Earlier in April this year, when Kia announced their rebranding with a new logo and brand slogan in India, the carmaker also announced that they will be entering a new segment in India by early 2022, without revealing any further details. Given that the company will be focusing solely on SUVs and MPVs for the Indian market, it could be either of the two. At first, it was thought to be a Mahindra Marazzo-rivalling mid-size MPV. However, there's greater possibility for this upcoming model to be an SUV and a seven-seater one in particular.
The 7-seater version of the Kia Seltos has been spied testing abroad once again.
Three-row versions of compact and mid-size SUVs are the latest trend in the Indian automotive market. We thus saw the Hyundai Alcazar being born out of the Creta, the Tata Safari being born out of the Harrier and the MG Hector Plus being born out of the Hector. Among all SUVs in this segment and price range, it is only the Kia Seltos that hasn't yet received the three-row treatment. This is particularly surprising given the entire competition has moved on the three-row segment. More importantly, Hyundai has already adapted the Creta platform for the three-row Alcazar, and so a 7-seater version of the Seltos should really be in the making.
This previously spied test mule has a lot in common with the Seltos - the raked A-pillar, window line and front doors.ArrayAlso Read : Kia Seltos 7-Seater - Hyundai Alcazar Sibling - Rendered
Kia has been closely watching this space and is aware of interest in the three-row SUV segment. In fact, a three-row Kia model has been spied internationally, which we speculate is a seven-seater version of the Seltos. This model has been spied previously as well and was originally thought to be an MPV. However, on closer evaluation, it appears that this could actually be stretched version of the Kia Seltos. Look closely at this test mule above and you will notice that the raked A-pillars, window line and the front doors are actually quite similar to that of the Seltos. The roof, however, is taller to make way for greater headroom for the third row of seats.
The rear end of this SUV has so far been heavily camouflaged, which is where the bulk of changes will lie.
Previous spy images also revealed that this test mule has longer rear doors than the Seltos. The upcoming SUV will mostly certainly be underpinned by the same platform as the Hyundai Alcazar. It is essentially a stretched version of the platform used by the Seltos. The rear end of the test mule, as seen in these images, is completely wrapped in camouflage. This is where we expect the bulk of changes to be concentrated with a longer rear overhang, distinct rear quarter glass area and a more upright and redesigned tail gate. The seven-seater version of the Seltos could also boast of a new grille and front bumper design along with new alloy wheels.
Here's a rendering of the Kia Seltos 7-seater based on these spy images.
Under the hood, the seven-seater Kia Seltos will likely borrow its engine options from the Hyundai Alcazar. That means it will be powered by a 159PS 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engine. Although Hyundai offers a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with the Alcazar, Kia could different transmission options to create some differentiation. Just like the Alcazar, the three-row version of the Seltos will likely be offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. We expect the upcoming 7-seater SUV to command a premium of around INR 1 lakh over the Seltos when it is launched in early 2022 in India. That said, the company still hasn't announced anything officially and we will have to wait to see what's really in store for the future.
Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.
