Production-Spec Kia SP Concept Spotted Testing For The First Time

Kia Motors India unveiled the SP Concept at the Auto Expo 2018 earlier this year, and the production-spec compact SUV will be the automaker's first offering in India. The model is indeed moving closer to the real thing as the South Korean car maker has commenced road trials of the production version of the Kia SP Concept, as per the latest spy shots from its home market. Kia at the unveiling event had said that the road-going version will be closer to the concept, and the camouflaged test mule does resemble closely to the SP Concept.

Also Read: Kia SP Concept Unveiled At Auto Expo 2018

The SP Concept is yet to be officially christened, but there have been a number of nameplates going around including the Kia Tusker and the Kia Trazor, based on a poll held by the company. The compact SUV will be similarly sized as the popular-selling Hyundai Creta and will most likely be based on the same platform while getting the same internal bits as its Hyundai counterpart does. Kia is a sister concern of Hyundai, so don't be surprised to see common components between cars from both offerings.

(The Kia SP Concept unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018)

That said, the production-spec Kia SP Concept is likely to debut new engines from the Hyundai-Kia stable instead of the existing 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. This includes the new 1.5-litre diesel unit that will be BS-VI compliant apart from offering improved power, refinement and efficiency. The motor will produce around 114 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque, as per reports. A new 1.0-litre direct injection petrol engine too is likely to be offered on the SP Concept that will be used by Kia globally. Speculations also suggest of a new 1.5-litre petrol engine in the offing, which will get the hybrid treatment from 2023 onwards.

The Kia SP Concept will be produced at the automaker's upcoming facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Apart from India, the compact SUV will cater to a number of markets globally including South Korea as well. Apart from the Creta, the Kia SP Concept will be taking on a number of offerings in the segment including the Renault Captur, as well as the upcoming Tata Harrier.

Spy Image Source: Cafe.naver.com