Korean major Kia at the Auto Expo took the wraps off the Seltos X-Line Concept and the Sonet compact SUV.
Kia at Auto Expo – Seltos X-Line Concept
The X-Line Concept is a rugged version of the popular Seltos SUV. The previous year, at the LA Auto Show, Kia had showcased two concepts from the X-Line; the Trail Attack and the Urban. Now, Kia at Auto Expo 2020 showcased what closely resembles the latter. The reworked front and rear ends amplify the Seltos’ already muscular stance and give it formidable road presence.
The Urban concept showcased at the Los Angeles was based on the US-spec Seltos. It had higher ground clearance and was also equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with torque vectoring. At the time, Kia had announced that they had no intention of taking the concepts into production but this display at the Auto Expo 2020 could mean that they have a trick or two up their sleeve.
Kia at Auto Expo – Sonet Concept
The next big thing that the Kia stall had at Auto Expo 2020 was the Sonet compact SUV concept. This sub-four-metre product is expected to add to Kia’s India line-up as their third model in the country. The Sonet is based on the Hyundai Venue platform but Kia have given it a unique visual identity of its own, bearing no resemblance to its cousin. The Sonet bears key Kia design elements like the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and is more curvaceous overall. Under the hood, we can expect the Kia Sonet to offer the same powertrain options as the Hyundai Venue.
We expect it to be launched in India around mid-2020. When it goes on sale, it is expected to compete with the likes of the Ford EcoSport, the Hyundai Venue, the Mahindra XUV300, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and the Tata Nexon.
Story: Joshua Varghese
