Kia SP2i Official Interior Sketches Revealed; Full Unveil In June

Kia Tusker or Kia Trailster could be the name of the production-spec model

Kia has recently announced that their upcoming compact SUV codenamed SP2i will be unveiled on 20 June.

Kia has recently announced that their upcoming compact SUV codenamed SP2i will be unveiled on 20 June. At the same time, they released the latest sketches of the interior of the production-spec SP2i, which is likely to be badged as the Trailster or the Tusker. Trial production for the Kia SP2i had already begun in January 2019 at the Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. According to the sketches, the launch-spec SUV’s interior layout will be identical to what was seen on the SP Concept that debuted at the 2018 Auto Expo. However, the cabin theme is not likely to be all-black as showcased on the concept, as the sketch suggests a dual-tone black and beige interior theme. The floating design of the instrument cluster and infotainment system on the same panel is a lot like the layout seen on modern Mercedes-Benz models. At 10.25-inches, it would be the largest infotainment screen display in the segment while the current-biggest screen in the segment is the 8-inch unit offered in the Nissan Kicks. Kia’s other compact SUV, the 2020 Soul, also comes with a 10.25-inch unit with a split-screen functionality as well. The SP2i’s infotainment unit is also expected to get connected tech as seen on the new Hyundai Venue. There’s a colour screen in the instrument cluster too, which appears to be a 7-inch unit. Some of the other details seen in the latest interior sketches reveal an audio system that might be from Infinity or Harman Kardon, and the mood lighting feature as well. The ambient lighting with music sync functionality is offered on several of Kia’s global models while various lighting modes seem to be controlled by the knob on the central console. The list of expected features on the basis of Kia SP2i sketches includes ventilated front seats, start-stop button, auto climate control, electric parking brake, leather upholstery and paddle shifters too. Other goodies such as adaptive cruise control, four-wheel drive drive, hill descent control and a heated steering wheel can also be seen in the sketch but it is yet to be seen which ones make it to the production models. Kia is expected to power the SP2i with a set of BS6-compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines with automatic transmission too instead of the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines from Hyundai. The pricing for the Kia SP2i has been confirmed to be between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh. Apart from its sibling, the Hyundai Creta, it will take on the likes of the Maruti S-Cross, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur and Duster.