Instagram user has posted spy shots of a Kia SP2i test mule from a parking lot in South Korea. Earlier this week, Manohar Bhat, Head of Marketing & Sales, Kia Motors India, had said that the prices of this premium B-SUV will fall in the range of INR 9-15 lakh.
The Kia SP2i, the production version of the Kia SP Concept that debuted at Auto Expo 2018, is scheduled to hit the Indian market in the second half of this year. At the same time, it will go on sale in the brand’s home market as well. In India, the production will take place at the new manufacturing facility in Anantapur. In South Korea, local reports say that production will take place in Gwanju. The new B-SUV is planned for the USA as well, but not for the European markets.
The Kia SP2i sits on an upgraded version of the Hyundai Creta’s platform. This platform is capable of spawning a seven-seater. Kia will examine the potential for a three-row version depending on the success of the first launch.
Kia will offer the SP2i in India with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. It may choose to bring them in BSIV-compliant form initially, and upgrade them to meet BSVI emission norms in early 2020. Interestingly, there’s speak of a performance variant sporting a 1.4L T-GDI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine as well. This variant, if confirmed, should arrive at a later stage, though.
Also Read: Kia India to launch a Maruti Baleno-rivalling cross-hatch
A few months after the SP2i, Kia will launch the Carnival minivan in India. This model will likely get assembled from imported knocked-down kits. Kia Motors India has not confirmed the introduction of the Carnival.
[Image Source: instagram.com]
[News Source: auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com]
