Autocar India reports that Kia Motors is working on
a sub-4-metre SUV that will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2020. The new model
will become the South Korean manufacturer's second offering in India and will
lock horns with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza.
The latest development is in line with an earlier
report, which stated that the second Kia model for India could follow in the
first quarter of 2020. Currently, Kia Motors India is in the process of setting
up its production facility at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The company is
reportedly 60 days ahead of schedule and would commence trial production in
early-2019.
The sub-4-metre SUV from Kia Motors will be its
smallest offering worldwide and could be sold internationally. The Kia compact
SUV will share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Styx (QXi), which will launch
around March 2019. Reportedly, in spite of the platform sharing, the new model
from Kia will not mimic the aesthetics of Maruti Vitara Brezza-slayer from
Hyundai. Its interior is likely to feature a higher equipment level along with
a better quality of materials.
The Kia Compact SUV will share its engine options
with the Hyundai Styx (QXi). Hence, you can safely expect the new model to
offer both petrol and diesel variants. The former will be powered by a
1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine with 118.31 hp of maximum power,
whereas the latter will be propelled by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel
engine with a maximum output of 115 hp.
While the Styx is expected to receive a
BS6-compliant version of the Grand i10 and Elite i20's 1.2-litre Kappa petrol
engine in the interest of a competitive base price, Kia Motors India might
choose against engaging in pricing wars with the competition and instead
project itself as a premium offering. Furthermore, the Kia compact SUV will
reportedly receive a re-tuned suspension.
