The Kia Sportage and Soul have been spied in India, with local number plates.
The Kia Sportage SUV and Soul crossover have been snapped undisguised in India. Kia’s cars have been previously spotted in India but in those cases they were being transported to adjacent countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. However, this time, the two cars are wearing domestic (West Bengal) number plates, suggesting that the South Korean automaker has started testing the vehicles in the country.
Hyundai’s sister-brand will enter the Indian market after it decides where to build a manufacturing plant for its cars. The company was earlier reported to be in talks with governments from various states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, where Hyundai has its own plant, to open a facility. Considering the location is yet to be determined, we do think it’s too early for Kia to start testing their cars.
Nevertheless, both the Sportage and Soul will most likely be part of Kia’s portfolio once it launches in India. The Sportage will go up against the Tucson and Honda CR-V, while the Soul could be a candidate for the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport territory.
Kia Cars India
– Both cars feature local number plates, suggesting they are test units
– Kia will enter India after it decides where to open its facility
– Sportage will go up against Tucson, while Soul can be lined up as a Brezza rival
Source – AutocarIndia.com
