Kia reveals launch timeline of new MPV

Kia Motors surprised everyone when they decided to launch a Carnival which is an MPV after a huge success of Seltos which was a SUV. However, it worked out pretty well. Everyone loved the Carnival, it is a luxurious, spacious yet very practical MPV. Kia now is working on another MPV for the Indian market that will be priced at a fairly low price whereas the Carnival was priced at a premium as it starts at Rs. 24. 95 lakhs ex-showroom. The new MPV has been codenamed ‘KY’ and it will be launching in early 2022 as confirmed by Kia themselves. It was first expected to launch in 2021 but because of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been postponed.

The new MPV will get a lot of SUV traits so that it does not look like an MPV at a first glance. This is being done so that normal people can also consider it as a potential buy. So, expect it to not look like Ertiga which people know is an MPV. It will look like more of an XL6 which is an Ertiga underneath but is designed very well so that it does not look like an MPV.

So, expect it to have a good ground clearance that can tackle our bad Indian roads easily. It will come with a split headlamp design just like we have seen on many modern vehicles. For instance, Hyundai Venue, Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, MG Hector etc.  It will be using LED units for the Daytime Running Lamp and the headlamp. Both the LED Daytime Running Lamps will be joined by a piano-black strip. From the spy shots, we know that it will have a flat bonnet and an upright tailgate.

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At the side, there are 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels. The wheel arches are circular with plastic cladding that we expect to run throughout the side. It will come with conventional door handles and a relatively long rear overhang that will accommodate the third-row seats. At the rear, there will be LED tail lamps.

It will come with an electric sunroof to lighten up the cabin. There will be ambient lighting which is considered a premium feature. The second-row users will also get curtains to block the sun. It should also come with a wireless charger and an air purifier.

One of the highlights of the KY will be the electronic button to access the third-row seats which will be the first in segment feature. The boot will be decent sized for an MPV when the third-row seats are not folded. There will also be some hidden under floor storage in the boot.

Kia will offer independent air conditioner controls for second-row passengers so that they can adjust the fan speed as per their liking. The touchscreen infotainment system will come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is expected to be paired to Arkamys or Bose sound system. Being a Kia, it will offer UVO connected car technology. Kia is aiming to sell 50,000 units of the MPV every year in India. They also aim to export 26,000 units of the KY annually. However, because of COVID-19, we do not know if they will be able to achieve their aim. Once launched, it will be going against Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova Crysta.

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