Kia to launch Maruti Brezza challenger in India: Details

South Korean carmaker Kia will be entering India in 2019 with an all-new SUV based on the SP Concept unveiled at Auto Expo earlier this year. Now a new report states that the second new model from Kia for India is a sub-4-metre SUV to rival the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Hyundai’s upcoming compact SUV, that will be unveiled at Auto Expo 2020, ahead of its launch later that year.

The report claims that Kia’s new compact offering will be the smallest SUV that the carmaker has ever made. The new compact SUV will be part of Kia’s 5-pronged launch into India which could also see models like the massive Toyota Innova Crysta rivalling Grand Carnival MPV (which can seat up to 11 people in one configuration) hit Indian roads.

Autocar India claims that the new Kia sub-4-metre compact SUV will come loaded with features and offer its own distinctive styling and offer premium interiors and a long list of features including a touchscreen infotainment system.

The new Kia compact SUV will be underpinned by the same platform that will be seen with the upcoming Carlino Concept-based compact SUV that could bear the name Styx. However, unlike the Styx, Kia’s SUV is expected to be priced at a premium compared to its rivals in a segment currently dominated by the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

The new concept SUV is also expected to share powertrain options with the upcoming Hyundai Styx. So expect, Hyundai’s new-for-India 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to find its way under the hood of the offering from Kia. The diesel motor on Hyundai’s upcoming Maruti Brezza rival is expected to be the 1.4-litre unit from the i20. Both engines will be compliant with BS-VI emission norms which also go into effect in 2020. However, both the engines are expected to be in a different state of tune under the bonnet of the upcoming Kia compact SUV.

The Kia SUV is also expected to offer a sportier suspension setup compared to Hyundai’s offering. There are no details available on transmission options but if the new Kia SUV shares its mechanical parts with Hyundai’s upcoming Maruti Brezza rival then, then it could end up with an AMT gearbox as its automatic offering as the Styx is expected to be offered with the same transmission option.

Kia, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor group has big plans for India and will be launching 5 new cars in India in an 18 month time period. Kia is already setting up its production facility in Andhra Pradesh which when fully operational will produce 3 lakh cars per annum. In addition to the two SUVs, Kia is also planning on introducing a hatchback and a mid-size sedan in India. The large Grand Carnival MPV is also another model being considered for an Indian debut.