2023 Auto Expo Guide: Kia Motors at Hall No 7

Kia Motors India has come to the Delhi Auto Expo 2023 with an array of products that are on showcase. Out of these one is a concept while the other is a premium MPV. One must check-out Hall No 7, where Kia is exhibiting the much talked about Concept EV9 and KA4 MPV. Here is a closer look at both these vehicles.

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Kia Concept EV9

The South Korean automaker has unveiled the Concept EV9 SUV for the first time. The production version of this concept is set to go on sale internationally by the last quarter of 2023 or early 2024, becoming the brand’s new flagship SUV.

In profile, the Concept EV9 appears boxy and rugged. Featuring Kia’s new Opposite United design language, the electric SUV gets an aggressive front end with sculpted creases while its ‘Tiger Nose’ grille has been updated. LED light modules and Z-shaped headlamp clusters lend the concept a distinctive look. To the sides, there are sharp creases while 22-inch forged alloy wheels adorn the SUV. Coming to the rear, it provides a faux skid plate alongside vertical tail lights.

The interior of the Kia Concept EV9 looks futuristic, but expect some changes on the production model. That said one cannot really check out the cabin but as per the teaser video released by the brand it will feature a 27-inch screen that would offer a split screen layout for the touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. It is expected to exhibit a squared-off spoke-less steering wheel which when paired with customizable ambient lighting gives the concept a futuristic look. The electric SUV will come with a three-row seating layout with the middle row of seats able to fold flat while the first row of seats can swivel to create a lounge-like space.

Mechanically, the Concept EV9 is fitted with a 77.4 kWh battery pack that also does duty on the Kia EV6, powering two electric motors. Its claimed range is said to be up to 483 kms on a single charge. With its 350 kW ultra-fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

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Kia KA4

There was speculation that the Korean automaker would be bringing the Next-Gen Carnival to the motor show. But that did not happen, instead what the company has just showcased is the KA4 which it is referring to as a premium offering. Worth taking a look, the MPV provides an  SUV-like stance with a new design language seen on the brand’s other models like the Sorento.

Dubbed the ‘Recreational Vehicle’, the Kia KA4 gets a diamond pattern ‘Tiger Nose’ grille flanked by new LED DRLs and headlights while the bumper features a wider air intake. The side profile features an ‘island roof’ design with blacked-out A and B-pillars and a body-coloured roof. The rear end of this MPV provides new LED tail lights that are connected via an LED light bar.

Similar to the Concept EV9, you would not be able to see its interior. But what we can tell you is that like the Next-Gen Carnival sold in the international market, the KA4 is expected to get a redesigned layout with dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. Other notable features could include captain chairs for the middle row on the 7-seat variant, ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’, auto climate control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, single-button open and close for the rear sliding doors and boot lid, connected car tech, ADAS-tech, and more.

No specifications have been shared by the company as of now. We expect the Kia KA4 to come equipped with a single powertrain which would be the 2.2-litre Smartstream turbo diesel. The oil could deliver a maximum power output of 199 bhp with 440 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options would include a manual and an automatic gearbox. 

Apart from these two products, one can also check out the current range of vehicles that include the Sonet, Seltos, Carens and the Carnival. The company has also showcased emergency vehicles in the form of Carens Police car and Ambulance.

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