Kia India recently launched the Seltos Facelift and the response it has got is amazing. It’s got some features that it’ll take time for its rivals to catch-up. Following that Kia by the end of 2024 will be launching a total of 4 Cars out of which 1 is getting facelift updates, 1is getting an update, 1 is a new generation launch, and the last one is an all-new luxurious MPV. We’ll list down all the details of the upcoming Kia Models in India –
Kia Carens Update (Expected: November 2023)
Kia India after the successful launch of Seltos Facelift, they’re now planning to launch an update to the Carens MUV with ADAS to enhance the safety. Other things Kia could do with the Carens is update the front fascia, and tweaked the bumpers both front and rear. Along with the ADAS which could be radar and camera-based, it could add more features for safety like the 360 Surround View Camera. From the inside, it’s possible that the interiors will get mild design change, and replacing the single-pane sunroof with panoramic sunroof to bring in more aiery feeling. Moreover, the engine options will remain the same – 1.5 L Turbo Petrol, 1.5 L NA Petrol, and 1.5 L Diesel Engine with Manual, iMT, AT, and DCT Gearbox options. Kia is expected to launch the Carens in November 2023, and we can also expect them to hike
Kia Sonet Facelift (Expected: Late 2023 – Early 2024)
Kia has been testing the Sonet Facelift for quite some time now, but just few days ago, a youtube channel “The Car Show” uploaded or leaked the interiors and exteriors of the SUV by doing a quick walkaround of the SUV. So, the variant we saw leak was the mid-spec variant that had features like the single-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels, and its possible it has ventilated seats as well. Also, the automatic climate control has a small display with two buttons.
Kia has cleaned the dashboard by having one row of buttons on top, and row of toggles that just looks cleaner. Moreover, the LED headlights are redesigned and looks similar to the Seltos Facelift and so does the connected LED taillamps. It’s possible that Kia has made 360 Surround View Camera and ADAS exclusive to top variant which is either GT-Line or X-Line. Also, the ADAS is expected to be the same as the Hyundai Venue, meaning it’ll be camera-based, so it’s highly likely it won’t get ADAS feature like Adaptive Cruise Control. Kia is expected to launch the Sonet Facelift by late 2023 and early 2024.
New Kia Carnival 2024 (Expected: Early to Mid 2024)
Kia had showcased the Carnival 2024 in India during the 2023 Auto Expo held in January, and since then Kia had discontinued the outgoing version that was powered by the 2.2 L Turbo Diesel engine. This move was taken to make room for the next generation facelifted Carnival to arrive in India with some big upgrades. The 4th Gen facelift Carnival is currently being tested in Korea and will sport Kia EV9 inspired design changes, and major sporty styling. The new Carnival that’ll arrive in India will be loaded with more features and tech to keep India in sync with other international markets. It’s highly possible that Kia might choose the CKD route to rain check the price over the third-gen which was Rs. 31 L.
So, when the fourth gen facelift Carnival launches in India expect the price to shoot up crazily. Since Carnival doesn’t really have any direct rivals, it could see competition from the likes of Toyota Innova HyCross, new updated Toyota Vellfire, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and Maruti Invicto.
Kia EV9 (Expected: Mid 2024)
Kia had showcased the concept version of EV9 at the 2023 Auto Expo held in January, and earlier this year, Kia India had revealed a new transformation strategy called Kia 2.0 which features a plan to launch the EV9 in India by 2024. The Kia EV9 comes with a three-row cabin and depending on the variant, it gets multiple seating layout. The EV9 will be available with three powertrain choices – EV9 RWD that gets the 76.1 kWh battery pack, EV9 RWD Long Range variant that will be equipped with 99.8 kWh battery pack, and the top variant, the EV9 AWD that’ll have two electric motors sitting on front and rear axles. On its launch in India, the EV9 will be the most expensive Kia model, and it’ll compete with the likes of BMW iX, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. So, you expect the pricing of the EV9 somewhat around or above Rs. 1 Crore.
