Kia AY: Kia India is getting set to launch a new “compact lifestyle SUV” alongside its current SUV lineup in order to boost sales after securing a significant portion of the compact and midsize SUV market in India with the Sonet and Seltos. The next SUV, like the Sonet and Seltos, will attempt to address a larger price point with a variety of engine and gearbox options mostly in the Rs 12 lakh to Rs 24 lakh range.
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Kia AY Powertrain
According to company insiders, the Kia AY SUV will offer both ICE and EV engine options. Its tough appearance may be intended to deter potential Thar and Jimny customers. The 1.0 turbo-petrol engine will probably be the only one used in the ICE models. They will be based on the front-wheel-drive running gear of the current Sonet and lack “true” 4WD capabilities.
Exterior and Design
This sub-four-meter SUV, internally known as AY, will be built from the ground up and will be positioned between the Seltos and the Sonet in the Kia India lineup. According to sources, this SUV will be tall and boxy in shape, with a rugged SUV-like presence that will set it apart from the Seltos and the Sonet, which have more of a crossover-like appearance.
The Sonet’s inadequate back legroom, which has been sacrificed in the name of boot capacity, is another problem that the AY is anticipated to solve. The AY is anticipated to be larger and more spacious because of its tall position. We are also informed that the Kia soul, a very popular Kia model abroad, served as a design influence for this upcoming SUV.
To be made in India
According to our sources, Kia India intends to build close to one lakh units of the Kia AY SUV each year, with the petrol version accounting for 80% of volumes and the EV variant providing the remaining 20%. These quantities also include allotments for RHD’s international markets.
In the previous four years, Kia has significantly contributed to the segment’s growth to 1.5 million vehicles in India’s rapidly expanding SUV market. The company sells over 2.4 lakh utility cars, accounting for roughly 10 to 12 per cent of the market. India has quickly risen to become Kia’s third-largest market and a crucial export hub.
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