Production-spec Kia SP expected to arrive by mid-2019

- Kia is already testing the SP Concept based SUV in India.

- Might be launched by May after an official reveal early next year.

- Expected to retain its design elements from the Concept showcased at 2018 Auto Expo. 

Kia is gearing up for its Indian debut and we know the first car to roll out from the Korean carmaker’s portfolio will be an SUV based on the SP Concept showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. The Kia SP Concept based SUV is expected to arrive by the middle of 2019 in the first quarter of the financial year 2019-20.

Earlier reports suggested that the SP based SUV will make its debut in the second half of 2019. It might adopt the Tusker moniker and will spearhead Kia’s Indian portfolio which will be later joined by a C-segment sedan and a B-segment hatchback. These vehicles will be produced at Kia’s newly-setup factory in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. 

Based on what could be seen, the production-spec model is expected to retain the styling of the SP Concept. It will come with the signature Kia tiger-nose grille, sleek headlamps and a silver bash plate for a sporty stance. The Concept’s chunky C-pillars is likely to make it into production along with the dual-tone paint scheme as seen on the Hyundai Creta. On the inside, the SUV is expected to feature a dual tone cabin with large infotainment screen on the centre console. It will be feature loaded as well with all the bells and whistles expected from the D-segment SUV. 

Engine wise, the SP based SUV will share its powertrain with the Creta. This means that the hood will house a 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre diesel apart from a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The transmission will be a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. 

When it arrives, the Tusker will rival against the likes of Renault Captur and the sibling Hyundai Creta apart from entry-level variants of the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. Prices are expected to start at around Rs 14 lakhs. More details of the Kia SUV will be revealed in the months to come. Keep watching this space for more.