Trial production at the first Kia plant in India,
located in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, commenced today. This also marks the
arrival of the Kia SP2i SUV that is based on the Kia SP Concept. Kia’s Anantapur manufacturing
facility is spread across 536 acres and is capable of an annual production
capacity of up to 3,00,000 units. The first model for this new plant is the
SP2i premium B-SUV that will enter series production in the second half of
2019. In addition to commencing trial production, the company consolidated its
Future Mobility Partnership with the state government today by handing over a
unit of the all-new Kia Soul EV that broke cover in just November last year.
The Kia SP2i is designed with a strong focus on
India but it's made for the world. It’s going to developed markets like South
Korea and the USA as well, as a model positioned above the Kia Stonic. Reports
say that this model sits on an upgraded version of the Hyundai Creta’s
platform. The exterior design won’t substantially differ from the concept.
Kia will offer the SP2i with a slew of premium
features, including 360-degree camera, head-up display, ambient lighting, WiFi
and wireless charging. Engine options will include 1.5-litre petrol and diesel
units, both likely conforming to BSIV norms initially. There’s speak of a
performance variant sporting a 1.4-litre T-GDI turbocharged direct injection
petrol engine as well.
The prices of the Kia SP2i will fall in the INR
10-16 lakh (ex-showroom) range. In addition to the Hyundai Creta and the Nissan
Kicks direct rivals, the competition will include the Mahindra XUV500 and the
Tata Harrier.
