Here is a new speculative rendering of the Kia
Tusker SUV, presented by Koo Ki Sung studio. The Kia Tusker will be the
production version of the Kia SP Concept that made its global debut at the Auto
Expo 2018.
As visualised by the artist, the production-spec Kia
SP looks like a slightly toned-down version of the rather radically styled SP
Concept. It retains many of the design elements, including sleek LED headlamps,
a wide grille and the auxiliary lamps. It features blacked-out A-pillars and a
front bumper that's very similar to the one on the concept model. The design of
the Kia Tusker you see above is in line with Kia's statement that the
production-spec SUV "will be very close" to its concept.
The Tusker SUV will be Kia's first product for the
Indian market. It will launch here in the second half of 2019. Underpinning the
upcoming Kia SUV in India will be an updated version of the Hyundai Creta's
platform. However, powering the SUV will be a set of new-age petrol and diesel
engines. These engines will be BS6-compliant and are reported to offer
impressive refinement and fuel efficiency. The diesel engine will reportedly
produce 115 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The petrol engine will displace 1.5-litre
and will be used in a hybrid drivetrain in the future.
In India, the Kia Tusker will be produced at the
company's brand new manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Kia
has already made it very clear that it won't be indulging in pricing wars with
Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Hence, you can safely expect the Kia
SP Concept-based SUV to be slightly pricier than the Hyundai Creta.
