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 the second half of next year. 

A close look at the spy shots reveal that the production-spec SUV from Kia will stick with 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. Up front, the SUV features Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille and a new, slim design for the headlamps. A pair of large fog lamps are placed just below the headlamps – a trend that is now becoming more commonplace and has been seen on upcoming SUVs like the Tata Harrier, the upcoming Hyundai QXi compact SUV and the new MG Motor SUV.

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