Kia Seltos

In concept form, the Kia SP certainly proves to be quite the showstopper. Understandably, the production car has been sobered down. But we’ve had a chance to check out the prototype in person and it does retain some styling cues from the concept car.

For one, it does feature the clamshell bonnet, which adds a nice design distinction. It also seems to feature a similar front lighting setup as the Hyundai Kona or Tata Harrier i.e. the DRLs sit where the headlights traditionally would while the latter sits in the bumper. Some spy shots have also shown it wearing a similar front grille as the SP Concept, which does come across as quite the attention grabber.

One thing that does stand out is the overall presence of the SP2i. Kia has stated that this SUV is based on a brand new platform which has been tailor-made for India. This new platform is also expected to underpin the next generation of the Hyundai Creta. However, there’s no denying the similarities with the current-gen Creta. Visually, the silhouette and the proportions of the Kia SP2i prototype are nearly identical to the Creta’s and it has a similar kind of road presence i.e. closer to the Creta or Renault Duster and not big and muscular like the Tata Harrier. The prototype also wore 17-inch wheels, wing mirrors and a shark-fin radio aerial that looked similar to the ones seen on the Creta.

That said, the car hasn’t been spotted without its camouflage just yet, and we do expect some strong design differences between the Kia SP2i and its cousin from Hyundai.

As of now, the interior of the Kia SP2i remains a mystery. But based on what we could spot in the prototype, it does feature a free-standing infotainment system like the one that was shown on the SP Concept. The car also sported features like adjustable headrests for all the occupants and all-round one-touch power windows. 

Unfortunately, we can only speculate beyond that. But expect features like keyless entry-and-go, auto AC with rear AC vents and leatherette upholstery as well.  

Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors will be offered as standard in the Kia SP2i. We do hope ISOFIX child seat anchors also make their way to the standard kit, unlike in the Creta where it’s a feature exclusive to the automatic variants. You can also expect a six airbag variant to be made available and interestingly, the prototype of the Kia SP2i also featured all-round disc brakes. It remains to be seen if this feature makes it to the final production car and if yes, in which variants.