Kia SP Signature: Key design changes

-The Kia SP Signature is a design evolution of the SP Concept.

-Production-spec SP Signature will rival the Tata Harrier and Hyundai Creta.

-India launch in second-half of 2019.

Kia Motors today showcased the SP Signature concept at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show, which is an evolution of the design of the Kia SP Concept that debuted at the 2018 Auto Expo. The Kia SP Signature envisages a near-production version of the upcoming compact SUV from the South Korean carmaker. Here are the key design changes on the SP Signature as compared to the SP Concept.

Front

While the Kia SP Signature is still a concept, it features quite a few subtle design changes that make it production ready. First up, the hood has been redesigned to comply with the upcoming pedestrian safety norms. The internals of the front grille and the air dam have seen some design revision, while the LEDs inside the headlights, DRLs and the fog lights have a different illumination pattern. The SP Signature also features brushed aluminium finish to the grille and the faux skid plate.

Side

The biggest change in the profile of the Kia SP Signature is the alloy wheel design. While the SP Concept at the 2018 Auto Expo wore 20-inch alloys, the SP Signature features 19-inch wheels. The SUV also gets production-spec sliver roof rails, door handles, and a fuel filler lid. Furthermore, the roof, belt-line garnish and the ORVMs feature glossy black treatment.

Rear

As compared to the SP Concept, the Kia SP Signature concept features slimmer wraparound LED taillights with a new light pattern. The tail lamps are connected with a thick bar that gets a brushed aluminium detailing. The car gets fog lamps that are embedded on the rear quarter panel, while the rear spoiler features a gloss black finish.

Kia Motors has not revealed the interiors of the SP Signature. However, we can expect the production version to come with a large infotainment system and multiple connectivity options. The production-spec car will be powered by a set of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Both, manual as well as automatic transmissions will be on offer at launch. The car is likely to get the Kia Tusker moniker and will be manufactured at the Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh.