As the Kia SP2i's road testing continues ahead of
the planned H2 2019 launch in India and South Korea, fresh spy shots captured
on the brand's home turf have surfaced online. Much like the Hyundai Creta,
it has traditional SUV proportions, but it's much more contemporary and
technical in design. The high positioned bonnet, tall glasshouse, straight
lines and pronounced wheel arches lend the much-needed assertiveness, while the
thin LED lamps at the front and rear, the sharp lines pressed into the
bodywork, and precise metallic details reflect its high level of
sophistication.
The SP2i will set the stone for the Kia brand in the
Indian market, and being such a crucial product, it will come packed with all
the goodies customers here expect in a premium B-SUV and even more. Its key
features may include LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers,
electronic sunroof, a head-up display, 360-degree camera and WiFi hotspot.
Kia will sell the SP2i in India with a 1.5-litre
naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines
and manual and torque converter automatic transmissions. Later, it will launch
a performance variant sporting a 140 PS 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine
paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and featuring paddle
shifters.
Trial production of the Kia SP2i is already underway
at the Anantapur plant (Andhra Pradesh). Series production will start in July
in August, followed by a market launch soon. Prices should start at around INR
10 lakh (ex-showroom).
