Hyundai Creta-rivaling Kia SUV for India TEASED; Debut at Auto Expo

At the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, South Korean automaker Kia – which is 33 % owned by Hyundai – will reveal the SP Concept SUV. Ahead of the Expo, the company has just put out a teaser showing the profile and rear of the SUV. The Kia SP Concept is a compact SUV that will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.

It will be launched in India during the second half of 2019. Though Hyundai has significant stake in Kia, the latter will operate independently in India. The SP concept-based SUV will be Kia’s first launch in India, and will be produced at a new factory in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

As the teaser indicates, the Kia SUV based on the SP concept is expected to be a great looker with flowing lines. It’s profile looks similar to the Range Rover Evoque. From the rear, the SUV looks unlike anything seen on Indian roads and this is a good thing as it will give the vehicle a lot of freshness.

While Kia has not announced anything more about the SP Concept, we expect the production version to feature both petrol and diesel engine options. Manual and automatic transmission options are also expected but the SUV is likely to be a front-wheel drive only model for the Indian market.

Expect the new SUV to be filled with the latest features and creature comforts. In terms of safety, airbags and ABS are likely to be standard. As for pricing, Kia may choose to undercut the Hyundai Creta. The new SUV from Kia is expected to start from a little under Rs. 9 lakhs.

Kia will be the third South Korean car company to set shop in India, after Daewoo and Hyundai. Kia is expected to have a nationwide dealer and service network as it is an affordable car brand. More details about this vehicle and Kia’s future plans for the Indian market will be revealed at the 2018 Auto Expo.