Kia SP2i continues testing on home turf ahead of H2 2019 launch

As the Kia SP2i's road testing continues ahead of the planned H2 2019 launch in India and South Korea, fresh spy shots captured on the brand's home turf have surfaced online.

Kia SP2i was first introduced as the Kia SP Concept at Auto Expo 2018 in Delhi, and then in an updated form as the Kia SP Signature at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show. Much like the Hyundai Creta, it has traditional SUV proportions, but it's much more contemporary and technical in design. The high positioned bonnet, tall glasshouse, straight lines and pronounced wheel arches lend the much-needed assertiveness, while the thin LED lamps at the front and rear, the sharp lines pressed into the bodywork, and precise metallic details reflect its high level of sophistication.

The SP2i will set the stone for the Kia brand in the Indian market, and being such a crucial product, it will come packed with all the goodies customers here expect in a premium B-SUV and even more. Its key features may include LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, electronic sunroof, a head-up display, 360-degree camera and WiFi hotspot.

Kia will sell the SP2i in India with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines and manual and torque converter automatic transmissions. Later, it will launch a performance variant sporting a 140 PS 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and featuring paddle shifters.

Also Read: Kia SP Concept's production version may have a 7-seat version

Trial production of the Kia SP2i is already underway at the Anantapur plant (Andhra Pradesh). Series production will start in July in August, followed by a market launch soon. Prices should start at around INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

[Image Source 1: blog.naver.com]

[Image Source 2: c.motorgraph.com]

[Image Source 3: instagram.com]

[Image Source 4: bobaedream.co.kr]