Kia SP SUV’s trial production to start this month

South Korean car manufacturer Kia is all set to launch its first product – the SP Concept based mid-size SUV in India. Trial production of this SUV will commence from this month. Kia confirmed in an event held in Puducherry that it has plans to Introduce new cars every six months after the launch of their first product. Production version of the SP Concept is likely to hit Indian market in the second half of 2019.

The Kia SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the recently launched Tata Harrier. In terms of pricing, it’s expected to command a premium over the Hyundai Creta. The Kia SP code-named SUV is likely to offer more features than the Creta. However, it will share the platform with the Creta, and a lot of parts are also expected to be shared in order to keep costs low.

Kia’s SUV is based on a concept car that was showcased at 2018 Indian Auto Expo. It is based on a modern platform that we will see on next-generation Hyundai Creta. Kia has confirmed that the upcoming SUV will be equipped with power packed performance and world class quality. 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 is also expected. Kia will also bring a sportier version of the SP SUV in 2020. An all wheel drive variant is unlikely to be launched.

The SUV has been caught testing several times under heavy camouflage on Indian roads. The Production version of the Kia SUV looks similar to the concept showcased at the Auto Expo. It has a sharp looking LED DRL above the headlamps just like the one seen on Tata Harrier, a large front grille and the tail lights are also likely to remain same as that of SP Concept SUV.

Kia is Hyundai’s premium brand and the upcoming mid-size SUV is likely to be placed slightly above Hyundai Creta. Kia will be manufacturing their new SUV from a newly set up plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur. The plant is spread across 536 acres of land and is capable of manufacturing three lakh vehicles annually. A local manufacturing plant will also help Kia in pricing the SP SUV competitively.

Apart from India, Kia Motors has manufacturing plants located in South Korea, Slovakia, China, USA and Mexico. Kia also has plans to be ranked among the top five automobile manufacturers in country in three years. When launched the Kia SP SUV will directly compete with cars like Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Creta.