Kia SP2i (Kia Tusker) compact SUV spied testing ahead of India launch

-    The production-spec Kia SP2i is likely to be christened as Kia Tusker.

-    It will employ 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

-    The Kia Tusker will be launched in the second half of 2019.

Kia Motors India unveiled the SP Concept at the Auto Expo 2018, which gave us a glimpse into an upcoming compact SUV from the Korean car maker. Expected to be christened as the Kia Tusker, the SP2i (codename) was spied testing in Delhi NCR. The Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier rival will reportedly be launched in India in the second half of 2019. Apart from the cars mentioned above, the production Kia SP2i will also compete with the Jeep Compass.

The spy images display the front and side profiles of the Kia SP2i, along with a few other important details. For instance, it is the first time that the SP2i test mule has been spotted 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels. The car will come with disc brakes on all four wheels, front parking sensors and roof rails. Overall styling will be mostly similar to the Kia SP Concept, and previous spy shots have revealed that the car will get split LED headlights.

The Kia SP2i will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The said facility will not only make Kia cars for the Indian market but will cater to global markets as well. The SP2i or the Kia Tusker will be powered by newly developed BS-VI compliant 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options that will be available across six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The Kia SP2i’s platform will also underpin the next-generation Hyundai Creta, which is expected to be a 7-seat offering. The Creta will borrow its powertrains with the Kia. The production SP2i will compete with the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, MG Hector and the Jeep Compass.

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