Kia India signs LOIs with 50 dealers, targets 100 by July 2019 at Tusker's launch - Report

According to Team-BHP, Kia Motors have signed letters of intent with nearly 50 dealers in India and plans to have 100 dealers by July 2019. Further, the forum states that a few dealers roped by Kia India are also dealers for luxury car brands like Mercedes Benz and BMW.

Kia's first product for India will be a mid-size SUV that will rival the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass. The SUV, previewed by the Kia SP Concept at this year's Auto Expo, will reportedly be named Kia Tusker. It will be based on an updated version of the Creta's platform, reportedly, offering Hyundai-Kia's new 1.5-liter petrol and diesel engines adhering to BS6 emission standards.

The 1.5-liter diesel engine is reported to develop 115 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and will later find its way to the Hyundai Verna facelift and next-generation Creta. Reports stated that the 1.5-liter petrol would be capable of handling a hybrid pack, which will be offered 2023 onwards.

Kia has already started road trials of the Kia Tusker in its home market of Korea, where it will sell the SUV as well, the company confirmed at this year's Busan Motor Show. According to Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, the production version of the SP concept "will be very close" to the concept in design.

Also read: Also read: 2018 Kia Sportage detailed, gets new 1.6 'SmartStream' diesel engine

For the Indian market, Kia will manufacture the Tusker at its upcoming plant located in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Expect prices to start at around INR 11 lakhs, ex-Showroom.

[Source - TeamBHP.com]