Production-spec Kia SP spied fully undisguised

There’s less than a month to go for the global debut of the Kia SP2i, which is set to take place on June 20, 2019. However, you won’t have to wait that long, as the production-spec Kia SP SUV has been spotted fully undisguised during a TV commercial shoot abroad, and the new spy pictures reveal a few key details.

First, the name. While the Kia SP spied in these pictures bears the Seltos name, it could have a different name for India. Kia is understood to have readied region-specific versions of the SP, and while Kia may christen it the Seltos for certain markets abroad, in India, it could be named the Kia Trailster.

As expected, the production-spec Kia SP2i remains largely similar to the SP Signature concept (revealed at the 2019 Seoul motor show) in terms of design. Replacing the Signature’s small, fancy-looking ORVMs are bigger units, and the 19-inch alloy wheels have made way for 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45-section Kumho tyres, even though the design of the dual-tone alloys remains the same.

Taking pride of place up front is the bold ‘Tiger Nose’ grille sitting between sharp-looking LED headlights, seemingly connected by a LED light bar atop the grille. The Kia Seltos sports a contrast roof, slim LED fog lamps, pull-type door handles, a chrome strip on the A-pillar, a chrome-finished window line that rises sharply towards the rear, prominent roof rails and a chunkier chrome bar connecting the mildly reshaped tail-lights.

Another interesting point to note is that the Kia Seltos seen in these pictures sports the T-GDi and 4WD badges, which indicates there will be a turbo-petrol, four-wheel drive version on offer in some markets. One of the interior sketches Kia revealed recently showed off what looked like a drive mode selector with ‘Off-Road’ marked on top of the dial, which indicates the Kia SP2i will also have a certain degree of off-road ability.

The spy pictures don’t reveal much of the Kia Seltos’ interior, but one shot does show the black-and-brown colour scheme on the inside. The Kia SP2i’s interior is expected to be well-appointed and will get a handful of segment-first features as well. Equipment on offer is likely to include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and in-car WiFi. A head-up display and an ambient lighting package will also likely be on offer on the top-spec variant.

At launch, the Kia SP2i’s engine options are expected to include a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both engine options are likely to be BS6-ready, but could be BS4-compliant at launch. Both engines will be available with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes, and Kia is even working on a sportier variant of the SP SUV, with a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddleshifters.

When it is launched in the months following its India reveal, the Kia SP’s price will be in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom). At that price point, the SP will rival the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur, Tata Harrier, and even the lower variants of the Jeep Compass and the upcoming MG Hector.

What do you think of the Kia Seltos’ looks? Let us know in the comments.

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IMAGE SOURCE: Chris Doane Automotive via Autoblog

from Autocar India - News http://bit.ly/2HIr2Jj