Kia Motors’ upcoming new car for India will be an MPV that will be positioned under the Toyota Innova, as the carmaker looks to expand its product portfolio in the country.
At present, the firm has 1 MPV on sale in India in the form of the Carnival, which is finding a few hundred takers every month.
To get launched in early 2022, the all-new MPV from the Korean carmaker will make use of the platform underpinning the Seltos midsize SUV.
It will cost more than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and will have similar dimensions to the Mahindra Marazzo, thus, measuring just under 4600 mm in length and having a wheelbase under 2800 mm.
This should give the car an edge over the Maruti MPV, space for 7 occupants and provide leverage for Kia to position it as a more premium product that comes generously equipped, like its SUVs.
When it comes to the looks, the MPV will feature some of the brand’s latest design elements such as the “Tiger Nose” radiator grille. It is expected to be a sharp-looking thing, with a fresh design throughout.
Two engine options, a 1.5-litre petrol and a similarly sized diesel unit, will be available on offer with the upcoming Kia MPV, while, like the engines, the transmission options too will be borrowed from the Seltos.
While Hyundai is working on a 7-seater version of the Creta, it only makes sense that Kia would not take the same route as too many similar products might end up working against their plans.
Expect the upcoming Kia MPV to be priced between Rs. 10 and Rs. 15 lakhs (ex-showroom) when it gets launched in 2 years’ time.
Upcoming Kia MPV
- Kia Motors is working on an all-new midsize MPV
- It will make use of the Seltos SUV’s platform
- Will be kitted out with features and get launched in 2022
Source – AutocarIndia.com