Kia Rio (Maruti Baleno Rival) India Launch More Likely In 2020

kia rio india launch

Kia showcased Rio hatchback at the 2018 Auto Expo and it will share components with Hyundai Elite i20 to keep costs down

Kia officially announced its India entry at 2018 Auto Expo and the first model that is going to be launched in India will be the production version of SP Concept. The volume segments in India like hatchback and sedan are dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Kia is planning to enter these volume segments with new models.

The company has already received approval from its headquarters in Korea to develop new premium hatchback and sedan for the Indian market. Kia has shared plans of new models with its vendors in India as they want to localize the models heavily because pricing is going to play an important role in the success of these models.

Kia already showcased the Rio hatchback at the 2018 Auto Expo and the test mules have been spotted testing in public roads. Earlier there were some reports that the company is going to launch products from its International portfolio in India as developing models specifically for our market will take time.

The Rio hatchback will share some components with Hyundai Elite i20 as it will help the company to keep cost down. The international model of Rio measure above 4-metre in length, but the company will reduce length for India to get excise duty benefits and the spacious cabin will be retained.

Kia will also pack the upcoming model with lots of features like touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, key less entry, push button start, sunroof, reverse parking sensors with camera, sunroof, cooled glove box, USB charging and more.

The Rio hatchback will be powered by 1.4 L petrol and diesel engines from Elite i20 with option of manual and automatic transmission. Kia will manufacturer the upcoming hatchback at its new plant in Andhra Pradesh and it will compete against Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Honda Jazz in India

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