New Kia compact-SUV concept aka Sonet will be unveiled at Auto Expo 2020, alongside the launch of the Kia Carnival.
Kia Motors India will unveil a compact SUV concept at Auto Expo 2020, and launch Carnival, among other showcases. Sub 4m Kia Sonet SUV has already piqued interest with the company having revealed a front and rear design sketch. A compact SUV concept global unveil is more than exciting because we already know how quickly Kia Motors can go from concept to production. The best part of it all, it’s not something that’s expected to be shrouded in obscurity. Case on point, Kia Seltos. Exactly two years ago, the manufacturer was yet to launch its first vehicle. And now, seasoned segment offerings are looking at Kia Seltos is awe.
Kia Motor India will showcase 14 products. An important feature of the next few days will be a glimpse of next-gen mobility product, tech prowess, and world class quality. This is Kia’s second outing at Auto Expo. This time around too, there’s been an SUV concept at the forefront. This approach no doubt underpins Kia’s commitment to India, and its prioritisation of the Indian auto market.
Along with Kia Carnival launch, and the compact SUV concept global unveil, Kia Seltos X-Line concept with a complete exterior overhaul will be showcased. UVO CONNECT telematics system for connected car tech will be highlighted. ‘DRIVE WiSE’, a VR experience lets the audience glimpse at the future of mobility.
Soul EV and Niro EV will be on display. There’s, of course, no word yet as to when Kia Motors India will begin its electric vehicle journey here. Kia Soul EV debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show. It works on a 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that goes 450 kms in a single charge. Kia Niro EV crossover also boasts a driving range of 450 kms.
Kia XCeed UV crossover will be on the dais, along with Stonic compact crossover UV. It’s interesting to see how the focus at Kia is to showcase its UV range, and its abilities. Interestingly, through 2019, Hyundai India has reinforced its plan to get ahead across the UV segment. Looking at Kia, plans don’t seem too different.
Currently, only the Kia Seltos is being sold in India, and the Carnival MPV is ready for launch. Last month the company confirmed 1410 units were booked in a single day. Though the range by itself doesn’t look like much, it is creating quite a punch and hurting seasoned players in the market where it hurts. No doubt, a great formula of success.
