It is no secret that Kia Motors is readying for it’s much talked about Indian debut sometime next year. The South Korea based company previewed a host of models at this year’s Auto Expo in Greater Noida, giving an inkling of the cars that are likely to be a part of its Indian line-up. While some of the models like SP Concept based SUV and Kia’s version of the upcoming Hyundai Carlino SUV are set to be launched in the country, the Korean car giant is evaluating the market for launching other products that were displayed at the biennial event.
Sources close to the development have revealed that Kia is studying the market for Stonic crossover and Carnival MPV, both of which generated enough traction at the Auto Expo 2018. The Kia Stonic is essentially Kia’s version of the Hyundai Kona crossover that is already sold in the overseas markets. It is believed that Kia is evaluating Stonic platform for the Indian market, which could form base for other body-styles.
Internationally, Stoic is offered with a series of engines such as the 85bhp, 1.2-litre petrol, 121bhp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol and the 110bhp 1.6-litre oil burner. Available as a front-wheel drive, the crossover is available in manual and auto units. However, if the crossover is launched in India, it could get different mechanicals.
Coming to the Grand Carnival premium MPV, it is a five-door MPV with seating option for seven, eight and even eleven. Boasting large dimensions, the Grand Carnival MPV is sold under the Sedona nameplate in some overseas markets. One of its unique features is the power sliding doors for the second row that set it apart from competitors. For power generation, it uses a 201bhp, 2.2-litre oil burner linked to a six-speed auto unit. While Kia is evaluating these models for the Indian market, the company plans to launch five cars in the country by 2021.