Kia Sonet officially unveiled

Kia took the wraps off the Sonet - it's all-new compact crossover - last Friday. When it goes on sale in September, the Sonet would join the Seltos and Carnival as the brand's third model for India. 

Is Kia on for a hat-trick here? To find out, let's look at all the things that are good in the Sonet and some that are not.

Good: Kia is on a roll

Right from the get-go, Kia has been aggressive and bullish about India. From flooding the 2016 Auto Expo with its entire global line-up to setting up a manufacturing facility at Anantapur in record time, the South Korean brand announced its intentions loud and clear. Further reiterating that were the cars Kia chose to begin it's stint in the country.

Instead of the quicker and easier route of bringing in one of its existing global models, Kia put in the time and efforts to launch the Seltos. With a plethora of variants and a multitude of power-train choices priced from ₹ 10 Lakhs to as much as ₹ 21 Lakhs, the Seltos straddled three segments and raced to the top of the sales charts. In what was a smart move, Kia brought in the Carnival premium MPV next, a niche no other car-maker had the courage or enthusiasm to enter. The result? Kia now holds the distinction of selling 100,000 cars on Indian soil faster than any other brand.

With the Sonet, Kia is clearly repeating the Seltos success formula in a smaller and more affordable package. Looks like a home run then, uh!

Good: High on style

Kia's design team has been in top form of late. If you're in doubt, google Telluride and K5! The Sonet, though not in the same league, is stylish enough to attract eyeballs.

Up front, the wide 'Tiger Nose' grille and the large air dam with brushed metal inserts make the Sonet look as imposing as it could be for its diminutive size. In profile, the Sonet sports mildly-flared wheel arches with plastic cladding and thick C-pillars with sharply-rising sheet metal. There is quite a lot happening at the rear with those snazzy taillights, the trim piece connecting them, multiple creases on the tailgate and the two-tone bumper with metallic inserts vying for attention. What steals the show though is the 'Heartbeat' LED lighting signature at the front and the rear.

The interiors are just what you would expect from a Korean car - over-styled and feature-loaded. Standout elements include the in-vogue 10.25-inch floating touchscreen, the sporty 3-spoke flat-bottom seering wheel, the funky instrument cluster and large, vertical air vents. 

Not good: Sibling rivalry on the cards

Hyundai might own one-third of Kia but there is no love lost between the two brands when it comes to sales and market share. The Seltos, when launched a year ago, was aimed straight at the Creta and ended up eating into the latter's sales. That's no mean feat, given the Creta had fended off every single rival there was from 2015 before losing out to its sibling. With the all-new Creta launched this March, Hyundai managed to wrestle back to the lead. 

With the Sonet, the scenario is all set for a repeat albeit one segment below. Yes, Hyundai's Venue is one of the many rivals the Sonet has in its sights. And the Kia is entering the game with quite a few factors in its favour. The Sonet arguably looks better, has a longer feature list and gets the crucial diesel-automatic combination. Do the folks at Hyundai have an answer this time? Let's wait and watch. This sibling rivalry is fascinating to watch!

Let's not forget the in-house fight brewing either! The Sonet has the potential to greatly cannibalize Seltos' sales. 

Good: A Sonet for everyone

When Kia launched the Seltos, it took a while for even the hardcore enthusiasts to figure out the many variants, engines, transmissions and trim levels on offer. Imagine how prospective customers would have felt trying to pick a Seltos variant for them. The Sonet, it appears, is heading down the same path. 

First up, there are two distinct appearance packages - Tech Line and GT Line. The latter, with it's bright red accents and all-black interiors, is aimed at those with sporting pretensions. Both these packages will have a range of trim levels to choose from. Then comes the powertrain choices. A trio of engines are on offer - a 1.2-liter petrol, a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel. Depending on the engine chosen, transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed clutchless Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed Dual Clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Phew!

