Retaining its sharp focus on India’s growing SUV market, South Korean carmaker Kia is looking to address more sub-segments by adding models across the B- and C-segments.
The company is working on a B-segment SUV for India in 2028. The proposed model is likely to be electric and will be positioned between the Syros and Seltos, people familiar with the company’s plans told Autocar Professional.
Kia is also evaluating a C-segment utility vehicle to bridge the gap between the Seltos and the upcoming Sorento. The company has yet to decide whether this model will take the form of an SUV or an MPV.
The two products are part of Kia’s plan to address additional price points and reduce the gaps in its India portfolio. They will place new models on either side of the Seltos, which remains central to the carmaker’s domestic business.
Responding to queries from Autocar Professional, a Kia India spokesperson did not comment on the specific product programmes but pointed to the momentum across its existing portfolio.
“Kia India continues to see strong momentum across our portfolio, with the all-new Seltos averaging around 10,000 units a month since launch, which is a clear reflection of the trust our customers continue to place in us,” the spokesperson said.
“We remain closely attuned to market response and evolving customer demand, and this continues to guide how we think about our portfolio and our plans here. India remains a strategic market for Kia globally, as it has been since we entered, and we will continue to scale our operations in line with the market’s growth and our customers’ evolving needs.”
B-SUV Planned for 2028
The B-SUV is expected to occupy the space created as the new-generation Seltos moves up in size, positioning and price. It will give Kia another offering above the sub-four-metre Syros without significantly overlapping with the Seltos.
While the powertrain strategy is still being firmed up, the model is likely to be introduced as an EV. This would strengthen Kia’s presence in the mass-market electric vehicle space, where competition from Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra is expected to intensify.
The proposed model will form part of Kia’s wider electrification programme. The carmaker has indicated that eight of the 10 models it plans to introduce from 2026 will feature some form of electrification.
C-Segment Utility Vehicle Under Study
Kia is separately studying a utility vehicle that will sit between the Seltos and Sorento. The programme remains at an early stage, with its body style, architecture and final positioning yet to be decided.
An SUV would give Kia a direct presence in the space above the Seltos. An MPV or SUV-MPV crossover could build on the company’s experience with the Carens and Carnival.
Either format would allow Kia to address customers seeking more cabin space or three-row seating without moving into the premium price band of the Sorento. The timing and business case for the model remain under evaluation.
Powertrain Gaps Being Addressed
The product expansion will be supported by a wider range of powertrains. Kia is preparing to introduce hybrids and CNG while expanding its EV portfolio and retaining diesel in segments where demand remains significant.
The upcoming Sorento is expected to lead Kia’s hybrid push. The seven-seat SUV is likely to offer a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain alongside a diesel engine.
The Carnival is also expected to receive a hybrid option while retaining diesel. A hybrid version of the Seltos is lined up for 2027, giving Kia an electrified offering in the heart of India’s midsize SUV market.
Kia is also expected to enter the CNG market through the Carens. The company is likely to follow a selective strategy rather than extend CNG across its entire portfolio.
The wider powertrain spread will address one of the gaps in Kia’s current line-up. The company’s mass-market portfolio has so far remained largely dependent on petrol and diesel, even as CNG, hybrids and EVs have gained greater acceptance among Indian buyers.
New Products Support 2030 Target
Kia is targeting domestic sales of around 4.1 lakh units and a market share of 7.6 percent by 2030. It also plans to expand its sales and service network to around 800 touchpoints.
The addition of more models and powertrains could require fresh manufacturing capacity. Kia is separately studying a new production line with an annual capacity of around 2 lakh units at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. The proposal remains at the evaluation stage.
The new-generation Seltos has provided fresh momentum to Kia’s India business, with monthly volumes understood to have reached around 10,000-12,000 units. The Sonet remains another key contributor, having sold around 1.15 lakh units in the last financial year.
The proposed B- and C-segment models, supported by a wider mix of powertrains, will be central to Kia’s plan to expand its addressable market and scale up its India business over the remainder of the decade.