Kia SP2i spotted testing in production guise ahead of India launch

- It is expected to be launched in the second half of 2019.

- Production-spec Kia SP2i is based on the SP Concept.

- It will be powered by all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

A near-production version of Kia SP2i was spied undergoing its final stages of testing last week in Pune. The test mule seems to be a mid-spec model as it misses out on a sunroof, which FZ expected to be offered on the top-of-the-line trim.

Kia SP2i is based on the SP Concept that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. The production version will be mostly similar to the Kia SP Signature, which debuted late last month at the 2019 Seol Motor Show. Reports claim that the production-spec model will either be christened as Kia Tusker or Kia Trailster. While the name is yet to be decided, what we do know is that it will be based on a platform, which will also underpin the next-generation Hyundai Creta.

The Kia SP2i is expected to be priced in the bracket of Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 16 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will face competition from the likes of Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, MG Hector and the Nissan Kicks among others. The SUV is likely to be launched in India in September or October 2019.

Powering the production-spec Kia SP2i will be a set of 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Both the motors will be BS-VI ready at launch and will comply with the new emission norms closer to the 1 April 2020 deadline. The engines will be available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The new powertrains will make their way into the next-gen Creta and other Hyundai cars in the years to come.

Image Source