Petrol or diesel? Manual or Automatic? Power or fuel efficiency? Beige or black interiors? Whatever your pick is, there's going to be a Sonet for you. 

Good: Fully loaded.. and some more!

Most new cars are equipped with features and technology far beyond what we used to have just two years back. Just when we reconciled to the fact there would be no big surprises on that front, Kia has pulled a  While that isn't surprising these days, Kia has taken it a notch or two higher. 

Who would have thought a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with over 50 connected car features, ventilated front seats, cabin air purifier with virus protection, perfume dispenser, mood lighting and a wireless smartphone charger with cooling vents would be available on a compact SUV? Sonet's top-spec trim level gets all of these in addition to the regular list of features you would expect from a car of this size and price range. 

Sonet scores in terms of safety too with six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors and front and rear parking sensors.

Not good: Late in a crowded space

It is clear the Sonet has a lot going for it. But there is one risk element that could work against it big time. Unlike the Seltos that had only the Creta to contend with and the Carnival which had no direct rivals to speak of, the Sonet is a late entrant to a crowded party. 

Though Premier tried its luck with a rebadged Chinese car, it was Ford that truly kick-started this segment with the EcoSport, catching rivals off-guard. That was way back in 2013! Now, this is one of the hotly-contested segments in the Indian automotive industry with Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3OO, Honda WR-V and Mahindra TUV3OO fighting it out with the Ford. 

With Toyota's Vitara Brezza-based Urban Cruiser, Renault's Kiger and Nissan's Magnite slated to join the party soon, Kia is having its hands full.

To sum up, the Sonet is not going to have it easy out there. But, the folks in Kia seem to have done their homework well and equipped the Sonet with all that's needed to fight and win over customers. It's fair to conclude Kia is staring at its third consecutive success story in India.

2020 Auto Expo - Kia Sonet Concept previews the brand's next model for India

Kia made a grand debut in India at the 2018 Auto Expo, unveiling the SP Concept and showcasing its full range of cars from the Picanto to the Stinger GT. The SP Concept spawned the brand’s first model for India, the Seltos, which has since gone on to become a smash hit. 

The South Korean car-maker has adopted a similar approach for the 2020 Auto Expo that opened doors in New Delhi yesterday. Making its world debut this time is the Sonet Concept that previews an upcoming compact crossover that will slot in as the smallest in a lineup that includes Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, Sorento and Telluride.

Featuring bold and modern design elements, the Sonet Concept – like every new Kia out there – looks pleasing to the eyes.

Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille dominates the fascia featuring intricate step-well geometry within the mesh. Wraparound headlights emerge seamlessly from the top corners of the grille and incorporates LED Daytime Running Lights. The squared-off wheel arches and those interesting C-pillars that sharply rise to the top before appearing to wrap themselves around the roof give this little crossover an attractive profile. Further adding to the appeal are door handles that sit flush with the body and ultra-thin mirrors. The rear features a light bar that joins the taillights and houses the Kia logo in the middle. Giving that extra dose of sportiness are brushed silver inserts in the front and rear bumpers and bright red highlights in the grille, bumpers, doors and alloy wheels.  

Don’t expect the production model to look too different from this concept. Kia might do a Seltos here which looks very much like the SP Concept!

Kia’s diminutive crossover will share its underpinnings with the similarly-sized Hyundai Venue. Three engines – a 1.2-liter petrol, a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel – are likely to be offered along with manual and automatic transmission options including the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) from the Venue.  

When it goes on sale later this year, the Sonet will enter a crowded segment currently dominated by Maruti-Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza and Hyundai’s Venue. Other rivals include the Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV3OO. 

Watch this space to know if Kia emerges unscathed the third time after back-to-back hits in the form of Seltos and Carnival.

MG & Kia make strong debuts in India

| Sales of MG Hector and Kia Seltos are off to a great start |

| Hector bookings cross 21,000 with MG temporarily closing bookings |

| Kia receives over 6,000 bookings for the Seltos in a day |

It's true that the automotive industry in India is going through one of it's toughest phases ever. The mere fact every car-maker out there barring one or two report double-digit drop in sales month-on-month is an indication of the bloodshed that's happening out there. This then is not the right time to enter the market, one would think.

