The South Korean automotive giant Kia India has recently shared a very interesting teaser on its social media channels. In this short teaser, the company has hinted that in the coming days, we will be seeing not one but two new New Energy Vehicles. The teaser flashes the words HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).
The official teaser for two new upcoming models has been shared by Come on with a tagline stating, “The future is knocking. One clue. More than one possibility.” Now, although Kia has not officially confirmed the names of these upcoming models, we have a hint of what these two models could be.
Most likely, the battery-electric vehicle which has been hinted at in the teaser will be the upcoming Kia Syros EV. This electric SUV has already been spotted testing multiple times on Indian roads, which suggests that its launch is now getting closer.
Once launched, it will become Kia India’s fourth electric vehicle after the EV6, EV9, and the recently launched Carens Clavis EV. However, unlike its premium siblings, the EV6 and EV9, the Syros EV will target the mass market, and it is expected to become Kia’s most affordable electric SUV in India.
In terms of design, the Syros EV will most likely offer the same boxy styling and upright stance of the standard Syro. However, like most EVs, it will be getting a number of EV-specific styling updates. These will include a redesigned front bumper, aerodynamic alloy wheels, exclusive colour options, EV badging, and a charging port which will be positioned above the left front fender.
On the inside, the electric SUV is expected to get almost all the premium features offered in the ICE Syros. These will include the massive 30-inch Trinity display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, powered front seats, a 360-degree camera, dashcam, connected car technology, and Level 2 ADAS. Kia is also expected to offer EV-specific graphics and software functions to make it unique.
Coming to the powertrain side of things, the Syros EV is expected to be offered with 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery pack options. It will also support DC fast-charging. In terms of the pricing, it is expected to be launched in the Rs range of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh. This will help it in competing with the Tata Nexon.ev and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, along with its upcoming cousin, the Hyundai HE1I EV SUV.
As for the hybrid vehicle teased by Kia in the latest teaser, most likely it will be the Sorento Hybrid. This premium SUV has already been spotted testing several times on Indian roads. So, its launch is very close. Internationally, the Sorento is already available with a self-charging hybrid powertrain. Now, Kia is expected to offer the same technology in India.
The Sorento will become Kia India’s flagship ICE-based SUV and will be positioned above the Seltos. The Sorento will measure 4,815 mm in length and offer a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. This will help in offering a spacious three-row SUV experience. It is expected to be offered with both six-seat and seven-seat configurations.
The Sorento Hybrid will be positioned as the flagship SUV in the lineup. So, it is expected to come loaded with premium features. Buyers can expect a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium sound system, powered and ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, head-up display, digital screens, and a full suite of Level 2 ADAS features.
Presently, the Sorento sold internationally comes with a variety of powertrain options. These include a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. All-wheel-drive variants are also available in select markets.
However, in India, it is expected to get a strong-hybrid system which will be based on its 1.5-litre petrol engine. This powertrain will be specific to India, keeping in mind the harsh Indian conditions. The Sorento Hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 55 lakh. It will rival the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and Jeep Meridian.
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