[John]

It pushed all the right buttons:
Looks
Premium interiors
Features
Option of three proven engines
Option of four transmissions
BS6 at the price of BS4 models
VFM mid variants

[GipsyDanger]

A hugely deserving title, that one.
Kia is here to stay. They've arrived full guns blazing on such a booming segment. There are a vast number of variants, having different engine transmission combinations to suit pretty much everyone, well equipped in general, and looks smashing too, especially the GT Line variants! Unlike the outgoing generation, the upcoming Creta better have something miraculous up it's sleeves to sway away customers.
That being said, NOT the end of the story. Good cars don't just sell in India, they've got to be backed up by excellent A.S.S too. I can imagine more ownership reviews coming up ahead- hope Kia doesn't mess up on that front, like VW.
Here's to more successful launches, Kia!
P.S: Kick the 'Kicks' out, and get back to the drawing board, Nissan!

[NiInJa]

That's right. I see just too many Seltos in Pune. At-least two newly registered Kia cars every time I step out of my house. That has not been the case with Harrier or Hector or even the S-presso !

Must say the Seltos is a very good looking SUV and most educated buyers must be knowing this is Hyundai's sister they are buying. I am curious to see how Creta's numbers match against the Seltos.

Good going Kia ! can't wait to see how the Carnival fights it out with Innova Crysta.

[SS8939]

Interesting to see two completely different approaches from MG and Kia while entering the Indian market.

One hand, Kia is the sister brand of Hyundai, the only company to have major success apart from Suzuki in India. They're trying to sell as many units as they can pushing their supply chain to the limit.

On the other hand, we have MG, originating from a country which many people equate to cheapness (even though that may not be the case). They've been more restrained, producing only about 3k units a month.

Ofcourse, the true winners are us, the buyers. If you look for a car with specific requirements (like wanting an automatic or safety features), you'll see that it actually comes down to only 1 or 2 options.

A bit off topic, but from all the companies, Renault, Ford, Tata and Mahindra seem to be the only ones putting any real effort.

[Nazaar25]

3 engine options, 3 transmission options, ton of features, great looks and premium quality really worked wonders for Kia.
Unlike a lot other cars in the same category which don't come with ATs, sunroofs, etc (at launch), Kia came all guns blazing!
I am waiting for the upcoming sub 4m SUV from them and hope it comes with diesel AT.

[drmohitg]

Good going and rightly deserved one. But the recent talk of price hike may put a slight dent in those numbers. The top end variants are already over 20L and the talk of these touching 21L + mark is scary.

[aniyo]

I sincerely wonder if new entrants can figure this formula, what stops the current incumbent companies to offer the same. They have the market info, supply chain etc to perform well.

I am yet to understand why did Mahindra not launch the XUV300 as a competition for Creta or that TATA left the SUV space for almost a decade.
Renault could have come up with new Duster and it would have done 2000 units for sure.

By no means India is a small market, like every other market, we have our demands and the company that matches will win.

[Sayeed]

Originally Posted by skyocean

Its very nice to see a new brand demand its rightful market share.

I feel the following helped the initial sales:

1) Something new in the market. No other significant new launches in this segment. People are bored with the archaic boxed shaped Creta, Brezza etc.
2) It looks premium, and it’s BIG. It just fits in the budget.
3) Since Seltos decides the future of KIA brand in India, there is an aggressive sales pitch. Just go to their showroom a genie will grant you anything you ask for.
4) Ready availability/short waiting period for the delivery.

I wish KIA the very best. Brands like KIA, VW, Ford and Skoda must get their fair share in the Indian market.

its exactly the opposite:
1) People have been wanting an improved , upgraded Creta with more features which never happened, the shape and size is similar to Creta, infact Seltos is nothing but a sister car of Creta built on same platform, the new Creta though is being launched in India after the Seltos is launched.
2) It is certainly not big, there are certain minor increases in the dimensions but not ones which can be distinguished except the length.
3) If you happen to visit a KIA showroom, you will find that they do not have time for anybody, probably because of the rush.
4) There is no ready availability, infact there is a long waiting period. Forget delivery if you ask for a test drive of specific variants, they say there is waiting period.

All of the above I am saying from my personal experience in their showrooms in Mumbai.

[coolkurt]

Originally Posted by SS8939

On the other hand, we have MG, originating from a country which many people equate to cheapness (even though that may not be the case). They've been more restrained, producing only about 3k units a month.

