Previews 2019 production SUV.
In New Dehli, Kia unveiled a new concept SUV that it says is indicative of brand’s long term goals in the region. It’s called the SP concept (no idea what it stands for), and on looks alone seems quite encouraging.
With India already being one of the largest automotive markets in the world and set to grow aggressively in the next few years, it’s little wonder why Kia and sister company Hyundai are keen to solidify their influence there.
Despite being labelled as a motor show display vehicle, nothing about the SP strikes as unfeasible. Sure, it’s front end and general proportions might put one in mind of the Range Rover Evoque, but there’s no reason why Kia wouldn’t be able to start production tomorrow, sans some of the more extreme design cues. It’s expected that the finished car will enter the assembly process in mid-2019.
Speaking of which, this is the first time we’ve seen Kia spin their Tiger Nose grille in this manner. It’s a rather elegant combination fascia that necessitates a rounded bonnet and pulls elements even from the Hyundai Kona with its split front illuminators - though here the bottoms are merely fog lamps.
Given that Kia is aiming at India’s SUV-hungry population, young metropolitan types that are stepping up from entry level cars such as their very own Picanto (and the Hyundai i10) and who need a higher degree of practicality and a little more prestige, an offering like the SP could be the perfect fit.
Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, commented, “Over the last few years, SUVs have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers. Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring. It’s still a concept – so it’s a little bit exaggerated – but the actual production car will be very close to what you see here at AutoExpo 2018.”
No specifications or indeed any glimpse of the interior has been forthcoming following the wraps being pulled off, which is a little disappointing. With the selection of possible powertrains, however, there’s little doubt that Kia will waver from its current crop of turbocharged small capacity petrols and diesel engines.
That said, according to Kia’s press release, they describe the cabin as being “sleek” while marrying “an advanced sensual style and dynamic sensibility with a differentiated layout that enhances convenience.” Guess we’re going to have to take their word for it, at least in the near term.
Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director & CEO or Kia Motors India (KMI), said, “Kia Motors is delighted to enter India, which is all set to catapult into the world’s fifth largest economy this year*. We at KMI are thrilled to start operations at such a favorable time, and additional forecasts predict that India will be amongst the world’s largest car markets in a few years.”
“We are here in India to be part of that success story, which has been put into motion by progressive government policies and decision making. And we are here to win trust and hearts of the people, while providing the country with stylish and differentiated motoring options.”
Considering that Kia’s tagline is “The Power to Surprise”, perhaps the SP concept’s mysterious initials are short for “Surprise Power”. Possible?
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