Kia & Hyundai will roll out cars all guns blazing even when the BS6 emission norms kick in, and both brands will have diesel powered cars on sale while other brands are still contemplating if they should launch cars with an oil burner under the hood. Kia is reported to be working on a new compact-SUV codenamed as the QYI which will rival the likes of Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300. Kia might showcase the QYI concept at the 2020 Auto Expo, and the car is expected to be launched in late 2020 or early 2021.
The QYI compact-SUV will be riding on the chassis shared with the Hyundai Venue and also make use of the same engines. Similar to the strategy with the Kia Seltos, the QYI compact-SUV will also have multiple engine and gearbox combinations, including automatics. The 1.0L turbo-petrol motor will be used along with 1.5L diesel engine option for sure. It remains to be seen which other naturally aspirated petrol motor is used for the Kia QYI.
The Kia QYI will have connected tech via UVO and will have features such as LED headlamp, LED tail lamp, snazzy alloy wheels, leather upholstery, touchscreen infotainment, sunroof, wireless charging, coloured MID, multiple airbags, traction control, ABS, etc. The QYI will also get dual tone exterior body colour options to meet the demand of the current car buyer.
The QYI just like other compact-SUVs will be a sub-4 metre car in length. Expect a typical boxy SUV design, while the brand is also considering the Sportage SUV for India which is more crossover like and rivals the likes of Hyundai Tucson. Kia is doing quite well for a new entrant in the Indian car market, and the Seltos has set a good base in terms of customer engagement for the brand to soon launch more affordable cars.
