Kia SP2i Previews Company’s Upcoming SUV

• Kia has begun pre-production assembly at its plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
• The event, which was presided by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, also previewed the company’s first product codenamed the SP2i, albeit in a heavily camouflaged form.
• The Kia SP2i premium compact-SUV, or whatever it is eventually called at launch (Trazor/Tusker), will take on the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Renault Captur, Nissan Kicks and the Tata Harrier.
• It is expected to be launched by September 2019.

Expectations were high when Kia invited a huge media delegation to its all-new plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh to witness the beginning of trial production for its first product for India - a premium compact-SUV based on the SP Concept. And they were answered, sort of, as the company showcased the SP2i to the press, albeit in a heavily camouflaged state.

The Kia SP2i, which is likely to be called the Trazor or Tusker, will be the first product the company launches in India. Expected to go on sale in September 2019, the SP2i will take on the competition in a hotly contested segment currently featuring SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Renault Captur and the recently launched Nissan Kicks and Tata Harrier.

While heavy camouflage and limited access made it difficult to spot all the details of the 5-seat Kia SUV, our keen-eyed colleagues did spot many features. Here’s a breakdown of what we found out from today’s event:

Launch and Price

• Kia will launch the SUV by September 2019.
• Expected ex-showroom prices in the Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh bracket.

Exterior Design

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• The silhouette of the SP2i is very similar to the Hyundai Creta.
• The clamshell bonnet from the SP Concept shown at the Auto Expo 2018 has been carried over to the pre-production mule.
• 17-inch alloy wheels have a similar dynamic design as the Creta.
• ORVMs are shaped like the ones on the Creta, though the base looks different.

Interior Design

• Gets a freestanding infotainment touchscreen, which seems to be a trend with SUVs in the segment - the Kicks and Harrier also get it.
• One-touch power window functionality is offered on all doors.
• The rear bench features three individual, adjustable headrest. These will not only make the rear seats comfortable for three passengers but also safer (headrests reduce whiplash injuries).
• While a sunroof was not seen on the test mule, the production variant is expected to get it along with other equipment like automatic climate control and ventilated front seats

Safety Features

• We spotted rear disc brakes on the SP2i pre-production mule, which is not available on the Creta.
• While Kia could offer a basic safety pack of dual-airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, it could also set the SP2i apart from the competition by offering much more.

Engines and Transmission

• No new announcements were made at today’s event. Kia has previously stated the SUV will get BSVI-ready 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines.
• A plug-in hybrid variant of the SP2i may be launched at a later stage, though timelines have not been confirmed.

Kia is expected to keep revealing more details about its first product SUV for India in the run-up to its launch in September. Stay tuned to ZigWheels for up-to-date details.