Kia SP2i caught on camera ahead of its official unveil

If it’s one thing that we Indians love our automobiles to be, it would most likely be a brawny SUV. Playing on this love, manufacturers have been churning out these money makers and introducing them to the public like hotcakes. In a recent trend, manufacturers that enter the Indian market do so by introducing an SUV as its first model for the country. While Citroen is the latest manufacturer to follow suit with its new C5 Aircross, even Kia and MG intend to commence their Indian innings with world-class SUVs.

Back when Kia decided to set up shop in our country, it showcased a range of exciting vehicle as a build up its entry. However, what they were reserving the red carpet for, was the upcoming SP2i concept. It was first displayed at the Auto Expo 2018 in New Delhi and is likely to be called the Kia Trailster when launched in the market. The car is scheduled for production by mid-2019, and in keeping with that schedule, Kia has been doing development testing on Indian streets for a while now. Our reader Mainak Samui has shared some exclusive picture of the car, which is now being tested in Delhi-NCR.

Kia SP2i will be sold with two engine options: 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.

In terms of design, the new Kia SP2i will get an aggressive front-end which will be in line with the company’s designs style, broad shoulders and an overall dominating presence. The car also features a shark fin antenna which was an interesting detail we first saw in its concept stage. The interior is also expected to be a nice place to be, with an upmarket feel, space and materials all around the cabin.

Along with the regular slew of high-tech gadgetry, the Kia SP2i is also likely to include some class-leading features like a heads-up display, full-digital instrument console and in-car WiFi. Under the bay of that sculpted hood will be choices of both, petrol and diesel option. For started, the SP2i is likely to borrow the engine choices from the Hyundai Creta. Going further, there are rumours doing the rounds that Kia is also most likely working on a pair of 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel mills for the car.

The Kia SP2i will challenge the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV500, along with locking horns with its own cousin, the Hyundai Creta. 

The car will have its global reveal at the New York auto expo in April, with a tentative launch in India around the second half of this year. The company has also confirmed that prices for its new CUV and the first product in its Indian portfolio, will be kept in` the range of INR 10 lakh - INR 15 lakh (ex-showroom).