Is this the Kia QYI Compact SUV Based On The Hyundai Venue We’ve Been Waiting For?

• The model seen here could be an India-specific Kia compact SUV for India.
• Could borrow Venue’s petrol powertrains: 1.0-litre T-GDI and 1.2-litre Kappa.
• Meanwhile, the diesel engine could be a detuned version of Seltos’ 1.5-litre CRDI engine.
• Expected to be priced in the range of Rs 6.8 lakh to Rs 11.4 lakh.

Kia Motors has had quite a run with its first launch in India, the Seltos SUV. So, while their next launch is the Carnival MPV, it would not be surprising to see them stick to the more popular SUV segment for future launches in the country. These new spy shots attest to the fact that Kia is banking on its Korean sister company Hyundai to develop its new compact SUV for India. The images show a near Venue-esque proportion, albeit with more Kia design cues. There are already reports that the new KIA SUV, codenamed QYI, is coming in 2020. And we believe that is what you see being tested in these spy shots. Excited yet?

From the rear, the camouflaged car appears to be similar to the Kia Stonic SUV, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. However, the international-spec Stonic is 4,140mm in length, while the Hyundai Venue is 3,995mm to fit into the sub-4m category. The tail lamps also appear to be similar to another Kia product, the Niro. So ladies and gents, we now have enough evidence to call this the first sighting of the new India-specific Kia sub-4m compact SUV. 

While the original report, where these images appear, states that this is the new Hyundai i20 Active, we have had a change of heart. These images show a compact SUV that sits fairly high off the ground with a tall squarish profile. The i20 Active, meanwhile, has a more squat profile. While we still don't know if Kia will carry over any of its existing model names for this entry-level SUV, it does have options. It could go with Stonic, or even revive the rumoured named that the Kia Seltos (the SP Concept) was initially known by—Tusker.

It is still too early to talk about the mechanicals. Since this SUV is likely to be based on the Venue, the QYI is highly likely to share its powertrain options with its Hyundai cousin. This includes the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine option, upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. For reference, the Venue's Kappa motor develops 83PS and 114Nm while the T-GDi unit develops 125PS and 172Nm. Meanwhile, the diesel engine option is likely to be a detuned version of the Seltos’ BS6-compliant 1.5-litre CRDI unit. Hyundai will be discontinuing the 1.4-litre CRDi engine— said to be the bigger engine—post-April.  

Just like the Venue and Seltos, expect the upcoming compact SUV to be feature-loaded. The expected kit includes touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, UVO connected-car tech, climate control, wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, cruise control, as well as a sunroof.  

Kia Motors is also targeting a slightly more premium offering at competitive prices, like the Seltos. It is likely to price the QYI compact SUV very close to the Hyundai Venue, with prices in the range of Rs 6.8 lakh to Rs 11.4 lakh. So, it will still compete with the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV300. Since the Kia Carnival SUV has already been slated for launch next, we can expect that Kia will reveal the sub-4m SUV at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 as its centrepiece and launch it later in the year.

Image Source - RushLane.com