The first product from Kia Motors for India we all know by now is going to be the SP Concept SUV. This will be a rival to the likes of Hyundai Creta & Renault Kaptur and is expected to hit the streets in 2019. However, the brand is working on evaluation of more products for the Indian market, and currently, the Stonic and Grand Carnival have made it to the brands consideration list.
The Kia Stonic is a crossover while the Grand Carnival which is also known as the Sedona is a MPV.
The Kia Stonic is a product similar to the likes of Hyundai Kona which is also being planned for India. The platform used for the Kia Stonic could then become a base for more body styles for the Indian market in the future. Powering the Stonic in international markets is a 1.2L petrol with 84 HP power, 1.0L turbo-petro with 120 HP power and a 1.6L diesel with 110 HP power. This is a front-wheel drive crossover. The Stonic will be a premium product with all the bells and whistles in place as per segment standards.
The Kia Grand Carnival / Sedona is a 5-door MPC which will be eying to rival the likes of Toyota Innova Crysta, but will be more expensive as it comes with 7-seat, 8-seat and a 11-seat setup. This is a long MPV measuring over 5 metres in length, which makes it longer than the Innova Crysta. The Grand Carnival gets sliding doors for ease of access. This XL sized MPV will be powered by a 2.2L, 200 HP diesel engine matched to an automatic gearbox as per international specifications. The Kia Grand Carnical / Sedona would be a very unique product in the market, with no direct rival especially in the 11-seat configuration.
Kia will also be launching a sub-4 metre compact SUV, which is a sibling of the Hyundai Carlino concept which was showcased at the previous Auto Expo in India. The brand is planning to have 5 products on sale in our market by 2021. Kia has been doing very well in global markets, and the brand is confident they will enjoy a successful run in India as well.