But two brands that most people in India have unheard of are making waves out there, following two different philosophies to penetrate the market. 

Take Morris Garages, for instance. Now owned by SAIC, China's biggest car-maker, MG has been doing everything right ever since they set shop in India. Be it touting their British heritage with nary a hint of their Chinese assocation, be it striking an emotional chord with a small but loyal set of owners of classic MG models, be it their aggressive marketing tactics that kept people talking about the brand or be it the well thought-out maintenance and ownership packages that are designed to alleviate concerns potential customers might have in putting their money on a new brand, MG planned and executed their moves very well.

Backing all these efforts was their product itself, the Hector. Despite being based off a SAIC model, the Hector - endorsed by the popular British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch - never revealed it's Chinese origins which, by the way, isn't a bad thing at all. Indians love bling and MG offered that in dollops with the Hector. Indians crave for features and the vehicle is loaded to the gills and some more with them. With the largest touchscreen ever seen on an automobile in India and next level of connectivity features that's proclaimed with an 'Internet Inside' fender badge, the Hector is tech-savvy, just what the millenials want!

That the Hector's sales crossed 21,000 units within weeks of launch and bookings have been closed until further announcement is a testament to their efforts.

If you're one of those that think MG had an easy way in, thanks to GM's association with SAIC which handed the Halol plant in Gujarat on a platter to MG, what do you have to say about Kia? These folks from South Korea didn't have it easy, despite being closely-knit to Hyundai that has a strong presence and image in India.

From setting up a huge greenfield facility at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh in record time to counting the days for their first model launch in the country, Indian arm of Kia has put in the 1 Billion Dollars sanctioned by its parent to good use over the last couple of years. The sheer scale shows the commitment and the confidence the brand has in the Indian market. Starting off with an annual capacity to make 100,000 cars, Kia has plans to scale up to 300,000 units a year within two years. Just like Hyundai, Kia has taken along quite a few of it's suppliers and made them set shop close by to solve supply chain constraints.

Though their marketing efforts thus far has been less intense compared to, let's say MG, Kia showed their might at the 2016 Auto Expo. From the Picanto hatchback to the Stinger GT premium sedan, from the Sportage crossover to the Grand Carnival MPV, the Korean brand's 16-strong model lineup brought in for the event left a lasting impression. Taking one of them and adapting it for Indian tastes and requirements would've been the easier option. But Kia didn't do that.

They came up with the Seltos, an all-new model that hits straight at a red-hot segment dominated by Hyundai. Yes, the Creta is what Seltos is aimed at. With it's distinct styling, impressive levels of fit and finish, a gamut of engine and transmission options and bucket-loads of features with many segment-firsts thrown in, the Seltos - based on the SP Signature Concept showcased earlier this year - looks set to usurp it's Hyundai sibling from the throne it currently occupies unchallenged.

Don't believe us? Get this. Bookings for the Seltos opened officially this Tuesday and by the end of the day, Kia had pocketed a whopping 6,000 deposits. And, let's not forget the pricing hasn't been announced yet!

The message then is loud and clear. The sentiments may be down, liquidity might be a problem and lending rates might be on their way up but success is in the offing if car-makers put in earnest efforts and bring in attractive models. 

While it's a great job so far by MG and Kia, the challenge now is to keep the momentum going. It's going to be interesting, let's see how they cope up!

2018 Auto Expo - Kia announces its arrival with the SP Concept

Tata Motors might have stolen the limelight at the 2018 Auto Expo in New Delhi but one car-maker that has gone there all guns blazing is Kia. With an army of 15 models from its global portfolio and the entire top brass in tow, the South Korean car-maker couldn’t have reaffirmed its commitment to India more.

