Automobile Desk: To further strengthen its hold in the Indian automobile market, vehicle manufacturer Kia India is preparing to play a big bet in the coming years. According to media reports, the company is planning to launch two brand new SUVs in India by the year 2028-29. Under this new product portfolio, one vehicle will be launched in the segment below Kia's popular SUV Seltos, while the other vehicle will make a place in the segment above Seltos as a 7-seater option.
Both these vehicles can be introduced mainly in B and C segments. Their expected price in the Indian market is estimated to be between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the company's position on these two projects is slightly different.
According to reports, Kia has almost given the green signal to the project of a new mid-size SUV smaller in size than the Seltos for India. At the same time, the large C-segment SUV with 7-seater segment is currently in the discussion stage and has not yet received the final approval from the company management.
A new 4.2 meter SUV will be launched below the Seltos
This new mid-size SUV from Kia will be sold in the market along with Seltos. Through this strategy, the company is planning to give two different options to the customers in the same segment. Maruti Suzuki also adopted the same strategy with its Grand Vitara and Victoris, which has proved to be quite successful.
Following the same path, Hyundai Motor India can also introduce a new mid-size SUV based on 'Bayon' available in the global market around Diwali. The length of the upcoming new SUV from Kia is likely to be around 4.2 meters.
Technically, this vehicle can be based on the platform, engine and many features of Seltos. But to make both the vehicles different from each other, there will be major changes in its exterior and interior design. In terms of price, it will be kept a little cheaper than Seltos, due to which it will be able to directly compete with the upcoming new SUVs of Maruti Victoris and Hyundai.
7-seater SUV will come to challenge Alcazar and Safari
Kia's second proposed vehicle will come with a 7-seater layout, which will be positioned between the Seltos and Sorento. Expected to be priced around Rs 30 to 35 lakh, the Sorento will be a premium vehicle, so the new 7-seater SUV will be an affordable and practical option for customers who want a family vehicle with a large cabin.
After its launch, this 7-seater SUV will compete directly with popular vehicles like Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus in the Indian market.
Many engine options will be available including hybrid
Keeping in mind the future needs and varying preferences of customers, Kia is working on offering multi-powertrain options in both its new SUVs. In both the models, the option of petrol and diesel engines as well as strong hybrid technology can also be given. With the introduction of hybrid engines, these vehicles will get better mileage and lower emissions.
Follow the LALLURAM.COM MP channel on WhatsApp