Kia to debut made-for-India SUV concept at Auto Expo 2018

Kia has issued teaser images of the SP Concept, a preview of its made-for-India SUV, which will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2018.

The carmaker has said the SP Concept will be "inspired by Indian heritage" and take the company's design language in a "bold and sophisticated direction".

What can be gleaned from the pictures is that the SP Concept – as we'd reported earlier – will be a rival to its cousin, the Hyundai Creta. It will sport all-LED lights front and back, a prominent waistline, sloping roofline, beefy wheel arches and a contrast roof, which seems to be the new 'in' thing.

While details are scarce at the moment, we hear the SP Concept could be based on a new platform that will also underpin the all-new Creta that is due in 2020. As Hyundai plans to offer the second-generation Creta in five- and seven-seat configurations, Kia could opt to do the same.

What is also a possibility is the introduction of a new 1.5-litre, BS-VI-compliant diesel engine, which the SP Concept could share with the new Creta, along with the 1.6-litre petrol, which could be offered with some form of electrification. Gearbox options could include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic, also shared with the Creta.

The Concept SP will be produced at Kia's 536-acre plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and the production car will likely arrive in the second half of 2019.

In addition to the concept, Kia will showcase 16 other models – including the Stinger sports sedan, EVs, and plug-in hybrids – at Hall 7, at the upcoming Auto Expo.