Kia
Motors India, wholly owned subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation, introduced two
new products for the Indian market at the Auto Expo 2020. Alongside the Kia
Carnival premium MPV, the company also unveiled the new Sonet concept at the
show.
The
Kia Sonet, unveiled for the first time ever, previews a future global compact
SUV from the brand. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in
the Indian market in the second half of 2020.
The
Carnival has been officially launched in India in three different
specifications at a starting price of Rs 24.95 lakh for its Premium variant
(ex-showroom), Rs 28.95 lakh for its Prestige variant (ex-showroom), and Rs
33.95 lakh for its Limousine variant (ex-showroom). Kia received more than
1,400 bookings for the new car on the first day of orders, with a total of more
than 3500 bookings received to-date.
The
Kia vehicles were unveiled in the presence of Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia
Motors India. The Kia Sonet concept, revealed for the first time, previews the
third product offering from Kia Motors in India. A smart urban SUV for young,
dynamic Indian consumers, the Sonet takes inspiration from the advanced world
of networking.
With
a modern, dynamic and bold design, the Sonet is equipped with several
first-in-class features. These include head-turning looks, Kia’s signature
‘tiger-nose’ grille, step well geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eyeline’
daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.
Inside,
Sonet is made for the young, social, connected, tech-savvy Indian. The cabin is
fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect, a
Bose premium audio system, and an intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The
Kia Sonet concept also hints at best-in-class interior space, and certain
first-in-class features especially crafted for the Indian consumers.
The
Sonet is testament to Kia’s focus on consumer insight-driven product innovation
and orientation. It previews a future compact SUV, due to launch in India in
the second half of 2020.
The
Kia Carnival, meanwhile, is powered by a 2.2-litre VGT BS6 diesel engine,
paired with an eight-speed Sportsmatic transmission, a class-leading drivetrain
engineered for smooth, effortless performance.
The
front of the Carnival displays a wide, upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille and
wrap-around LED projection headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs)for
an imposing appearance. From the side, its swept-back silhouette is matched by
a long bonnet design and an all-round glass area with a ‘floating’roof. The
look is completed with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside,
the Carnival makes a statement of luxury with VIP Nappa leather seats,
dual-panel electric sunroof, dual touchscreen rear seat entertainment, and, at
the rear, a Smart Power Tailgate. It also provides advanced technologies to
make driving safer, convenient, and enjoyable, with UVO Connect, Kia’s
connected car and infotainment system. UVO Connect offers 37 smart features,
and is offered free to Indian buyers for three years after initial purchase.
Certain UVO features can also be accessed via users’ smartwatches, taking car
connectivity to a new level.
The
new Carnival premium MPV is now available to order from Kia showrooms across
India.
Seltos X-Line Concept
Kia
also revealed the rugged new Kia Seltos X-Line Concept, a bolder reinterpretation
of the Seltos SUV. The X-Line Concept features a more assertive, rugged front
design with a futuristic radiator grille. Further modifications have been made
to the front and rear bumpers to make it look more distinguished, as well as
the addition of a prominent skid plate, roof rack,and all-terrain-inspired body
panels to elevate the personality of the car.
Kia Motors cars at Auto Expo 2020
Other
brands from Kia at the Auto expo 2020 included:
Soul EV
One
of Kia’s first globally-sold fully-electric vehicles, the Soul EV has several
eye-catching features, and offers long-range, zero-emissions power in the urban
crossover class. Powered exclusively by electric energy, the Soul EV gives
buyers a choice between mid and long-range battery packs, each offering more
power and improved driving range compared to other electric rivals.
Niro EV
Energy
and power for the Niro EV come from a cutting-edge, liquid-cooled 64kWh
lithium-ion polymer battery and powerful electric motor. The long-range
battery, packaged under the floor of the vehicle to maximize cabin space for
passengers, gives the Niro EV a range of 450 kilometers from a single charge.
XCeed
Kia’s
latest global sensation, the XCeed, combines compact SUV practicality with the
sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback. The XCeed’s suite of
advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the
most high-tech,comprehensivelyequipped cars in its class.
Stonic
An
eye-catching and confident compact CUV, the Stonic blends SUV-inspired design
with agile handling and a sporty ride for an exciting drive.