5 Upcoming Kia SUVs and Cars - Syros to New Carnival

Buoyed by positive response for Sonet facelift and Seltos facelift, Kia India is now planning to add more SUVs and MPVs in the Indian market. The company also plans to introduce facelifts of existing models. Before the end of this financial year, Kia will launch 2 new utility vehicles in the Indian car market. 

Kia EV9

For people not in the know, Kia had showcased the EV9 closer-to-production concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The company has confirmed that the EV9 3-row electric SUV will be launched in our market in FY24. It will be based on the skateboard architecture that underpins the EV6. 

This 3-row electric SUV will come with multiple seating layout, depending on the variant. The electric SUV is available with 2 battery packs - a 76.1kWh and a 99.8kWh. While the former is available with RWD standard version, the latter comes with both RWD long-range and AWD setup. The RWD version is rated at 150kW & 350Nm. The AWD version with two electric motors offer 283kW & 600Nm. It offers a certified range of 541km on a single charge. 

New Kia Carnival

Not just EV9, Kia had showcased the new-gen Carnival as the KA4 RV (Recreational Vehicle) concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The company has officially announced that the new-gen Carnival will be launched in our market sometime in 2024. The company will introduce the facelifted Carnival that debuted sometime back in global markets. 

The updated model has a fully revised front fascia, featuring a more prominent grille with different patterns, an updated headlamp and tail-lamp setup. The SUV stance is clearly visible from the front and rear profile. At the back, the new Carnival has a new tailgate, new bumpers and plastic cladding all-around the body. Inside the cabin, the new Carnival gets twin screens for touchscreen infotainment and digital cluster. 

The centre console now has touch-based buttons and a rotary knob for gear selection. It will have new seat upholstery and advanced ADAS suite. It is likely to be powered by the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that is good for 200hp and 440Nm of torque. For transmission duties, the MPV will have an 8-speed 'Sportsmatic' automatic gearbox. 

Kia Carens Facelift

Kia will introduce the Carens facelift in the country in the mid-2025. The updated model will receive design changes and an upgraded cabin. The major styling changes will be made to the front profile, which will have similarities with the Sonet and Seltos facelift. The MPV will have a new front grille and revised headlamp unit that's connected with a new LED light bar. The entire setup looks like a single unit and gives it a new Kia family look. 

At the back, the MPV could get restyled tail-lamps with C-shaped LED signature, and an updated bumper. The cabin is also likely to see some changes in the form of a new colour theme, and Sonet-like central console design. It is likely to get features like a 360-degree surround view camera and an ADAS suite. The MPV will retain the existing engine line-up including a 1.5L NA petrol, a 1.5L turbo diesel and a 1.5L turbo petrol. 

Kia Carens EV

Not just the facelifted model, the Kia Carens will also receive an electric derivative in the Indian market. The Carens EV has already been spotted testing multiple times on the foreign soil. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the Carens EV will share styling cues from the ICE-powered sibling. However, it will have some EV-specific changes like closed-off front grille, different alloys and new headlamp setup. 

It is likely to be equipped with a battery pack of around 45-50kWh battery pack with a front-axle-mounted electric motor. The Kia Carens EV is expected to offer an electric range of up to 400km on a single charge. 

Kia Syros/Clavis

The Korean automaker is also developing a new compact SUV for the Indian market. Rumoured to be called the Kia Syros, the new model will be marketed as a lifestyle SUV. It is likely to be positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in the brand's India line-up. The new compact SUV is most likely to make its global debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show in January. 

The new model will have a more boxy styling with flat bonnet and straight surfaces. In fact, the design of the Syros will be more in-sync with the brand's flagship Telluride 3-row SUV and the Soul on sale in the International market. 

The spy images reveal that the new Syros will receive several high-end features like panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat and advanced driver assistance system or ADAS tech. In terms of safety, the Kia Syros get six airbags, ABS with EBD, a 360 degree surround view camera, TPMS, front parking sensors and rear disc brakes.

Under the hood, the Kia Syros is likely to get a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 118bhp and 172Nm of torque. Transmission choices are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a dual-clutch automatic unit. The entry-level variants could get a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a manual gearbox option. The company is also preparing an electric derivative of the SUV, which is likely to get a battery pack of around 40-45kWh. 

Also See - 2025 Kia Carens Facelift - What To Expect?