Tuesday, December 24, 2024
By Kamal Swami
Kia India Plans Big For 2025
The Korean carmaker Kia Motors is all set to woo the Indian car market with some mind-blowing launches in 2025. According to recent reports, the carmaker has at least SUVs in the pipeline for the next year. Kia India, the carmaker's Indian alliance, will start its journey in 2025 with the launch of the highly speculated compact SUV Syros. The compact SUV will be showcased during the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, which will be held in January 2025, and the prices will be announced in February 2025.
In an exclusive interview with an online publication, Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director of Kia India, said, the company expects a growth of 18% in sales after the launch of Syros. With SUVs contributing nearly 54% of passenger vehicle sales in India, Kia is doubling its SUV portfolio. Apart from the compact SUV Syros, the company plans to launch the facelift Carens, Carens Electric, next-generation Seltos with a hybrid engine and the Electric Sonet.
Kia Syros: To begin with the Kia Syros, the car maker is going to play a big stroke in the Indian car market. Uploaded with premium features and the availability of two engine options including– a 120bhp 1.0L turbo petrol and a 116bhp 1.5L diesel, the Syros includes some features offered for the first time in the segment. This includes a 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Screen, a Level 2 ADAS suite, OTA software updates, ventilated and reclining rear seats, and flush-fitting door handles.
Kia Carens Facelift and Electric: The best-selling MPV Carens is to undergo a midlife facelift in 2025. Under the hood, the facelift Carens will continue with the same existing engine options of 1.5L NA petrol, 1.5L turbo petrol, and 1.5L diesel engines, with some contemporary features. It is also anticipated that the company will launch its electric version also empowered with a 45kWh battery and an electric motor outsourced from the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.
Next-Generation Kia Seltos Hybrid: Kia’s flagship Seltos SUV is getting ready for its second generation with new features. The major attraction of the second generation Seltos will be a 141bhp 1.6L hybrid powertrain combined with an AWD system. The existing petrol and diesel engines will also continue to be available. The 2025 Seltos will be inspired by the EV5 and EV3 models. The new Seltos will carry features like redesigned LED headlamps, taillamps, updated bumpers, and new alloy wheels.
Kia Sonet EV: As a part of its electrification strategy the carmaker plans to launch the electric version of the compact SUV Sonet, empowered with a 45kWh battery and electric motor shared with the Hyundai Creta EV. It is believed to deliver an average of 450 km on a single charge. The list of some notable features to be offered in electric Sonet includes a Bose sound system, dual 10.2-inch displays, and ventilated front seats are expected to enhance its appeal.
According to industry experts, Kia’s aggressive SUV expansion strategy expresses its commitment to meeting growing consumer demand for versatile, feature-rich vehicles. With an eye on both ICE and EV segments, Kia is positioning itself as a dominant player in India’s competitive automotive environment.
