NEW DELHI : The SUV segment in India has been taking on the headwinds in the auto industry with its head relatively high and Kia made a strong debut courtesy the Seltos. A strong design language, plethora of features and a competitive price tag has helped Seltos rack up the numbers and despite well established rivals in the segment, carve out a niche.
This may have been a strong signal for the Korean company to step put boldly and consider bringing in another offering in the SUV segment and several reports indicate it is going to be a compact SUV - codenamed QYI.
QYI has already been seen testing in Korea under massive camouflage and now, spy shots of the vehicle going through road tests in India have also emerged.
While certain underpinnings are likely to be shared with the Hyundai Venue - Hyundai and Kia are sister companies, the QYI clearly has its own distinct design which are amply evident even from the heavy disguise it was kept in during tests. It has a rounded back unlike the Venue which is squarish and has large flared wheel arches. It is, however, likely to have the same - or similar - front grille like the Seltos and a two-part head light design.
The QYI is almost certain to get a bucket-load of features on the inside with a large touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, phone connectivity, steering-mounted control etc. Ventilated seats, cruise control, sunroof and wireless phone charger could be made available on the top variant(s).
The QYI may share its engine options with the Venue.
Kia may opt to bring in the QYI in the second part of 2020, after bringing in its MPV - Carnival. Once launched, the QYI will lock heads with Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Mahindra's KUV 300.
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