Kia has released the first teasers of the SP2i, the premium B-SUV with which it will enter the Indian market. The production model has been derived from the SP Signature concept, which is an evolution of the SP Concept.
The design sketches reveal striking similarities with the earlier showcased SP Signature concept. At the front, the SP2i features Kia's signature Tiger Nose radiator grille, sharp LED headlamps with a 3D light graphic and a diamond pattern at their trailing edges, vertically stacked compact LED fog lamps, an aggressive bumper and a skid plate. At the rear, sleek LED tail lamps, a chunky bumper with a metallic muffler effect and a skid plate.
Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, comments: “We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new small SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match.”
Based on an upgraded version of the Hyundai Creta's platform, the Kia SP2i is a model bigger and much more rugged than the Kia Stonic. Its platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater, and so, a three-row version could follow at a later stage if the market demands. Engine options at launch will include a 1.5L N/A petrol unit and a 1.5L turbocharged diesel unit. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic initially. At a later stage, a performance variant sporting a 140 PS 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine married to a 7-speed DCT will be launched.
On the inside, expect the SUV to have a very sophisticated design and high-quality materials. Key features will likely include an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, a fully-digital instrument cluster, WiFi hotspot, wireless charging and much more.
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Expect the Kia SP2i to be launched in India this July, with prices falling in the range of INR 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks. Earlier this month, it was reported that it will be revealed on 20 June.
