Kia is planning to launch a new mid-size MPV in the Indian market to rival the likes of the Mahindra Marazzo MPV and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV in the Indian market. The all-new Kia MPV is speculated to be launched in the first half of 2022 and is likely to be available in both petrol and diesel powertrain options. The new MPV will strengthen the brand’s position in the mid-size MPV segment which commands a sizeable chunk in India.
The new Kia MPV is speculated to be based on the Kia Seltos platform but is expected to be slightly longer than the SUV to accommodate the extra row of seats. The Kia Seltos measures 4,315mm in length and the MPV is likely to measure close to 4.4 metres in length which will enable it to be positioned above the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga but below the Mahindra Marazzo. To put things into perspective, the brand’s premium offering in the MPV segment, the Kia Carnival measures 5,115mm in length.
In terms of design and styling, the new Kia MPV is expected to carry the hallmark Kia design language with sharp cuts and crease lines and the signature tiger-nose grille. The brand is also expected to equip the all-new MPV with features such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, all-digital instruments cluster, UVO Connected features, automatic climate control air conditioning, air-conditioning vents on all rows, steering mounted controls and more.
In the engine department, the Kia mid-size MPV is expected to be powered by the same petrol and diesel powertrains that are employed on the Kia Seltos SUV but likely to be offered with a slightly different state of tune to match the MPV characteristics. The powertrain options on the Seltos SUV are a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel powertrain that belts out 115 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque and a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 140 PS of power and 242 Nm of torque. The MPV is also likely to come with a plethora of gearbox options such as Manual, Torque Converter Automatic, 7-DCT etc.
