Can Kia Beat Toyota At Its Own Game?  » MotorOctane

Kia has experienced healthy success over the year thanks to its SUVs like the Seltos and Sonet. And to further diversify its SUV range, the Korean automaker has confirmed that it will launch an SUV. Moreover, it has also revealed plans for major updates for one of its popular models. With these updates, Kia promises both luxury and fuel economy. Here are all the details you need to know about these upcoming Kia cars.
Attention Readers! Join us on Whatsapp Community for daily auto news updates

Upcoming Kia Cars Confirmed – Kia Sorento

Kia has officially unveiled big plans for the Indian market at its CEO Investor Day, including 8 electrified vehicles (xEVs). These electrified vehicles include hybrids and EVs, and these vehicles will be launched by 2030. It has also revealed the names for some of the models, and the big name that stands out is the Kia Sorento.

The Sorento is currently sold globally, which helps us get an idea of what the Indian-spec model would look like. It is a 4.8m-long SUV, which means it will sit above the XUV7XO in the market and even compete with the Innova Hycross in pricing. It is expected to be offered in 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations at launch. The Sorento is distinctly a Kia thanks to the vertical taillights and characteristic grille. It looks like the right mixture between rugged and elegant, and the Indian audience will surely appreciate the design. 

Also Read: Hyundai To Launch This Fronx Rival!

Kia Sorento – Features & Specifications

The Sorento is expected to be packed with features like a 24-inch dual-screen display, 14-way powered driver’s seat, 10-way powered passenger seats, heads-up display, wireless charging, 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, level 2 ADAS, and much more. And given that it is a Kia, you can expect the interiors to be well packaged and ergonomically friendly. 

The key details about the Sorento are that it will be a strong hybrid. This hybrid tech is expected to be mated to a 1.5-litre petrol motor. Being an SUV, it would also get an AWD drivetrain. However, it is still too early to judge whether Kia will bring a diesel alternative to India. With this hybrid powertrain, the Sorento promises healthy fuel economy. 

Also Read: Top 5 Automatic Cars Under ₹15 Lakhs!

Kia Carnival Hybrid Launch Confirmed!

Kia also revealed that it will launch the Carnival in a hybrid avatar soon. The outgoing model is offered with a sole 2.2-litre diesel engine, but this engine could be discontinued when the hybrid is launched. The US-spec Carnival is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, but it is difficult to predict whether the India-spec will get the same. Instead of bringing in an all-new engine, Kia could simply use the 1.5-litre petrol that it plans to use on the Sorento. 

The feature list won’t differ much as the outgoing model is as luxurious as it gets. We expect the Carnival hybrid to get Level-2 ADAS, 3-zone climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, sunroof, 360-degree camera, 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. 

Also Read: Mahindra-Toyota’s Safest SUV Is Here!

Upcoming Kia Cars Confirmed – Pricing

The Sorento will sit right between the XUV7XO and Fortuner in the market, which means its pricing will be around Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). On the other hand, the Carnival hybrid will be much more expensive, at around Rs 80 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). 

Maruti and Toyota have experienced good success with their hybrid models. Furthermore, JSW plans to launch its own hybrid models, including PHEVs, under the MG name. The market for hybrid powertrains is opening up, and Kia is planning to join this party with the Sorento and Carnival hybrid. 

Also Read: Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – Special Edition Launched!