Kia Motors India is all set to explore yet another segment in the country. Recently, the company launched its second product in the Indian market in form of Carnival MPV and we already know that the next in the offing is the Sonet sub 4-metre SUV which was showcased in concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo. But the product in question here is an all-new affordable MPV which will directly rival Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India.
It has been learnt that the new Kia mid-sized MPV will be based on the Seltos' architecture. However, it will be bigger in length than Seltos to accommodate the third row of seating. Recently, Mr. Han-Woo Park, President and CEO, Kia Motors, said, “As you can see, we have launched the Carnival, and with this, we will develop the luxury MPV segment in the Indian market. I have already got some good response from Indian consumers. We are now thinking about another MPV. As you know, Kia is a very strong SUV and MPV player. So the next one I’m considering is another MPV model for Indian customers.”
Kia Carnival price starts at Rs 24.95 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom, Delhi) and hence it takes it away from the reach and budget of a common buyer. Hence, the South-Korean automaker is working on an affordable version of the MPV so that it can cater to average buyers. The MPV segment is a lucrative segment in India and it has been evolving at a steady pace which is evident from the fact that Maruti sold a whooping 93,000 units of the Ertiga in 2019 even when the whole auto industry was facing a slowdown in the Indian market. Kia might unveil the production-ready MPV by the end of 2020 with a launch slated in mid 2021.
