Kia India reveals SP2i interior sketches ahead of June 20 debut

Kia Motors India has released a first set of sketches that partially reveal the upcoming SP2i SUV's interior. If the sketches are anything to go by, the production version’s interior will be very close to the interior in the SP Concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2018.

The sketches show a clean and well-turned-out dashboard, with vertically oriented air-con vents at each end. Taking centre-stage on the dash is a horizontally oriented touchscreen; Kia has revealed the screen size to be 10.25 inches, which is just a smidgen smaller than the upcoming MG Hector’s 10.4-inch unit.

The infotainment system appears to be Kia’s latest unit that also does duty in the full-size Telluride SUV sold in North America. Expect the system to come with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, navigation system and voice commands,  to name a few. A 360-degree camera is a possibility too.

Lower down on the centre console is a digital screen for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning unit, and what appears to be a sizeable knob to control temperature on the single-zone auto climate control system. A dedicated mobile phone slot sits below which, in higher trims, it is expected to feature wireless charging.  

Drivers will find themselves facing Kia’s signature three-spoke steering wheel that comes embellished with a subtle dose of brushed aluminium as well as leather wrapping, at least on the top trim. The steering wheel also houses buttons for Bluetooth telephony, volume control and cruise control. Partially hidden behind the steering in the sketches is the instrument cluster that’s enclosed with a piano black frame flowing from the infotainment screen. While the tacho and speedo dials are analogue, the sketches show a large colour multi-info display too. Higher trims are also expected to feature head-up display.

The Kia SP’s interior will be a dual-tone affair, with the black of the dashboard bisected by a slab of beige trim, possibly faux wood. There will be light-coloured elements on the door pads and seats as well. Kia has also made generous use of faux brushed-aluminium trim, as is visible on the door pads, air-con vent surrounds and the centre console.  A unique ‘grab bar’ on the passenger side of the centre console is another element finished in brushed aluminium. Kia has also confirmed that its SUV will come with multi-colour LED mood lighting that can be adjusted via the infotainment system.

The sketches also show an automatic gearbox with tiptronic-like gate at the gear lever, and paddleshifters can be seen too. A secondary dial besides the gear lever leads us to speculate the presence of a drive mode selector as well. Push-button start will be part of the kit too.

On the outside, the SUV will feature Kia's signature styling, with a large Tiger-nose grille upfront and chunky bumpers and muscular looking wheel arches for that stylish yet butch SUV look. The SUV will come with all-new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options that will be offered with manual as well as automatic gearboxes. Kia will also bring a sportier variant that will come with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission.

Key rivals to the Kia SP include the upcoming MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta and the Renault Captur, when it goes on sale in India in the coming months. 

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