Following its concept debut at the 2018 Auto Expo, the Kia SP SUV continued to guage a lot of attention and is not all set to enter the Indian markets as the pioneer model for the company in the country.
The SP SUV, which can reportedly be named ‘Trailster’, has been spotted testing numerous times. Sources have now confirmed that the Kia SP will be revealed in India on 20th June 2019, ahead of its market launch later in the year.
The production-spec SP SUV is expected to remain largely similar to the Kia SP Signature concept, which was revealed at the 2019 Seoul motor show. It featured small, fancy-looking ORVMs and 19-inch alloy wheels (the production model will to get 17-inch alloys), but the Kia SP Signature – sporting a number of notable changes over the SP Concept we saw at the 2018 Auto Expo – effectively previewed the Kia SP SUV that will go on sale in India later this year.
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Retaining the bold ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and sharp-looking LED lights that are connected by a light bar atop the grille, the Kia SP is likely to get a contrast roof, slim LED fog lamps, pull-type door handles, a different look for the D-pillar, prominent roof rails, a chunkier chrome bar connecting the mildly reshaped tail-lights and a tweaked design for the faux exhaust garnish and rear diffuser.
The Kia SP’s interiors are expected to be updated and will get a handful of segment-first features as well, which is likely to include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and in-car WiFi. A head-up display, an ambient lighting package and a fully digital instrument cluster (as seen on the concept) will also likely be on offer on the top-spec variant.
As per reports, the Kia SP’s engine options are expected to include a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine. Both the engine options are likely to be BSVI-ready, but could be BSIV-compliant as well at launch.
The Kia SP SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). At that price point, the SP will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur, Tata Harrier, and even the lower variants of the Jeep Compass and the upcoming MG Hector.