[TusharK]

According to a media report, Kia is planning to launch a new 7-seater SUV in India by 2022.



The 7-seater SUV segment has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. Following the launch of the MG Hector Plus, Tata Motors introduced the new Safari while Hyundai has scheduled the launch of its Alcazar next month.

While details of Kia's new model are scarce, it is expected to compete with the aforementioned 7-seater SUVs.

In the meantime, Kia has lined up the updated Seltos and Sonet. Both models will be launched in the first week of next month.

A test mule of what is believed to be the Kia KY 7-seater MPV has also been spotted testing in India. It is expected to be based on the same SP2 platform as the Seltos and Hyundai Creta.

Source: ET Auto

[Reinhard]

Well I hope it is some sort of a stretched Seltos (like the Alcazar) and not a 5+2 Sonet! Considering the platform is already used and launched in 7 seater format with the Alcazar, its not rocket science anymore to do the same with the Seltos.

Remarkable how within 1 year - the 7 seater MUV/SUV segment has found a 2nd wind. A couple of years ago, it seemed to have died down in private ownership areas of the market. But no! They are back and how.
(P.S. - I just don't like this new KIA logo. The old one was better IMHO.)

[pacman2881]

Ok so we will have a Kia variant of Alcazar soon

Seltos 7 seater rendered-



Source:
https://m.indianautosblog.com/kia-se...ndered-p323253

[CarLover79]

If the actual product looks anywhere close to the rendering by SRK Designs, then, it's a winner all the way!

[VKumar]

With Alcazar around the corner, I am sure that this is going to be their second masterstroke in form of Seltos with 7 seats.

I feel that Alcazar is going to be a runaway success any way, and Kia has a less polarizing design as compared to the Creta too.

That's quite good, a lot of cross shopping is going to happen between Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Seltos, Kia seltos-7. I am quite convinced that they are here to make an onslaught. If Seltos also gets 7 seats, their portfolio between 12-22 lac may look like:

• You like curves? Sir, we have Creta and Alcazar
• You like edges? Sir, we have Seltos and Seltos-7
• You don't like Hyundai but want Hyundai? Sir, there is our Kia dealership
• You have no Kia dealer? Sir, Hyundai for you.
• Waiting is high? Sir, try the same product with our sister brand.
• Color options are less? Sir, there are more with our sister brand.

Creta and Alcazar are going to have:

Engines:

• Engine 1: 1.5l NA petrol
• Engine 2: 1.4l Turbo petrol
• Engine 3: 2.0l NA petrol
• Engine 4: 1.5l Turbo diesel

Gearboxes:

• Gearbox 1: CVT
• Gearbox 2: DCT
• Gearbox 3: TC

Total engine and gearbox options to choose from is an astonishing 8 combinations. When Kia also enters, a person will have to choose from:

• More than 15 colors
• 8 engine and gearbox combinations
• 2 brands

While we have other manufacturers which have one diesel and one petrol motors (Tata has diesel only), these guys are planning to go all out with such a long list of options. No wonder, they will taste a well deserved success, even with their tin cans

Even if they cannibalize each other, the money still goes to Seoul only!

[hridaygandhi]

Kia's (and Hyundai's) philosophy is clear: Ground-up approach, figure out what people want, and then serve it to them on a platter.

Everyone agrees that they have fantastic products, let down only by the poor safety rating.

[Miel]

Originally Posted by TusharK

According to a media report, Kia is planning to launch a new 7-seater SUV in India by 2022.

Shouldn't we just say: According to a media report, Kia is planning to launch the Kia version of the Hyundai Alcazar in India by 2022.


But, like others have noted, I think a 7-seater stretched Seltos will look better and less polarizing than the Alcazar.

[gotoguru]

Generally the 5-seaters which get elongated to 7-seaters are not a great hit in the market. Hopefully Hyundai - Kia would be knowing this and plan their Alcazar and the upcoming Kia 7 seater with distinguishable changes with respect to Creta and Seltos.

[troublemaker]

I have high expectations from Kia. The design department will do well for sure.

It would be great if they can stretch it enough and plonk a strong 2L diesel mill to beat the competition- XUV, Safari, Hactor.