Kia SP2i compact SUV will go on sale in the middle of 2019 in India with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines
The Kia SP concept based production model is not just an India specific SUV as it has global importance with markets like United States and South Korean being targetted. Kia showcased its entire range of vehicles at the 2018 Auto Expo last February and stunned the crowd but what grabbed the most attention was the SP Concept.
The trial production of the road-going SP2i has already commenced at the brand’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh where more than two billion dollars are invested by Kia and its vendor partners for the betterment of the brand’s future. The SP2i is expected to be called the Tusker in many markets and it has recently been caught cold weather testing elsewhere.
It is no secret that the production-spec SUV will carry the design traits of the SP Concept and stick by the latest styling philosophy followed globally. Under the heavy camouflage the signature Tiger Nose front grille, sharp looking headlamps and a busy bumper form the major portion of the front fascia.
The Kia SP2i is based on a brand new platform and will go straight up against Creta from its parental brand Hyundai. The five-seater will have to deal with some stealthy competitors like Tata Harrier and Nissan Kicks as well in India and the interior space along with a list of modern technologies will be emphasised more.
In global markets, the Tusker or SP2 is likely to be offered with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit. Along with the standard manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic could also be made available.
No all-wheel-drive system is on the cards even for the international markets. As for India, the Kia SP2i will use a pair of newly developed 1.5-litre petrol and diesel powertrains. The SP2i will go on sale in the middle of this year and lay the foundation for the South Korean company, which is aiming to establish dealerships in 85-90 percent of the major car buying cities from the get-go.