Kia, the South Korean automaker, is quietly preparing to expand its presence in the Indian market. While there has been no formal announcement from the manufacturer, the brand has already begun testing its upcoming models. From what is known so far, the brand is set to launch a hybrid SUV, an MPV, and an electric SUV in the country. This comes at a time when the manufacturer has already established itself in the mid-size SUV segment with the Seltos. In this article, we take a brief look at these upcoming models.
The Kia Sorento is a seven-seater premium hybrid SUV already on sale in the international market. The SUV has been spied by NDTV Automate testing on Indian roads. It brings a boxy design to the table with an upright stance and a face following the signature design language of the brand. All of it with a length of 4.8 meters. If reports are to be trusted the SUV will be offered with a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid petrol engine. In the global market, this setup offers 288 hp of power in the PHEV version. Transmission options include a six-speed automatic and an 8-speed DCT with AWD powertrain.
Kia Sorento (NDTV Automate Exclusive Spy Shot)
Kia Carnival
Along with the Sorento, Kia is likely to launch an updated version of the Carnival MPV. It will likely be a CBU with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is assisted by an electric motor, both mounted on the front axle. The petrol engine generates 178 hp and 265 Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces 74 hp and 304 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels.
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NDTV Automate also reported the exclusive pictures of Kia Syros EV test mule. The electric SUV was spied testing on Indian roads. The electric SUV is expected to have the same design as its ICE counterpart with EV-specific modifications. It is likely to use the battery packs from the Hyundai Inster, which come in 42 kWh and 49 kWh options. In the case of Hyundai, these batteries are claimed to provide driving ranges of 300 km and 355 km, respectively. However, the current Clavis EV offers battery variants of 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh. This setup is comparable to what Hyundai presents with the Creta Electric, allowing for ranges of 420 km and 510 km, respectively.