Kia Motors are all set to make their foray into the Indian market. The South Korean automaker has planned a slew of new launches. In fact, six models are to be launched by the automaker on the next three years.
The cross-hatchback will be aimed at models like the Hyundai i20 Active; could be based on next-gen Rio.
One of them is likely to be a crossover-hatchback which may come in 2021. The vehicle will be based on the Kia Rio, also coming here soon. The Rio, sold as the K2 Cross in various markets, will have its length cut under the four-metre mark in India.
This will ensure tax benefits and reduce the cost of production as well. The crossover-hatchback will follow the SP Concept mid-size SUV and the Rio to become Kia’s third made in India product. Kia are currently working out a strategy to enter segments having huge potential and have identified the crossover-hatchback segment as one of them.
The new report states that a new Kia cross-hatchback will be the third made-and-assembled-in-India Kia product to hit the market.
It is easily recognisable as the crossover segment, despite being a competitive one, is not garnering numbers expected from it. The segment falls behind the pricier premium hatchback segment, with the latter experiencing a sharp increase in sales. Kia are touted to bring a premium hatchback to India soon, and will consider the Rio and its crossover sibling as the base for it.
It is expected to arrive with a 1.0 litre turbo-petrol engine. The 1.5 litre diesel engine powering the SP Concept will also be taken under consideration. The latter is expected to deliver around 120 bhp of power.
This crossover-hatchback will be available in both manual and automatic transmissions. It will be priced at around Rs.6-9 lakh, which could be a decent pick. Rivals for this crossover-hatchback include the Honda WR-V, Ford Freestyle, Tata Tiago NRG, Hyundai i20 Active and the Toyota Etios Cross.
(NOTE: The pictures of 2017 Kia Rio X-line is used for representational purpose only.)
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Also see: Kia’s Hyundai Styx based compact SUV to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2020
Source: AutoCarIndia