In the midst of all this, Kia took the wraps off the SP Concept, previewing a Creta-sized crossover that’s expected to be the brand’s first offering for the Indian market. 

On the days leading to the expo, teasers released by Kia Motor’s social media channels met with a good response despite the fact that they didn’t reveal much about the concept. Now that the covers are completely off, the initial positive feedback has turned into an overwhelmingly favourable reception.

And why not? The SP Concept looks impressive and production-ready. Knowing Kia, the production model is not likely to look much different either. 

Up front, Kia's trademark 'Tiger Nose' grille is now bigger, a bit toned down and extends right up to the fancy LED positioning lights. A mix of gloss black elements and silver inserts spruce up the fascia as does the sculpted bumper with vertical Daytime Running Lights. Move over to the sides and the vehicle impresses with a prominent shoulder line, contrasting roof, exaggerated wheels and interesting detailing around the C-pillar and the door cladding. The smart rear houses LED taillights with a silver insert running across the width of the car connecting them. 

Neither the interiors nor the specifications of the SP Concept were released but its safe to assume the 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines from the Creta would be the power of choice for Kia India's first crossover. 

Based on the Creta, the SP Concept is likely to transform into a production model that, according to Kia, will go on sale in the second half of 2019. When it hits the market, expect the SP-based crossover to lock horns with Hyundai's own Creta apart from similarly-priced rivals like the Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross and Renault's Duster and Captur twins.

From the little Picanto to the smashing Stinger GT, the entire lineup of Kia cars were on display as were the brand's SUVs and crossovers - Stonic, Sportage, Sorento and Mohave.

Globally, Kia has been a force to reckon with in recent years with their models known for eye-catchy styling, feature-loaded interiors, industry-leading 7-year warranty and top reliability ratings. Combine all of that with the aggression and commitment the Koreans are known for, Kia might just be the next big thing in the Indian automotive industry!

Kia is India-bound. What could they bring along?

One car-manufacturer that always seemed to have the right products that could have made a mark in India was Kia. It’s a pity they didn’t bother to set shop here all these years. For those who do not know much about them, Kia is South Korea’s oldest car-manufacturer and, of late, one of the world's fastest-growing too. Partly owned by Hyundai, the two brands share a ‘Volkswagen-Skoda’ kind of relationship when it comes to designing and developing their products. Cars from the two brands share platforms, engines, transmissions and pretty much everything that can be shared.

Now that Kia are headed here, speculations are rife on the cars we could buy from them, right here in India, in about two years from now.

An India-specific compact sedan and a compact SUV are on the cards but that apart, Kia has been tight-lipped on their game plan for our market. That gives us a chance to come up with a wish list of our own. Kia might never launch them here but, if we were the product planners at their Indian subsidiary, these are the vehicles that would be India-bound.

Optima Hybrid

You didn't see this coming, did you? To make it big in India, you need a competent hatchback. For that to sell, a widespread dealer network is essential. Dealers won't be on board without a product to sell. That's where the Optima Hybrid steps in.

A direct rival to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Optima could be the perfect launch-pad and image-builder Kia needs. The Optima is a stylish, fully loaded entry-luxury sedan and in its ‘Hybrid’ guise, more than a match to its Japanese rivals in terms of technology. Before Kia gets their mainstream models rolling out of their assembly line, the Optima Hybrid can be imported as a CBU to keep the dealers happy. Who knows, a bit of a helping hand from Hyundai could even open up the CKD route.

Sure, that's an almost-abandoned segment for a debutant brand to step into but Toyota and Skoda have proved you could be successful if the product and positioning are right. And before you bring up brand image and Kia’s lack of it, remember we are a country where Skoda is placed above Volkswagen on the image pedestal!

Expected Price: INR 28 - 30 Lakhs

Rivals to watch out for: Toyota Camry Hybrid, Skoda Superb, Honda Accord Hybrid

Picanto

Now, this is where the typical hard-hitting that Korean brands are famous for begins. If Kia plays the right cards, the Picanto could do to Kia what the Santro did to Hyundai.