MG has been a bit restrained and that's part of their strategy. In a recent interview, their MD Mr Rajeev Chaba said that they can produce upto 5000 cars a month if they wanted to. But they're taking it slow, ensuring that part quality is maintained and the first 15-20k customers are completely satisfied.

They don't have the legacy and the backing of something like a Hyundai so they've to build their brand from scratch. One mistake and the market isn't forgiving.

Plus their strategy is a bit different. They'll be launching an EV , developing infrastructure, then come out with other bigger SUVs. Electric is the future and they're looking to be in the forefront.

[S.MJet]

At this rate we will see Kia at number three in Dec sales chart and probably for couple of more months till this initial hype dies down.

[Sasanka_Sanga]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Can we discuss what clicked for Kia in India! For me it was the massive, overwhelmingly classy showrooms and very presentable staff that was welcoming. Suddenly they were everywhere, North, South, East & West Bangalore, all screamed Kia. It was also their choice of category (Creta), that 'killed it'! So welcome Kia, you've done a great job, and may you continue to enthrall us - in the years to come.

To me I think it’s because of the features it carries:

1. All LED Headlamps
2. All LED Taillamps
3. Diamond cut alloys
4. Integrated air purifier
5. Heads up console
6. Bose speaker system
7. Blind spot warning
8. Front parking sensors

To name a few.

At this price tag, this is a complete Paisa vasool.

Cheaper than Creta, acres of space inside, it’s just the right size and definitely a head turner.

Kia and Morris Garages has proved how to enter into a confined prejudiced Indian market and stand as an example to its competitors.

[skyocean]

Originally Posted by Sayeed

its exactly the opposite:
1) People have been wanting an improved , upgraded Creta with more features which never happened, the shape and size is similar to Creta,

........................

4) There is no ready availability, infact there is a long waiting period. Forget delivery if you ask for a test drive of specific variants, they say there is waiting period.


All of the above I am saying from my personal experience in their showrooms in Mumbai.

Thanks for the update. Sad to know that the tides have turned with KIA motors. My post highlighted the state of KIA motors immediately after their launch of Seltos. I haven't visited since, maybe I should go once to see the difference. Hope they are not going the Maruti Suzuki way in terms of showroom experience because of high sales numbers. From ready availability to waiting period is an expected trend for a successful product in the market.

[Teqhead]

Actually I am surprised by the way kia seltos is turning out to be a blockbuster of a car specially when the car market is going through a major dip.

I think its time for a long test ride and may be i shortlist this one for my next car. Only scary thought crossing my mind is ‘chevrolet like fate’ ...i owned a chevy aveo once and i loved it. After 8 years of driving i sold it for peanuts because chevrolet decided to close its market here.

[maddy42]

Originally Posted by Teqhead

I think its time for a long test ride and may be i shortlist this one for my next car. Only scary thought crossing my mind is ‘chevrolet like fate’ ...i owned a chevy aveo once and i loved it. After 8 years of driving i sold it for peanuts because chevrolet decided to close its market here.

Thats what i feel. Its going good for now, but i do hope all the accessories offered and the extra attachments last sturdily with some bad road action. Took a test ride and the vehicle already had squeaks when you sit on the rear seat, the suspension gave a thud over bumps which was not inspiring and the rear plastic around the kia logo felt a little cheapish.

On that note the interiors did feel sophisticated, the touch screen and music system was good, but i do feel the bare basic creta is still good VFM which can be accessorized to suit your needs, plus your not stuck with a new player in the market.

Time to wait for the BS6 to roll around in Apr 2020.

Maddy

[anu007]

Originally Posted by Sasanka_Sanga

To me I think it’s because of the features it carries:

1. All LED Headlamps
2. All LED Taillamps
3. Diamond cut alloys
4. Integrated air purifier
5. Heads up console
6. Bose speaker system
7. Blind spot warning
8. Front parking sensors

To name a few.

At this price tag, this is a complete Paisa vasool.

Cheaper than Creta, acres of space inside, it’s just the right size and definitely a head turner.

Kia and Morris Garages has proved how to enter into a confined prejudiced Indian market and stand as an example to its competitors.

Completely agreed. Also not to forget disc brakes at all wheels. Even Harrier & Creta do not offer it even if the price is much higher compared to the feature and segment they position their vehicles. Only SCross in this segment offers disc brakes, but that again compromising with an engine from a lower segment.
Kudos to Kia for ticking all the boxes. A warm welcome to India.