5 Upcoming Kia Cars And SUVs For India Detailed

Kia has had tremendous sales success in the Indian market. This should be credited to their careful market analysis and product planning. Despite having a slow start in 2024, the Korean manufacturer is currently working on expanding its domestic portfolio further and has several launches in the pipeline. Here are five upcoming Kia cars and SUVs for India:

Kia EV9

Kia is expected to launch two products on October 3rd, one of which would be the flagship electric vehicle- EV9. It will also be Kia India’s second EV. The EV9, particularly in its GT-line AWD variant, will have a commanding presence and a feature-packed cabin. The exterior cues will include sportier bumpers, 21-inch GT-line wheels, and multiple GT-line badges, giving it a distinctive and aggressive look.

Inside, Kia EV9 will offer a blend of luxury and modern technology. It is expected to come with all-electric seats with a lounge function for the second row, multi-zone climate control, auto parking, connected car technology, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS. The cabin will reflect the vehicle’s overall focus on sustainability.

The GT-line AWD variant will likely be equipped with a 100kWh battery pack and feature dual motors, generating an impressive 379 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. This setup will provide a claimed range of 445 km. The vehicle will be capable of accelerating from 0-100 kmph in just 5.3 seconds, and will have a top speed of 200 kmph.

Being the manufacturer’s flagship, and considering all the luxury and tech onboard, we expect the Kia EV9 to be priced between Rs. 1-1.2 crore. It will be imported as CBUs, like the current EV6.

Launch Timeline: October 3, 2024

The New Kia Carnival

This will be the second launch of October 3rd. The new generation Carnival (KA4) will have major changes over the previous vehicle sold here. The new Carnival will be available as CKD units, and will thus have a fair pricing. The design sees a sharp departure from that of the previous generation. The Carniva, now looks more SUV-ish with a new front grille, L-shaped DRLs, vertically stacked LED headlights, and redesigned front and rear bumpers. It will also have connected LED taillights at the rear.

The interior will see major restyling. It will have a more upmarket look to it and involve the use of premium trims and panels. The vehicle could offer multiple seating options as well. Expected features are dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless smartphone connectivity, a wireless charger, a head-up display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, and level 2 ADAS.

On the mechanical front, the new MPV gets a new platform (N3). However, the engine will likely remain the same. The improved version of the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine will be able to produce 200 bhp and 440 Nm. Kia could price the new Carnival around 40 lakh. Bookings are already underway.

Launch Timeline: October 3, 2024

Carens Facelift

Kia launched the Carens MPV in India in 2022. A facelift for the Seltos-based MPV is expected soon, as test mules were recently spotted testing in Manali. While the overall silhouette of the vehicle will see minimal changes, the front and rear panels will be redesigned. Notable updates are expected on the connected LED tail lamps and alloy wheels as well.

The interior layout will largely remain the same. However, the facelift will have a new set of screens for the infotainment and instrumentation, along with wireless smartphone connectivity. Other new features could also be introduced, more details of which are not available at the moment.

No mechanical changes are expected in the updated Carens. It will likely continue with the same engine options as the outgoing model- the 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Transmission choices will likely include 6MT, 6iMT, 6AT, and 7DCT gearboxes. With the launch of the facelift, prices are expected to rise.

Launch Timeline: 2025

Carens EV

Hyundai is readying the Creta EV, and Kia could soon bring an electric vehicle based on the Carens. Test mules of this were recently spotted on tests, confirming the previous speculations. Expected to launch in the first half of 2025, the Carens EV will have a new design up front and at the rear. EV-spec design improvements are to be expected. A new lighting signature could also debut.

On the mechanical front, the Carens EV will share its platform with the all-electric Creta. It will have a heavily reworked suspension setup. Spy pictures have confirmed the same. This could be to accommodate the additional weight of the electric powertrain. It could likely share the powertrain with the Hyundai EV as well. It is still very early to know any of its details. It could come with a 45 kWh or larger battery pack.

Upon launch, the Carens EV will compete with the upcoming BYD eMAX7 MPV in India, and likely have comparable prices. Also, there is a possibility that Kia could launch the EV before the facelifted Carens ICE.

Launch Timeline: H1, 2025

Kia Syros (Clavis)

Kia is reportedly working on developing a sub-4m SUV that will sit between the Sonet and Seltos. The manufacturer recently trademarked the name ‘Syros’ in India, and could use the same on the new model. It will be more premium than the Sonet and there are speculations that it could be the India-specific version of the Kia Clavis.

Spy shots suggest that the production model will offer more features and have a better cabin design than the outgoing Sonet. Clear clues on the actual design are unavailable at the moment. However, the Syros/ Clavis is expected to come with features like a dual-tone flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated controls, a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, Bose audio, selectable drive modes, leatherette seats, and ADAS.

It will borrow its engine- gearbox combinations from the Sonet. It will thus be available with 1.2-litre NA petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel engines. 7DCT, 6MT, 6iMT and 6AT gearboxes are to be expected. Though unconfirmed, rumour has it that Kia could consider introducing a Syros-based EV in the future.

Launch Timeline: 2025