In a big move to attract first-time car buyers and middle-to-lower income families, Kia has launched an all-new compact SUV in India that promises premium design, practical features, and a highly affordable price tag. This SUV has been tailored specifically for Indian customers who want a stylish, fuel-efficient, and modern vehicle without burning a hole in their pocket.
With this launch, Kia aims to democratize the SUV experience, bringing advanced technology and head-turning looks to the masses.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kia’s latest affordable SUV offering.
🚗 Head-Turning Design That Doesn’t Look Cheap
Despite its budget-friendly nature, Kia has left no stone unturned in giving this SUV a stylish and modern appearance. The car follows Kia’s signature design philosophy, “Opposites United”, which blends sleek curves with bold body lines.
Exterior highlights include:
- Signature Tiger Nose front grille
- LED DRLs with halogen headlamps
- Muscular bonnet with sharp creases
- Dual-tone bumpers with black cladding
- 15/16-inch steel or alloy wheels (depending on variant)
- Stylish tailgate with sleek LED-inspired tail lamps
- Roof rails for an SUV-like stance
The SUV looks far more premium than its price suggests, giving tough competition to rivals in both design and road presence.
🛋️ Functional Yet Comfortable Interiors
Kia’s budget SUV proves that affordability doesn’t mean compromise on comfort. The cabin offers well-thought-out ergonomics, modern features, and good quality materials for its class.
Interior features include:
- Dual-tone dashboard
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Manual AC with rear AC vents
- USB charging ports (front and rear)
- Adjustable headrests for front and rear passengers
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls
- Ample legroom and boot space for a small family
Top-end variants even include features like push-button start, reverse camera, and power-folding ORVMs—rare at this price point.
⚙️ Engine and Performance: Built for Indian Roads
The new Kia SUV comes with fuel-efficient petrol engine options, designed for city and highway use. While performance may not be thrilling, it is reliable, smooth, and perfect for daily drives.
Expected engine options:
- 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 82–85 bhp
- Torque: 115 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 20–22 KM/L (claimed)
The car has a light clutch, smooth gearbox, and well-tuned suspension that easily absorbs bumps and potholes—making it ideal for Indian road conditions.
⛽ Mileage That Keeps Running Costs Low
Fuel efficiency is a major factor for budget-conscious buyers, and Kia has made sure this SUV delivers on that front.
- Petrol MT: Up to 22 KM/L
- Petrol AMT: Around 20 KM/L
With rising fuel prices, such impressive mileage figures make this SUV extremely economical to own and run on a daily basis.
🛡️ Safety First – Even on a Budget
Even though this is a budget SUV, Kia hasn’t compromised on basic safety features. The vehicle meets India’s latest safety norms and comes with essential protection elements.
Standard and available safety features:
- Dual front airbags (standard)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear-view camera (in top variant)
- High-speed alert system
- Seatbelt reminder
- Strong body structure with impact-absorbing zones
These features ensure peace of mind for small families and first-time car buyers.
📏 Compact Yet Spacious Dimensions
This new Kia SUV is ideal for Indian city traffic and narrow roads, thanks to its smartly packed dimensions, while still offering good interior room.
- Length: Approx. 3,900 mm
- Width: 1,700 mm
- Height: 1,600 mm
- Wheelbase: Around 2,450 mm
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Boot Space: 290–300 litres
It offers just the right mix of maneuverability and practicality for Indian users.
📦 Variants and Pricing – Surprisingly Affordable
Kia has smartly launched this SUV in multiple trims, offering buyers flexibility based on their budget and feature needs. From a basic commuter variant to a fully-loaded urban model—there’s something for everyone.
Expected Ex-Showroom Prices (Delhi):
- Base Petrol MT: ₹5.99 lakh
- Mid Variant MT: ₹6.75 lakh
- AMT Variant: ₹7.25 lakh
- Top Variant with all features: ₹7.99 lakh
With this pricing, it easily undercuts competitors like Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Exter, and even entry-level hatchbacks.
🔄 Rivals and Segment Comparison
This new Kia SUV enters a fast-growing segment where competition is tough but demand is high.
Direct Rivals:
- Tata Punch
- Hyundai Exter
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx (base variants)
- Renault Kiger
- Nissan Magnite
What sets Kia apart is its premium design and brand value, now made accessible to a much wider audience.
🛠️ Low Maintenance and Reliable Support
Kia has a growing network of service centers across India, and this new SUV is designed to offer low-cost ownership over time.
- Standard warranty: 3 years / 1,00,000 km
- Optional extended warranty up to 5 years
- Affordable AMC (Annual Maintenance Contracts)
- Excellent spare part availability in both urban and rural markets
All these make the SUV a smart choice for budget-conscious households, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.
✅ Why This SUV Makes Sense for First-Time Buyers
You should consider this SUV if you:
- Are a first-time car buyer looking for value
- Want SUV styling at hatchback pricing
- Need high fuel efficiency with low maintenance
- Have a limited budget but don’t want to compromise on looks
- Want a trusted global brand in your garage
It fits perfectly into the lives of students, small families, salaried professionals, and rural buyers.
📌 Conclusion
Kia’s latest SUV launch in 2025 is a game-changer in the budget car market. With a modern design, reliable engine, impressive mileage, and unbeatable price, it makes the dream of owning a stylish and safe car possible for almost every Indian family.
Whether you live in a big city or a small town, this affordable SUV gives you all the big car feels without the big car price tag.
Kia has truly delivered on its promise—a feature-packed, well-designed SUV that fits every budget.