updated design for the faux exhaust ports, and a host of chrome accents sprinkled across the bodyshell. While the front-end of the new concept mirrors that of the Kia SP Concept in no small extent, it features smaller headlamp pods and an updated bumper.

On the inside, the Kia SP2i will be kitted out with a host of premium features, including a 360-degree camera, head-up display, ambient lighting, WiFi and wireless charging. The engine options for the new model will include 1.5-litre petrol and diesel units. A performance-focussed variant is also said to be in the making, which will be launched at a later stage. It will be powered by a 1.4-litre T-GDI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine. The Kia SP2i is underpinned by a repurposed version of the current-gen Hyundai Creta's platform.

While the Kia SP2i will be tailor-made to suit the needs and aspirations of the Indian audience, it will also be a global model positioned above the Stonic. The new model's architecture will not only underpin the next-gen Hyundai Creta but will be even capable of supporting a seven-seater. Therefore, the SP2i could spawn a three-row version in case the demand persists and the customer feedback is positive.

Kia Sp Signature Images Rear Three Quarters — The Kia SP2i will be underpinned by an updated version of the current-gen Hyundai Creta's platform. The reworked architecture will be capable of supporting a 7-seater version and will be even used for even the next-gen Creta.

The Kia SP2i will launch in the next half of the current year and is expected to go on sale in a price range of INR 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). It will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Harrier.