Kia is going to launch the production version of SP Concept based on Hyundai Creta platform by the middle of next year in India
Kia made its India debut at the 2018 Auto Expo and the first product from the company will be the production version of SP Concept. The Korean manufacturer is expected to launch the compact SUV by the middle of next year in India and the company recently conducted an online poll to finalize name of the production model.
Even though they didn’t announce the results, it is expected to be named as Tusker. The upcoming compact SUV will be based on the revised Hyundai Creta platform and both models will share lots of components to keep cost down, but the design will be completely different. Kia has already confirmed that the production model will look almost similar to the concept.
The front gets signature grille of Kia with a black finish and the production version might come with split headlamps with LED DRLs on top and regular projector headlamps placed below it similar to the Tata Harrier. Like most of the compact SUVs, the Tusker will also get a black plastic cladding across the body and top end variants might come with 17-inch alloy wheels.
The rear gets LED tail lamps along with new bumper and faux skid plates to continue the SUV theme. We can expect Kia to offer dual tone body colours like those on Creta as it is popular among customers. The interior design will be similar to other Kia models as the Tusker might get three spoke multi-function steering wheel.
The quality of materials used inside the cabin will be similar to Creta and the company might give black and beige colour combination to make the interior feel airy. Kia will pack the Tusker with lots of features like touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, wireless charging, leather seats, sunroof and more.
The Tusker will be powered by new BSVI complaint diesel and petrol engines. The 1.5 L diesel engine might produce 115 hp and 250 Nm, the petrol engine is also expected to produce similar output and hybrid powertrain might join later. These engines are mated to manual and automatic transmission options. The Creta rival might also come with four-wheel drive system as an option.