Among the new names on the roster for the Auto Expo 2018, KIA is definitely the one with the most gravitas. Interestingly, unlike international markets where KIA sits below the mother brand Hyundai as a more mass market product. Their intent on the sub-continent will be to sit above Hyundai offerings as a more premium exclusive brand. And to that end, they will be bringing 18 new offering to showcase at the Auto Expo 2018. Naturally, not all 18 will actually go on sale in India, but this will serve as a good way for KIA to make a connection on the ground in India. For KIA, the ground work is done. The mother-company Hyundai is one of India’s leading manufacturers second only to the likes of Maruti Suzuki, and this would mean KIA has the groundwork laid out for it.
Getting back to the 18 cars which KIA have slated for the Auto Expo 2018, on a global scale KIA have 23 products of which one is a CV. So this 18-car parade that they have been talking about might include their entire catalogue including the likes of a few EVs, some mass-market products and some niche up-market products. Here is our pick of the litter for the Auto Expo 2018 which we think might fit in for KIAs strategy in India.
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KIA new Sorento at Auto Expo 2018
India is a market that is in love with a well-priced premium SUV, just look at Jeep. Until the Compass, they were just another premium SUV manufacturer. Not surprisingly the Sorento was spotted by Autocar a few months ago on the road as part of the dealer roadshow. Internationally the KIA Sorento rivals the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe and the Skoda Kodiaq. Under the hood, the Sorento uses a 188 hp 2.2-litre petrol and a 185 hp 2.0-litre diesel. Like the Santa Fe, the Sorento also gets an optional four-wheel drive. Although it seems fair to remind you that, at this point, KIA will be more involved in deciding products than trim offers. Which means that most of this largely speculative.
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KIA Niro EV at Auto Expo 2018
Now, this should be one of the more interesting exhibits, considering the Niro EV made its debut at the 2018 CES a few weeks ago. It also gets an over the top sounding range of 383 kms. Not to mention the 201 hp it makes from its SINGLE electric motor. Now it is possible that KIA will also bring the 139 hp Niro Hybrid to the Auto Expo 2018 alongside. Considering that the latter is more likely to meet their price point for the Indian market.
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KIA Stinger GT at Auto Expo 2018
Now the Stinger will be purely a show-pony drawing all important eyes and maybe some props to the KIA exhibit through the hustle of the Auto Expo 2018. Now the Stinger happens to be South Korea’s response to the GT car. It does have a V6 3.3 l petrol motor that makes a little over 360 hp, but for some strange reason it comes with CVT gearbox. Nonetheless, expect the KIA Stinger GT to be much cheaper than most of its German or otherwise rivals, IF (and it’s a big IF) KIA ultimately do decide to bring it to India.
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KIA Rio Sedan at Auto Expo 2018
Now this one makes it on the list because it’s the best bet from the KIA’s Auto Expo 2018 lineup to make it to the Indian market. Its upmarket looks make it a perfect contender for the compact sedan space There’s a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 99hp and 133Nm and a 1.6-litre petrol that generates 122hp with 151 Nm of torque. Both engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Now while we did say compact sedan the Rio does fit in between the Etios and the Honda City which is unchartered territory.
