KIA AY compact SUV is under development. As per online reports, the new lifestyle SUV will debut in India by 2025 with electric & hybrid powertrains.
- Likely to be placed between Sonet & Seltos
- It will be a premium lifestyle SUV; global export from India
- Possibly to get a hybrid engine as well as an electric powertrain
KIA is working on a new lifestyle SUV. As per reports online, this new SUV is bound to debut by 2025. Additionally, it is suspected to be placed in between the Sonet & Seltos SUVs. KIA is eyeing to take on the segment of lifestyle SUVs in India with the AY. Read more details of this upcoming model below.
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KIA AY SUV Details
Speaking of the lifestyle SUV segment, products like Mahindra Thar & Force Gurkha have revolutionized it. Additionally, new products like the Maruti Jimny 5-Door, Thar 5-Door, Gurkha 5-Door, etc., are also on their way. Hence, KIA has understood the opportunity for sales and profit belonging to this segment. The AY will, however, will not be a capable off-road machine. Why? Because KIA will power it with the mechanical underpinnings from Sonet itself. Therefore, the AY is suspected to come only with an FWD system.
Meanwhile, its engine & powertrain options are going to be interesting. While KIA still sells diesel engines with its Seltos & Sonet; the AY will be a different case. Reports suggest that AY will get options for petrol-hybrid engines as well as electric powertrain versions. Hence, the possibility of a diesel engine option has been ruled out. Apart from this, its design and dimensions will be different from the current lineup of KIA SUVs. Reports suggest that the AY will be a boxy and conventionally shaped SUV. KIA is suspected to give it upright and butch looks with rugged appeal overall.
AY India Launch, Price, & Rivals
Believing the online report, KIA has scheduled to debut the AY by 2025. However, no strong comments can be made as it is under development. Going by the looks of it, we feel that KIA AY will rival the Thar 5-Door & Jimny 5-Door. But, the AY shall be more tuned toward comfort rather than off-road utility. We anticipate that it will be priced in the likes of Rs 18-24 lakh, once launched.
Verdict: The SUV trend in India is on a constant incline. Big manufacturers that have been ignoring the SUV market have also started to plunge toward the SUVs. Hence, KIA is looking forward to keep a stronghold on the SUV market as it has been since its debut in India.
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