Kia Seltos To Be Followed By Sub-4m SUV and Maruti Ertiga Rival MPV

Kia Subcompact SUV Rendered 2

While the Kia Seltos will launch next month, the South Korean carmaker has also planned a sub-4-metre SUV and a 7-seater MPV for India

The Kia Seltos, which started its life as the SP2i concept at last year’s Auto Expo, will finally launch in India next month. The new SUV will be pitted against the likes of Hyundai Creta, MG Hector and Tata Harrier. However, Kia’s new car onslaught won’t end with the introduction of the stylish small SUV.

The Kia Seltos will be followed by the launch of the Grand Carnival. Moreover, the company has announced that it will launch a new product in India every six months. If true, this very well goes on to demonstrate the seriousness with which the carmaker is taking our market.

While the South Korean carmaker is yet to confirm its 3rd and 4th model for our market, speculations abound that the company is preparing to come up with a sub-4-metre SUV and a 7-seater MPV. Both these models will be positioned below the Kia Seltos.

Kia Subcompact SUV Rendered 1

The upcoming Hyundai Venue and Maruti Vitara Brezza rival from Kia could share its platform with the former. However, like in case of the Kia Seltos, which is related to the next-gen Hyundai Creta, it’s the Kia model that would be positioned at a slight premium over its cousin. Earlier, it was reported that the carmaker is already contemplating a cross-hatch for the Indian market to benefit from the lower tax on the sub-4-metre models.

Like the Seltos, the Hyundai Venue rival from Kia will be produced at the company’s Anantpur-based facility in Andhra Pradesh. The new model will be tailor-made for the Indian conditions and will be exported to other markets from the company’s local manufacturing hub. It may be noted that this production facility has an annual capacity of churning out 3 lakh units.

Kia Carnival

Another upcoming Kia model is a 7-seater MPV that will challenge the likes of Maruti Ertiga and Mahindra Marazzo. The all-new MPV will be developed entirely by Kia Motors India. The affordable MPV would be exported to select ASEAN markets. The MPV is likely to launch in India in 2021 and could be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options.