Ertiga Rival Kia Compact MPV spotted

As reported earlier that Kia Motors is working on an all-new compact MPV, which will be the brand’s next big product for the Indian market. The new Kia compact MPV has been spotted testing for the first time, which suggests that the pre-production concept could arrive soon. Codenamed Kia KY, the new model willl be the brand’s second MPV in India after the Carnival.

The new Kia compact MPV was caught testing near Hyundai-Kia R&D center in Gyeonggi, South Korea. The spotted model was covered in a thick dark cloth; however, the images reveal the overall profile and some design bits. The 3-row Kia KY will have a MPV silhouette, and will be positioned against the Mahindra Marazzo and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

The new MPV is rumoured to be based on the Kia Sonet platform. It is likely to measure around 4.4 to 4.5 meters, which will position it right between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. However, we believe that the new MPV could be based on the Kia Seltos platform. This platform is compatible enough to accommodate long wheelbase based 3-row SUV or MPV. In fact, the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar 7-seater SUV is also based on this platform.

The MPV’s headlamp set-up seems inspired by the Kia Sonet, featuring a wraparound headlamps with LED DRLs on top. It features a wide ‘Tiger Nose’ grille along with wide air-dams, and chrome highlight. The MPV will have LED lighting system, larger rear doors and shark fin antenna.

The Kia KY MPV will also come with a factory-fitted sunroof, claimed by South Korean media. The MPV will ride on 16-inch wheels, which will be wrapped with MRF Wandere tyres. The new MPV will be developed in India for domestic as well as international markets. The MPV will also be launched in Indonesia, where it will rival the Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio.

The new Kia KY MPV is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel with 6MT & 6AT, and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol with 6MT & 6AT. While the former is good for 113bhp and 250Nm of torque, the NA petrol engine produces 113bhp and 244Nm of torque.

Like the Seltos, the Kia KY could also receive a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a 7-speed DCT. This engine produces 138bhp and 250Nm of torque.