Kia Cars At Auto Expo 2020: Sonet Concept, Seltos X-Line, Carnival, Soul EV & More

Kia Carnival MPV

Kia Motors launched the Carnival MPV in the Indian market at the Auto Expo 2020. The company has priced the luxury MPV very competitively at a starting amount of Rs 24.95 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Kia Carnival is a luxury MPV offered with all the bells and whistles. This includes connected car technology, plush leather interiors, large touchscreen infotainment system, dual electric sunroof, electrically sliding rear doors and a host of others.

The Carnival is offered in three seating configurations: 7, 8 and 9; depending on the variant chosen of which there are three. It is powered by a diesel engine producing 197bhp and mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission unit; making it an extremely attractive package for India.

The Kia Carnival is positioned a segment above the Toyota Innova Crysta, but below the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class. However, it does compete more with the Innova Crysta than the V-Class.

Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020 as just a showcase and assess customer interest. Kia Motors currently has no plans of introducing the all-electric hatchback in the Indian market.

The Kia Soul EV was first debuted internationally at the 2018 LA Auto Show. It comes with a powerful 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers 450km of maximum range on a single charge. The EV does look stylish with sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, spacious cabin, premium seat upholstery and plenty of other features.

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV is the entry-level offering from the brand in their electric vehicle lineup. The Kia Niro EV does come powered by the same 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack with the same 450km range as well.

Kia does offer the standard ICE engine version of the Niro in international markets. It comes with a host of features, safety equipment and even autonomous driving technology. However, similar to the Soul EV, the Kia Niro EV also isn't coming to the Indian market anytime soon.

Kia Seltos X-Line

The Kia Seltos X-Line is a more rugged version of the standard SUV available in the Indian market. The Seltos X-Line is based on the top-spec GTX+ variant of the SUV, powered by the same 1.4-litre turbo-petrol producing the same 140bhp and 242Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission unit.

The Kia Seltos X-Line is just a concept version at the moment. It comes with a number of accessories and changes over the standard variant, including blacked-out grille and alloy wheels, contrasting elements around the fog lamps, rear diffuser and a new paint scheme as well — here are more details.

Kia Sonet Concept

The Kia Sonet Concept previews the upcoming compact-SUV offering from the brand in the Indian market. The upcoming Kia Sonet compact-SUV has been undergoing extensive testing in India, with the codename QYI. The compact-SUV offering from Kia Motors is expected to come to India by early-2021 and is said to be based on its cousin, the Hyundai Venue.

In terms of mechanicals, the new Kia Sonet will carry forward the BS6-compliant version of the same engine options as the Hyundai Venue, including its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol offering. Once launched in India, it will rival the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport.

Thoughts On The Kia Cars Unveiled At The Auto Expo 2020

Kia has brought in a number of cars to the Auto Expo 2020. However, the highlight of their pavilion is the much-anticipated Kia Sonet compact-SUV. Kia hopes to recreate the same overwhelming response with the Sonet as the Seltos.