2018 Auto Expo: Kia Greets India With A Promising SUV Concept

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Kia SP Concept previews an upcoming SUV that could rival against Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur

Kia teased its SP concept right ahead of the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo and heightening the anticipation. The concept has now been unveiled in the biennial motoring exhibition and is the one to glue your eyes on as expected.

The South Korean brand has always been known for revealing adorable futuristic concepts in international motor shows and the SP Concept sticks by that standard as Kia makes first official appearance in India ahead of market entry next year.

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Kia-SP-Side.jpgIt definitely comes previewing a futuristic SUV that blends style, technology and practicality in one single package. The South Korean auto major claims, SP concept has been inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology.

It is going to be the first model to be rolled out of manufacturing lines from Kia’s Andhra Pradesh facility. Revealing this concept car indicates Kia’s strategy to roll out a completely new SUV in Indian market.

Kia-SP-Right-Side.jpgWe expect it to be a serious rival for the Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur when it goes on sale next year. Considering the fact that Indian market is experiencing increasing popularity and demands for the SUVs, the SP Concept derived production model could play key role in the initial growth of the brand here.

Kia SP Concept Design and Exterior

The Kia SP concept gets sharp headlamps blending perfectly with a large black signature  Tiger Nose front grille that ensures boldness and style. There are also projector headlamps and integrated LED daytime running lights elevating the overall appeal. A masculine front bumper with sculpted stance and neatly positioned fog lamps are other styling factors along with skid plate for under body protection.

Also read: Kia Plans Offering 16 Electrified Vehicles By 2025 Globally

Kia SP Concept 2018 Auto ExpoAt the side profile, the concept SUV adorns a sharp look. It sports squarish wheel arches, black cladding, a floating roof pattern thanks to the blackened A pillar and black glass area. The sloping roof features a contrast white paint scheme, while sharp character lines and petal design alloy wheels are also visible. At the back, there is a large wraparound LED taillights, an integrated roof spoiler, crafted tailgate and a chunky bumper with black cladding and skid plate as well.

Kia SP Concept Interior and Features

Inside the cabin, this concept SUV will certainly get loads of advanced and upmarket features that will make it impressive. We can expect components from the Hyundai parts bin to be employed into the production model next year. Also, there would be an array of safety features.

Kia-SP-Concept-Full-Front.jpgKia SP Concept Engine, Specs and Mileage

Enging 1.6L Petrol / 1.4L Diesel / 1.6L Diesel
Power 128 bhp / 89 bhp / 121 bhp
Torque 150 Nm / 224 Nm / 265 Nm
Transmission Six-Speed MT or Six-Speed AT / Six-Speed MT / Six-Speed MT or Six-Speed AT

As the possibilities of the Kia SP Concept based production SUV to be underpinned by the same platform as the Hyundai Creta, we can expect same engine lineup as well. A 1.6-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine delivers 121 bhp and 265 Nm of torque and comes paired to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission alongside a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel rated at 89 bhp and 224 Nm of torque.

In Creta, the sole petrol engine available is a 122 bhp producing 1.6-litre Dual VTVT engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. It pumps out 154 Nm torque at 4,850 rpm. Moreover, the dimensions changes could probably be only minimal when compared to the Hyundai Creta.

The upcoming compact SUV could be aggressively priced due to high levels of localisation and it could cost at around Rs. 9-14 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect it have capable off-roading characteristics as well.

Kia SP Concept Images