Following its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2018, Kia is set to showcase its Hyundai Tucson rival, the Sportage SUV, to members of the public at the 2018 Autocar Performance Show in Mumbai.
Based on the same platform as the Tucson, the Sportage recently underwent a facelift in international markets with minor styling changes and the introduction of a new 1.6-litre diesel engine under the hood.
Compared to the Tucson, the Sportage is marginally longer (by 10mm at 4,485mm) and wider (by 5mm at 1,855mm) despite both models sharing an identical wheelbase – although the Tucson is about 15mm taller at 1,660mm.
Kia is currently evaluating the launch of the SUV in India as a locally assembled model to keep prices in check. The SUV will likely share more than a few parts with the Hyundai Tucson; the latter’s engines are also likely to be the mainstay for Kia’s premium SUV. However, with Kia being a more premium arm of Hyundai, the Sportage could be offered as a better kitted-out package than the Tucson.
When launched, the Sportage will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass and the VW Tiguan in addition to the Hyundai Tucson.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
