Kia SP2i Production Model Spotted Sans Camouflage; To Be Called Seltos Globally
Highlights
The production version of the Kia SP2i concept-based SUV was recently spotted while being filmed for a TV commercial, outside India. As per the badging on the SUV, the production version of the SP2i concept will be called Kia Seltos, however, we believe, India will get a different name, possibly something that starts with the letter T. In fact, Kia did run a poll last year allowing people to choose the name they like with the nameplates Trazor, Tusker and Trailster in the shortlisted. The automaker will reveal the SUV and its name for the Indian market, next month, on June 20, 2019.
Also Read: Kia SP2i Breaks Cover In Exterior Sketches
Visually, the Kia Seltos (SP2i) does look very stylish with an aggressive design language that we have already seen in some of the recent Kia models. In fact, the face of the SUV is largely identical to the SP Concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. The highlight, of course, is the signature Tiger nose grille featuring this 3D pattern, flanked by a pair of stylish inverter L-shaped headlamp cluster with turn signals above and the LED headlamps with LED DRLs positioned below. The entire section is bordered by glossy silver inserts that give the effect of one single element. The SUV also gets a muscular bumper with another set of LED DRLs with chrome bezels, a wide central airdam, and silver skid plate.
Also Read: KIA Motors Inaugurates First Dealership In India In Noida
The profile of the SUV reveals that the new SP2i-based model will be sized between the Kia Soul and the Kia Sportage. The SUV comes with a dual tone treatment with a glossy black roof and large silver roof rails, match black ORVMs with integrated turn lights, silver door handles, and a set of sporty diamond cut alloy wheels with a contrast red circle at the centre. The rear section comes with these very sharp and stylish pair of LED taillamps connected by a silver slat with the Kia logo at the centre. The SUV also gets a large spoiler with LED stop lamp, while the sculpted tailgate comes with subtle character lines that mimic the shape of the grille and houses reflectors on either end. The SUV gets a beefy rear bumper with brushed silver styling element and a large diffuser. Furthermore, the 4WD badging on the tailgate certainly makes things more interesting.
Also Read: Kia SP2i Concept Based Production SUV Spotted Testing In India
We do not get a clean look at the cabin here, however, based on the recently released interior sketches, we know that the SUV will come with a brown-black dual tone dashboard with brown inserts in the door. There are also silver inserts on the AC vents. The most prominent feature is, of course, the massive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets a very BMW-esque layout and looks extremely premium as well. The system will come with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a host of other features. The SUV will also come with automatic climate control, and Kia's Sound Mood Lighting technology can alter the cabin's ambient lighting to suit occupants' preferences. Other features will include - a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, head-up display (HUD) and more.
Also Read: Kia Motors India Starts Trial Production Of New Compact SUV At Anantapur Plant
Engine options are likely to include the new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the Hyundai family that will also be seen on the Verna facelift. A 6-speed manual will be standard, alongside the dual-clutch automatic. The European-spec Kia Seltos is likely to come with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and turbocharged 1.6-litre engines from the Kia Soul and Forte.
Source: Autoblog