Chic looks, no-nonsense interiors, the peppy 1.2-liter Kappa petrol, the frugal 1.2-liter U diesel and road manners that are said to be a cut above Hyundai - the Picanto has all the attributes to impress the discerning Indian small car buyer. That Hyundai stretched the wheelbase of the i10 specifically for India and slapped a 'Grand' prefix is common knowledge. Kia could mirror the strategy with the Picanto, making it a spacious and comfortable car for Indian families. 

Hatchbacks are dime a dozen in the market but this little Kia has got what it takes to stand out, we think. The previous-generation Picanto was spied testing in Chennai more than once which proves Kia is seriously considering this for the Indian market. If not, they better do. 

Expected Price: INR 4.5 - 6.5 Lakhs

Rivals to watch out for: Maruti-Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo

Rio

Not so long ago, hatchbacks priced above INR 5 Lakhs were considered a no-go for India as there were more than one example of expensive hatchbacks not moving off the showroom floors. Hyundai busted the myth with the i20 and Maruti-Suzuki is rewriting history with the Baleno. With the Rio, Kia can join the party too, albeit a bit late.

Sharing it’s platform, chassis and powertrain with the i20, the Rio has got the basics covered. All it needs is proper positioning, a value-for-money price tag and a strong marketing push to break through the minds of potential premium hatchback customers. The design might need a bit of tweaking though, as the new Rio that just debuted globally might end up being too bland for Indian tastes. 

Will Kia hit gold in a segment that has failed to reward Honda and Volkswagen, brands that enjoy an enviable brand reputation in India? It’s tough, obviously, but it isn’t impossible. If Hyundai can do wonders with the i20, why can’t Kia? 

Expected Price: INR 6 - 8 Lakhs

Rivals to watch out for: Maruti-Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo

Sportage

SUVs are a rage in our country and Kia cannot afford to make do with just an India-specific compact SUV in its lineup. Well, they don’t have to, with the Sportage offering an excellent option to embellish the lineup that's tough to ignore.

Over the last two decades, Kias have come a long way and the Sportage is a shining example of that evolution. From being an anonymous-looking, Mazda-based SUV of the past to the radical-looking head-turner that it is today, it’s been quite a journey for the Sportage. With more than adequate space for five, a laundry list of standard features and a price tag that possibly slots in just below the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage has a sure shot at success.

That said, Kia shouldn’t forget that the Tucson isn’t doing very well in India and one possible reason is its ambitious pricing. Kia sure would not be wanting to miss out from making it to the shopping list of premium customers. 

Expected Price: INR 18 - 22 Lakhs

Rivals to watch out for: Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V

Forte

This is a gamble. A dying segment, competition that has all but given up, similar-priced SUVs and crossovers ruling the roost - that isn’t a nice place to step in. Not at all. But, Hyundai hasn’t given up yet and the new Elantra seems to be doing a good job. If Kia’s top bosses have the same thought process, the Forte could be here as well.

Among the best-looking premium midsize sedans we have seen in a long time, the Forte can take up the space vacated by the erstwhile Honda Civic in India. Stylish, spacious and feature-loaded, the Forte has all but one of the attributes the once-popular Civic had. What’s missing, you wonder? The Forte is nowhere as fun to drive as the Honda, if international reviews are anything to go by. That hardly matters though, given the fact that the segment’s two best-sellers aren’t known for their handling prowess. 

The Forte might not end up being a smart business decision for Kia if it makes it here but the car will sure fetch fans for the brand. And that could prove invaluable later!

Expected Price: INR 15 - 18 Lakhs

Rivals to watch out for: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Skoda Octavia

That would be a lineup covering an entire gamut of segments and price range!

Will they make it here though? That's something Kia will answer. Watch this space and wait for the 2018 Auto Expo!

