After releasing design sketches of their first mid-SUV for India, the upcoming SP2i, Kia Motors is ensuring that it begins operations with a bang. The car maker’s commercial on YouTube has already attracted 236 million views, making it clinch the title of the single most watched ad on the video-streaming site, in India. The advertisement had been able to reach over 1/3rd of India’s internet population which stands at 462Mn according to industry reports in January 2019, grabbing the attention of over 168 million unique online users.
Talking about the upcoming Kia SP2i, its initial sketches suggest that the mid-SUV will be designed to appear sporty and modern, rather than focussing on cutting an imposing picture. The fascia suggests that it will put up a sharp and brave face, what Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and modern lighting elements. Unlike the Hector and the Harrier, the SP2i will feature its headlights just beneath the bonnet’s shut line and there will be vertically-placed lighting elements which will act as fog lamps.
At the back, the wheel arches appear to be curving up towards the shoulder line, accentuating the flat and horizontal scheme of the taillights. Cuts and edges will add more character to the design and the sketches and our first look at a camouflaged example during a factory visit sort of confirm our thoughts that the Kia SP2i will be a not-so-tall but a sporty vehicle which will appease the contemporary and current crowd.
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To be launched in the coming months, the Kia SP2i will be offered with both petrol and diesel engines and the buzz surrounding the SUV is that the carmaker is building it to be an exciting vehicle to drive. Expect the very latest in terms of entertainment and features to be on offer and we wouldn’t be surprised if like the Venue and the Hector, the Sp2i takes the connected-car route as well. In terms of pricing, Kia’s first product for India will ask for a little more than its cousin, the Creta, but from what we’ve been told, will offer a more premium experience than the popular Hyundai.