Exclusive: Kia cars showcased to dealers in India; pictures are here

Kia Motors, the subsidiary of Hyundai is setting up base in India and will launch cars in 2019. The Korean manufacturer has identified a location in Andhra Pradesh to set-up the factory too. Kia has also started taking affiliates for the dealerships across India and did a roadshow for the dealerships who have signed up for Kia. We have got exclusive pictures from the event and the cars that were showcased at the event from our reader.

The Indian strategy

Kia showcased various SUVs and cars during the roadshow in Delhi. The range included Niro, Sportage, Optima sedan and more. Kia will initially launch three cars in the Indian market – a compact SUV, a sedan and a hatchback. According to various reports, these are the cars that will come to the Indian market.

Kia Stonic

Kia unveiled the Stonic earlier this year and the compact SUV is expected to make an entry debut with the launch of the brand. The Stonic is based on the i20 platform and measures 4.1 metres. The Stonic is expected to take on the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster in the market. Kia could do alterations to the vehicle to make it under 4 metre to suit the Indian tax regime.

The Stonic is expected to get the 1.4-litre diesel engine and 1.6-litre diesel engine for the Indian market. If Kia decides to alter the vehicle and make it under 4-metre, only the 1.4-litre diesel engine will power the vehicle. Both manual and automatic transmissions are expected.

Kia Sportage

If not Stonic, Kia will bring in the Sportage compact SUV. The compact SUV is already available in the international markets and is one of the oldest models in the world. The mid-size SUV takes on the vehicles like Tucson in the market. The Sportage will be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine in India.

The bold design of the Sportage is likely to catch a lot of eyes in India. The mid-size SUV comes with signature tiger grille, heavily creased bonnet and bold wheel arches. The Sportage is in its fourth generation now and looks very modern, in terms of design.

Rio sedan

Kia recently launched the new generation of the Rio sedan and is available in various international markets. The Rio sedan will be launched in the Ciaz, City, and Verna segment. The car will get similar engine options like the Verna. Unlike the new Verna that only comes with the 1.6-litre engine options, Rio sedan may get the 1.4-litre diesel engine too.

The car will get modern interior equipment like touchscreen infotainment with CarPlay and Android Auto and climate control system. It is also expected to get LED headlamps and other high-end features.

Rio

The Rio is Kia’s one of the most popular and best-selling cars. The latest generation of the Rio was unveiled earlier this year. The Rio comes with new ‘tiger-nose’ grille and swept back headlamps. The premium hatchback will take on vehicles like Baleno and Elite i20 in India when launched. The 5-door hatchback will get similar engine options like the Rio sedan when launched.

Other cars showcased at the event

Sorento (Full-size SUV)

Niro (Mid-size SUV)

Optima (Premium sedan)

Cerato/Forte