Key highlights
- Kia India has teased two new electrified models for the Indian market
- One is expected to be the upcoming Syros EV
- The second is likely to be the Sorento-based hybrid SUV
Kia India has dropped a teaser hinting at two new electrified vehicles that are set to debut later this month. While the company hasn’t revealed their identities, all signs point towards the Syros EV and the much-awaited Sorento Hybrid, both of which were confirmed for India earlier this year as part of Kia’s long-term product strategy.
Syros EV likely to be Kia’s most affordable electric SUV
The first model is widely expected to be the electric version of the Syros. Test mules have already been spotted on Indian roads multiple times, indicating that development is in its final stages.
Visually, the Syros EV is expected to retain the boxy design of the petrol-powered model while getting EV-specific touches such as a closed-off grille, revised bumpers and unique alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin is likely to mirror the standard Syros, complete with dual digital displays, connected car technology, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS on higher variants.
While Kia hasn’t confirmed battery specifications, the Syros EV is expected to borrow technology from the global Hyundai Inster EV. It could be offered with battery packs around 42 kWh and 49 kWh, delivering a claimed range of up to 369 km.
Expected price: Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Its biggest rivals will include the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV and the upcoming compact electric SUVs from Hyundai and Mahindra.
Sorento Hybrid could headline Kia’s premium push
Although Kia has confirmed that the Sorento Hybrid is headed to India, reports suggest the India-spec model could feature the global Sorento’s platform while receiving market-specific styling and powertrain changes. Internally, the SUV has been referred to by the codename MQ4i.
It is expected to be positioned above the Seltos and could use a hybridised 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, making it Kia’s first strong hybrid SUV for the Indian market.
If based closely on the international model, buyers can expect generous cabin space, three rows of seating, premium interiors and a long list of comfort and safety features.
The expected price is around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it in contention with premium three-row SUVs such as the Mahindra XUV700, Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq.
Also read: BYD eMAX 7 gets new Comfort trim, prices hiked by up to Rs 1 lakh
