The same day Kia released its TVC showing the 2019 Sportage in India, the SUV was spotted by Team-BHP reader Kaustav Roy on National Highway 2. These units are probably headed to one of the neighbouring countries in the East, though.
Reports suggest that Kia’s line-up in India right from the first year will comprise a mix of locally manufactured and imported models. One of the imported models under evaluation is the Sportage, which the company showcased at Auto Expo 2018 and various regional events throughout the year. However, Kia officials have spoken only about the all-new Ceed hatchback and the facelifted Carnival minivan. The latter has already received the green signal for India.
The Kia Sportage is a C-segment SUV like the Hyundai Tucson. The current, fourth-generation model likely has 2-3 years remaining in its life before it is time for the fifth generation. It sits on the same platform that underpins the Hyundai Tucson and at 4,480 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,645 mm in height, it is only 5 mm wider and 10 mm lower than its mechanical twin.
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Hyundai has confirmed that it will locally manufacture the fourth generation Tucson. It is only logical to expect Kia to leverage the newly localised platform for its own offering. After all, it wants to establish itself as a premium brand in the country and the demand for C-SUVs is going up.
[Image Source: team-bhp.com]