It's official: Kia is coming to India, first car to roll out in 2019

After years of dilly-dallying and scores of rumors predicting their entry every now and then, Kia Motors has officially announced their plans for India today. 

Mr. Han-Woo Park, President of Kia Motors, declared that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the state government of Andhra Pradesh where the brand's first manufacturing plant would be set up with investments to the tune of US $ 1.1 Billion. The fully-integrated plant would incorporate stamping, welding, painting and assembly facilities inside spread across 536 acres. 

Kia has also announced that a host of suppliers would be joining them in setting up their facilities in and around the site at Anantapur. It's safe to expect high localization levels then, atleast in the long term.

Mass production is due to start in the second half of 2019 with an annual capacity of about 300,000 cars. Though Kia has not revealed its product plans for India yet, they have been magnanimous in declaring that a compact sedan and a compact SUV would be specifically made at the plant for the domestic market. From the Picanto hatchback to the Stinger GT luxury sedan, Kia makes cars to suit wide range of pockets and tastes. Certainly, quite a few of them have potential to make it big in India. 

India is the fastest growing major automotive market in the world while Kia is amongst the fastest growing mainstream automotive brands globally. It was just a matter of when and not if Kia would make it to the country.  

Kia, South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, was founded in 1944. In 1998, Hyundai acquired a controlling stake in Kia when the latter went bankrupt. Since then, Kia's cars and utility vehicles are developed in conjunction with Hyundai with the two brands sharing the underpinnings. 

That said, cars from the two brands end up cometing with each other in almost every market they are present in. India would be no different despite the fact Kia appears to be mirroring Hyundai's strategy from a couple of decades back. It would be interesting to see how these two brands work in tandem to rival Maruti-Suzuki, Tata and Mahindra here.

2017 Detroit - Kia stuns with the Stinger GT

Back in 2011, Kia made public its aspirations to build a Gran Turismo, or a grand tourer to you and me, in the form of the GT Concept. It has taken five long years for that aspiration to come to fruition. But the end product appears to be well worth the wait. Say hello to the aptly-named Stinger GT, Kia's very own sexy and sporty grand tourer!

Unveiled at the 2017 North American International Motor Show in Detroit yesterday, the Stinger GT takes Kia into a territory the brand has never been before. The car, therefore, had to make an impact. The Stinger GT does, and how? 

Let's begin with the proportions. Imagine a grand tourer and things that flash in your mind would be a negligible front overhang, long hood, extra long wheelbase and a low and wide stance. Kia has incorporated every one of them in the Stinger GT and slapped a fastback shape onto it as well. While we don't deny that the overall design reminds us of the previous-generation Optima, the end result is undoubtedly impressive. The trademark 'Tiger Nose' grille is flanked on either sides by sleek LED headlights and scooped out air dams beneath them. Hinting at the car's sporty intentions are the twin hood vents, fender vents, an integrated bootlid spoiler and a full-length rear diffuser with quad exhausts. 

Kia's designers have paid excellent attention to detail with the Stinger GT. Look at the slim chrome strip that runs from the A-pillar to the rear windscreen arching over the windows or the classic 'coke bottle' shape in the C-pillars if you are in doubt. It continues inside the cabin too with features like Heads-Up Display, 15-speaker Harmon-Kardon audio system and a stubby gear selector finding their way into the Stinger GT.  

Two engine options are likely, with the base models getting a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and the higher trims employing the 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 that does duty in the Genesis G90. With 365 horsepower on tap, this engine can propel the Stinger GT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds and on to a top speed of close to 270 km/h. Both engines are paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to either the rear wheels or to all four wheels if you spec your car with the AWD option. Variants with the said option feature brake-based torque vectoring and a mechanical limited slip differential. 

Yes, those specs are from a Kia sedan! Don't you dare tell us Kias are boring and uninspiring to drive again.

The Stinger GT is not just Kia's dreams coming true, rather a coming-of-age moment in the brand's history. Now, when are you landing on Indian shores, Kia?