3 New Kia Cars Launching Next Year
Kia India had a slow start in 2024. It launched the facelifted Sonet early this year, followed by months of dormancy. In October, however, the Korean manufacturer made a strong comeback by launching two exciting products on the same day. The new generation Kia Carnival (KA4) and the flagship EV9 SUV were both launched on the third of October. Kia seems to have more launches planned. Here are 3 new Kia cars launching in India next year.
Kia Carens Facelift
Kia launched the Carens in India in 2022. The Seltos-based MPV is now due for a facelift. Expected to launch in 2025, with a slight price premium over the outgoing version, the new Carens will likely feature major design reworks and pack more equipment.
If renders are to be believed, the new Carens could come with new LED headlamps. a reworked fascia, new bumpers, new wheels, fresh rear, and redesigned tail lamps. A recent render by the digital artist SRK Designs looks really promising. Official confirmation on the design changes is yet to surface. Test mules suggest possible reworks on most areas of design.
The cabin will likely have a new layout on the facelifted Carens. The changes could include new upholstery and fresh AC panels. It will also have a new layout for the touchscreen and more equipment. Information on what new features are to be expected is sparse as we speak. The outgoing MPV has two 10.25-inch displays, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and a single-pane sunroof. We cannot ignore the possibility of Kia giving a panoramic sunroof on the facelift. Level 2 ADAS and a 360° camera can also be expected.
Like what we recently saw on the facelifted Alcazar, the new Carens too could carry forward the outgoing model’s powertrain. At present, it gets the same set of engines as the Seltos- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS and 144 Nm), 1.5 diesel (116 PS and 250 Nm) and 1.5 turbocharged petrol (160 PS and 253 Nm ). Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, 7DCT, 6AT and a 6 iMT.
Expected Launch: Early 2025
Kia Carens EV
Kia India will also launch an electric vehicle based on the Carens early next year. This will compete with the Creta EV that’s also expected to be out at around the same time. Test mules of the EV have been spotted multiple times. Though there is no confirmation on it yet. the Carens EV will come with fresh design cues. The front and rear designs will differentiate themselves from those of the ICE version. There will be multiple EV-spec cues in the overall design. A new lighting signature could also debut.
The Carens EV will be based on the same platform as the Hyundai Creta EV. It will, however, have a different suspension setup. Kias in general are stiffer sprung than their respective Hyundai counterparts. The battery and motor could also come from the Creta EV. We lack clarity on the battery spec, but it could be a 45 kWh unit or larger that’s on the cards. Upon launch, the BYD eMAX7 will be the key rival of Carens EV. The two could be comparable on pricing grounds as well.
Expected Launch: Early 2025
Kia Syros (Clavis)
Recent reports have confirmed that Kia is working on a small SUV that will bridge the gap between the Sonet and Seltos. Recently, a trademark for the name ‘Syros’ was filed in India, which we think, would be for the new SUV. Some speculations say that this could be the India-spec version of the Kia Clavis.
Going by spy pictures, the upcoming product will be roomier and have a more practical design than the Sonet. It will look and feel more premium on the inside. Expected features are a dual-tone flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated controls, a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, Bose audio, drive modes, leatherette seats, and ADAS.
The Syros will use the same powertrain combinations as the Sonet. It will thus come with 1.5 diesel, 1.2 NA petrol and 1.0 turbocharged petrol engines. Transmission choices will be 7DCT, 6MT, 6iMT and 6AT. Unconfirmed rumours also suggest that the manufacturer could launch an EV based on this vehicle, later.
Expected Launch: 2025