New Kia MPV on track for early 2022 launch

Now, we have already reported to you that Kia is working on an all-new MPV for the Indian market, and that it has also been spied testing in Korea previously. The upcoming Kia MPV (internally codenamed KY) has now been spied testing in India once again, revealing some new details about its design. Sources tell us that this new MPV will hit showrooms by March 2022. 

The new Kia KY MPV will sport a fresh design with styling cues from current Kia models like the Seltos and the Sonet, and also the newer models from the brand like the EV6 sold overseas. The heavily covered test mule looks similar to the Seltos when viewed from front three-quarters, but gets a much larger rear door and glasshouse. It also gets sharp shoulder lines and slightly longer wheelbase to accomodate the third row of seats. At the back, the new MPV will have an upright rear.

 

While the Seltos measures 4,315mm in length, the upcoming Kia MPV is likely to be around 4.5 metres long, similar to the Mahindra Marazzo. There are talks of the MPV sharing its length and wheelbase with the Hyundai Alcazar three-row SUV.  Speaking of the third row, sources also tell us that this new MPV will have a "usable" third row with better legroom than most of its rivals.

 

The MPV will get a wide ‘Tiger nose’ grille and other sharp styling features, with a mix of chrome. The test mule seems close to production-spec and can also be seen riding on new alloy wheels, although its size doesn’t seem much larger than the Seltos. 

Under the hood, the Kia KY MPV is expected to be powered by the brand’s 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Both these engines are already offered with the Seltos and Sonet. Power and torque figures and gearbox options are also expected to be similar to the Seltos. 

 

The KY will be one of the few MPVs in India that will be sold with both petrol and diesel powertrain options. In comparison, the Maruti Ertiga is a petrol-only model, while the Mahindra Marazzo is currently solely offered with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The larger Innova Crysta, however, is available with petrol and diesel engine options. 

The Kia KY MPV is expected to be globally unveiled in the coming months before it goes on sale in India by early next year. The KY will be made here in India and exported to other countries. The new MPV will see stiff competition here from Maruti Suzuki when it launches facelifts for the Ertiga and XL6 that are also expected to hit the markets around the same time period. 

 

Similarly, a Hyundai derivative of the same MPV is being readied in Indonesia, while there aren't any confirmed reports, this MPV could also come to our shores in the future. Read more on that here.