Kia is getting ready to pull the covers off a new compact SUV that will slot beneath the Seltos and go head-to-head with the Ford EcoSport, Opel Crossland X and Renault Captur.
The official design sketches that you see here preview the concept version of this new crossover making its global debut at the Delhi Auto Expo early this month beginning from tomorrow till next week. The production variant, which is expected to be called the Sonet, is set to go into production in the second half of this year, Indianautosblog reports.
The SUV will be a twin of the Hyundai Venue recently launched in South Africa, boasting similar dimensions and mechanicals. But as the sketches imply, the Sonet will have completely unique styling that partially resembles the Sorento up front and the Sportage at the back.
The newcomer is expected to share its chassis and engines with the Venue, with the mainstay of the range being Hyundai’s 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol unit, which produces 88kW and 172Nm.
Gearbox options are likely to include six-speed manual and seven-speed DTC dual clutch units, in both cases driving the front wheels only. A 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre turbodiesel are also likely to be offered in the Indian market.
The Motor Show 2020 will be focused towards new technologies and innovation in the auto industry. This year’s edition aims at creating an alluring experience for the visitors by resurrecting a new brand image which will not only focus on static display of motor vehicles, but will focus on ‘Entire Mobility Eco-System’, enveloped by the theme of “Co-Create, Co-Exist and Celebrate”.
This metamorphosis will not only rechristen the image of ‘Auto Expo internationally, but will also allow the discerning visitors to experience, comprehend and appreciate the kaleidoscopic journey of the automobile industry, especially over the last 20 years.
MIKE OCHONMA
