Upcoming production 2019 Kia SP2i SUV could get a head-up display
Kia Motors India is only a few weeks away from launching its first product in the country, the production version of the SUV we so far know as the Kia SP2i concept. We expect the SUV, rumoured to be called the Tusker, to compete in a segment occupied by everything from the Jeep Compass to the soon-to-be launched MG Hector. To this, we think Kia will differentiate its offering through many segment-first features.
Proof of this seems to come from these spy pictures of the SUV undergoing testing. The clear pane ahead of the instrument cluster is clearly visible, showing this to be a more cost-effective head-up display set-up. While most of the insides are camouflaged, noticeable is the dark interior theme and the very Kia steering wheel with its round horn pad and oval steering controls finished in a metallic tone. Dominating this set-up is the widescreen Mercedes-esque floating infotainment console and the centre-console arrangement which seems to take inspiration from the Stinger GT.
The exterior reiterates what we have guessed from the sketches released sometime ago. The Kia SUV seems to get quite an aggressive face. The large tiger-nose grille and contoured bonnet accentuate the fairly aggressive bumpers. The headlamps, interestingly, seem to have some heavy 3D detailing, a unique touch being the DRL that extends right up to the middle of the grille. The tail lamps complement this look too while the curved class area, high shoulder line and the high set chrome bits on the bumper seem to bring a coupe-ish vibe. Dimensionally and in profile, the Kia Tusker seems too similar to the Hyundai Creta.
The production SP2i will sit on a platform derived from the Hyundai Creta. New powertrain options will be available. This includes a new BSVI compliant 1.5-litre diesel motor which is expected to put out 115PS and 250Nm, and will be a replacement for the 1.6-litre diesel unit from the Creta. A new petrol, also of 1.5-litre displacement, will be made available. This motor is also expected to support hybrid powertrain components by 2023.
We expect this SUV to be priced at a slight premium over the Creta, between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 16 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai.
Image source: Throttle Blips