Kia KY 7-seater MPV spied testing ahead of 2022 debut

Tuhin Guha Published: August 30, 2021, 11:32 AM IST

A video on social media has given us the first glimpse of Kia India's next big offering, the new 7-seater MPV that debuts in early to mid 2022. Codenamed the Kia KY, the new three-row model is effectively Kia's version of the Hyundai Alcazar but is expected to be positioned differently from its Hyundai cousin.

2022 Kia KY exteriors spied

Although heavily camouflaged here, it is clear that the new Kia MPV will come with a fully reworked front end with little carried over from the Seltos. There seems to be a new set of slim LED headlamps possibly styled along the lines of the new-gen Carnival. The fascia is upright with a high bonnetline while there seems to be a new grille as well as a different bumper design.

Also expect to see a flatter roof deisgn and a more upright profile while a larger set of 18-inch wheels can be expected as well. At the rear, there should be slim LED tailamp clusters with possibly a full-width bar to further bring the new people-mover in line with Kia's larger offerings.

2022 Kia MPV expected features

With the new Kia MPV borrowing the same extended architecture from the Alcazar, a longer wheelbase of 2,760mm, more high-strength steel in the body and revised suspension tuning should be seen. Also expected is a similar set of features as the Hyundai, with the digital instrumentation, 360-degree cameras, panoramic sunroof, connected-tech, all making their way here. The second row should get the seatback tables, the floor-mounted armrest and a separate AC compressor for the third row.

2022 Kia MPV expected engines, gearbox

Engine options could again mirror those of the new Hyundai. The diesel motor should continue unchanged from the Seltos, the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel putting out 115PS and 250 Nm. Both engines come paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The new 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol making 169PS and 191 Nm should also be added to the line-up. Both engines are expected to be made available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic.

2022 Kia MPV expected prices

The Kia MPV should be priced at a premium over the Seltos. We think prices may start from Rs 15 lakh and go up to Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom. This will help Kia exploit the price gap between the XL6 and the Innova.

Image source: rohit_raj.dt via Instagram

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Watch our video review of the Hyundai Alcazar below