3 New Kia Cars Launching Soon: Syros EV To Sorento Hybrid
Kia India has been enjoying a lot of success in India, and it wants to continue the same. As a result, the company is gearing up for the launch of three new cars in the country. Now, if you are someone who likes Kia, then here are the details of the three Kia cars that have been lined up for launch in India.
Over the last few months, the test mule sightings of the Kia Syros EV have become very frequent. This suggests that the company is in the final stages of development and will most likely be launching it in India in the coming months. The upcoming Syros EV is based on the K1 platform, which is also the base for the Hyundai Inster EV. It has been confirmed that it will boast a front-wheel-drive layout.
In terms of the design, it will look almost the same as the ICE Syros. This means it will continue to offer the boxy silhouette. Spy shots have revealed that it will be getting a charging flap on the front left quarter panel, a revised rear bumper, neon green brake calipers, and updated roof rails. It will also be getting vertically stacked LED headlamps, L-shaped LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, and a front bumper with ADAS radar & a 360-degree camera.
On the inside, it is expected to get dual 12.3-inch screens, touch-based AC controls, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front & rear seats, and some EV-specific additions, which may include V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle charging). Battery pack options expected are 42 kWh and 49 kWh, with a maximum claimed range of 369 km. As for the pricing, it is expected to be in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Once launched, it will take on the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
The already successful Kia Seltos will soon be receiving a new top-end variant. Reportedly, it will be named the GTX Plus variant and will sit at the top of the GT Line range. Currently, the Seltos is offered in variants namely HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTX, HTX(A), GTX, GTX(A). With the GTX Plus variant, we can expect more Level 2 ADAS features, with the possibility of enhanced semi-autonomous driving features.
Apart from these, we can expect some minor cosmetic updates such as a new exterior shade, unique colour accents, and GT Line-specific design elements. It could also get a more sporty, dark interior theme. As for the powertrain side of things, it will remain unchanged.
It will continue to offer the 1.5-litre NA petrol with manual & IVT, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with iMT and DCT, and lastly, a 1.5-litre diesel with manual & automatic. Currently, the Seltos top-spec variant is priced at Rs 19.99 lakh, and the GTX Plus is expected to be slightly more expensive than that.
The third and most premium vehicle on the launch cards of Kia India is the Sorento hybrid 7-seater. This SUV will be making its debut later this year, possibly around the festive season. It will be Kia’s first hybrid car in India, and its main highlight will be its 1.5-litre NA petrol-based strong hybrid powertrain. The company has not revealed the power figures of this SUV.
In terms of the design, it will boast a larger Tiger face grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and a sharp front bumper. It will also get large 19-inch alloy wheels and an overall boxy silhouette. On the inside, it will come loaded with features including a large touchscreen, a digital instrument gauge, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and many other modern creature comfort features.
It will not be a direct rival of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. However, its lower variants could overlap with these popular 7-seater SUVs. It is believed that the Sorento hybrid will be priced in the range of Rs 20 to 30 lakh.