South Korean carmaker Kia Motors announced its entry into the Indian market last year and will be commencing operations by 2019. The Hyundai Group company is gearing up for a public debut at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo, and will be showcasing its future products as well as interact with the media and potential customers. Now, ahead of its official unveil, Kia's upcoming premium SUV - the Sorento was spotted on public roads and is one of the possible models in the automaker's portfolio. The Kia Sorento shares underpinnings with the Hyundai Santa Fe, and was spotted in the range-topping GT Line variant.
(The Kia Sorento is likely to be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo next month)
Internationally, the Kia Sorento is in its third generation and the full-size SUV competes against a host of offerings including the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Skoda Kodiaq and the likes. With the Santa Fe no more on sale in the country, the Sorento arrives as an effective replacement and will also help create a premium brand image for Kia in the country.
The Kia Sorento is large in its proportions measuring 4780 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, 1685 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2780 mm. It has a urban yet butch appeal in its design and features a host of creature comforts including LED headlamps with DRLs, LED fog lights, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, start-stop button and cruise control. You also get paddle shifters on the automatic variant, along with ventilated seats, gesture open boot, electrically foldable seats and even 360 degree camera. The seven-seater rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and also gets a panoramic sunroof.
(Kia Motors will showcase its India portfolio at the Auto Expo next month)
With respect to engine options, the Kia Sorento SUV gets a 2.0-litre diesel engine internationally with 147 bhp while there is also a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit with 193 bhp. A 2.4-litre GDI petrol motor with 192 bhp is also available on the SUV. It needs to be seen though which powertrain options will be available on the India-spec model. Transmission options include a manual and automatic, while there will also be AWD on offer.
(The 2018 Kia Sorento is loaded on features)
Kia is just kick-starting work in India and is already in the process of setting up a manufacturing facility at Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh with an investment of $1.1 billion. Earlier this week, the South Korean car maker announced Kookhyun Shim as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for India operations. As India is expected to be third largest auto market by 2020, Kia is looking to grab a piece of this ever growing pie. More details on Kia's plans for the country will be available around the Expo. Stay tuned for details.
Spy Image Source: Rushlane.com
