In May, IAB reported that in the
official online poll to decide the market name of the Kia SP Concept, the 'Kia
Trazor' garnered more votes than the 'Kia Tusker'. However, towards the closing
time of the poll last month, the popularity of the latter has surged.
Designed mainly for emerging markets,
the Kia SP Concept will spearhead Kia Motors' entry into the Indian market. The
concept debuted at Auto Expo 2018, where the South Korean automaker showcased
its wares publicly in the country for the first time. It will evolve into a
model that competes with the Hyundai's Creta as well as the Nissan Kicks set to
arrive early next year.
The Kia SP Concept could ride on an
updated version of the Hyundai Creta's platform. The media speculation is that
both models could share engines and technology. However, a possibility is that
instead of the old 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, Kia's first SUV
in India could come with the 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine that
will power the Hyundai Carlino. Kia will offer it in a 5-seat version only
initially but will consider a 7-seat version based on the market response.
The Kia Tusker's production in India
will take place at the company's brand new plant located in Anantapur, Andhra
Pradesh. Kia has confirmed that its launch will ensue in the second half of
2019. At the 2018 Busan Motor Show last month, the company announced that it
would sell the new SUV in South Korea as well.
