Kia QYI compact SUV to launch in India in August 2020

- Will share its platform and engines with the Hyundai Venue

- Kia will price it aggressively against the competition

- Will come equipped with UVO Connect smart connectivity features

Kia Motors India has commenced the local testing of its upcoming QYI compact SUV. And now, we can confirm that the Kia QYI (codename) compact SUV will be launched in India in August 2020. The SUV will be Kia’s third product in India, after the Seltos and the upcoming Kia Grand Carnival MPV, which will be launched at the 2020 Auto Expo.

The source informs us that the Kia QYI compact SUV will share its underpinnings and the equipment list with the Hyundai Venue. It may also be offered in two body-styles – Tech Line and GT Line – similar to the Kia Seltos. What’s more, it will also get the UVO Connect smart connectivity features, with 10 India-specific elements.

In terms of design, the Kia QYI will have an imposing stance along with a curvy two-box design. It will sport a wider tigernose grille, which will offer an in-your-face styling to the compact SUV. There will also be a unique design element on the C-pillar that is likely to offer a floating effect to the roof.

The Kia QYI compact SUV will share its petrol engines with the Venue. So, it will get an 82bhp 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol unit that will produce 118bhp and 172Nm. The former will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the latter will be available with either a six-speed manual box or a seven-speed DCT. Additionally, the compact SUV will also get a 1.5-litre four-pot diesel mill from the Seltos, but it will be detuned to produce around 90bhp. The oil burner will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission.

As far as the pricing is concerned, the source tells us that the Kia QYI compact SUV will undercut the Hyundai Venue’s pricing. And besides its Korean cousin, the QYI will also compete against the Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300.