Hyundai Creta-based KIA SP SUV launch pushed back: New spyshots show lines of production version!

Korean auto manufacturer is all set to launch its debut vehicle in India but it now seems that the launch event will happen at a later date than what was originally scheduled. Meanwhile, a new round of spy shots of the SP SUV has emerged which show the near production ready model. The spy shots were clicked in Mumbai and give a good idea of how the final product might look like. To be called the Trailster or Tusker, the compact SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Nissan Kicks among others upon its launch. Speaking of launch, it will now happen around September.

Showcased at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo, the new compact SUV will be based on the SP concept but and will be the first vehicle from Kia in India. The car seen in the spy shots seems to be the top end variant going by their large machine-cut, multi-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. Dimensionally, it will be larger than the Hyundai Creta and will also have a longer wheelbase but smaller than larger SUVs like the Tata Harrier. Going by these spy shots, the Kia compact SUV looks quite beefy and has a good street presence even when under camouflage.

The design traits of the Kia compact SUV are also revealed by these spy shots, though they were already in public knowledge. This includes the swapped headlights and DRLs positioning, clamshell bonnet, LED tail lamps along with a shark fin antenna. The rear will also feature a thick chrome strip running between both the tail lamps. Overall, the design of the upcoming Kia compact is quite exciting and has a premium feel to it.

The interiors of the upcoming Kia compact SUV will also be quite premium. As already mentioned, the wheelbase of the Kia compact SUV will be larger than the Hyundai Creta and therefore it can be expected that it will have more space and comfort on the inside. The car will also come loaded with features to take on the competition. This includes a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, one-touch power windows, and rear bench with three adjustable headrests. Kia is also not falling short on the safety aspect and the car will feature disc brakes on all four wheels, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard.

Talking about the engine, it is likely to be powered by a 1.4L turbo petrol engine producing 140 Bhp. A 1.5L petrol and diesel engine are also expected. Kia will also bring a sportier version of the SP SUV in 2020. An all-wheel-drive variant, however, is unlikely to be launched. With the launching to be done around September, the Kia SUV is likely to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh range.

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