Alleged Kia sub-4 metre SUV (Kia QYI) spied in S. Korea

Kia is readying a sub-4 metre SUV (codenamed: QYI). This model was spotted getting tested in India a few days back, and now it has been snapped in South Korea.

Kia had a highly successful first-innings in India with its maiden product - 'the Seltos'. Now, it is planning to bite a bigger chunk in the compact-SUV segment with the QYI. It will be among Kia's future products which are being specifically designed for markets like India. The QYI will be nothing but a mechanical twin of Hyundai's Venue. It will be more affordable than the Kia Seltos, thus making the brand more accessible.

Though the test unit can be seen fully covered in camouflage, it is fairly easy to notice that the overall size and proportions of the QYI are similar to the Hyundai Venue. While on the other hand, the design and exterior looks will be vastly different making it a definite Kia product. When looked upon closely, it can be noted that the QYI will feature rectangular tail lamps (with L-shaped LED light guide), while the Venue features squarish tail lamps. At the front, it will sport Kia's signature tigernose grille flanked by sleek headlamps.

In terms of mechanicals, the Kia QYI is expected to make use of a 120 PS 1.0L T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine, a 115 PS 1.5L MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 115 PS 1.5L CRDi turbocharged diesel engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is expected to be offered as standard, while a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission may be offered as an option with the turbocharged petrol unit.

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Kia may display the upcoming sub-4 metre compact SUV (QYI) in a near-production form at Auto Expo 2020 and launch it in India launch in mid-2020. This model will likely be priced slightly higher than the Hyundai Venue which currently retails at INR 6.5-11.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It will be a direct threat to the already established rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport. At the same time, it might not be an as important global product as the Hyundai Venue, and that's simply because of the presence of Kia Stonic internationally.

[Image Source: Bobaedream]