Besides introducing the Syros compact SUV, Kia plans to revamp its mid-size UV lineup and introduce more EVs and hybrids. Ketan Thakkar has the story.
18 Jan 2025 | 4589 Views | By Ketan Thakkar
In an attempt to boost sales growth after a lacklustre 2024, Kia India is set to introduce several new models in the coming years. Autocar Professional has learned that Kia will seek to strengthen its presence in the core SUV market next year by introducing the EV version of Syros ...
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In an attempt to boost sales growth after a lacklustre 2024, Kia India is set to introduce several new models in the coming years. Autocar Professional has learned that Kia will seek to strengthen its presence in the core SUV market next year by introducing the EV version of Syros – whose ICE model is set to be launched in February 2025. It also plans to revamp its mid-size SUV portfolio and introduce more models at the top end, aiming to cater to the broadest possible customer base in India.
While the Syros EV will serve as the entry point for Kia’s EV offerings when launched in 2026, it will be preceded by the Carens EV in mid-2025, offering a locally produced mid-size SUV EV as an alternative in a market that will see new EV entries from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata Motors. Premium models like the EV9 and EV6 will complement these offerings at the higher end.
“We are also gearing up to launch two affordable electric vehicles (EVs), which includes the Carens EV and Syros EV in 2025 and 2026. Further details will follow as they are being finalised,” the company said in an official response.
Moreover, sources indicate that the company plans to develop a C-segment SUV, based on the global Sorento, to compete with the XUV 700 within the next few years.
This potential three-row SUV may feature a hybrid powertrain to remain competitive in a segment that will see new entries from Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar next year. Codenamed MQ4i, the product is slated for a 2027 release with an annual production target of approximately 50,000 units. The model may have some export contribution.
The moves are part of a broader plan to introduce six new models within the next 24 months. While the Syros is projected to generate incremental sales of 75,000 to 80,000 units in the domestic market, Kia will also enhance its existing Carens and Seltos lineup with upgrades and next-generation models (KYPE and SP3i) within the next 18 months.
Meanwhile, the Korean brand will continue to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid, and EV models to cater to different use cases. A significant share of diesel offerings provides Kia with a distinct advantage in the SUV segment, where consumers continue to demand high-torque and fuel-efficient diesel models.
“We have all power trains available with us at Kia Corporation. Once the clear trend emerges, we shall finalize our plans and will be happy to share the information,” the company said in its response to Autocar Professional.
Kia India had a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles per year in India, which was expanded to 430,000 in 2024. Once the new Sorento comes on stream in 2027, the capacity is expected to reach nearly half a million units.
Although Kia India recorded an increase of 6% in its 2024 sales to 255,038 vehicles, it has found itself ejected from the list of the top five vehicle manufacturers in the country. However, India consistently ranks among the brand’s top five markets, underscoring India's key strategic importance in Kia's global operations.
Kia India's MD and CEO recently told Autocar Professional that the company is on track to achieve its target of selling 400,000 units annually in India by 2030. Gwanggu Lee said that he anticipates double-digit growth next year, driven by new model launches.
"We want to position ourselves as a leading RV brand in India and would be looking at going deeper into the SUV market. This year, we expected a flat number to utilize the current portfolio. New products in our portfolio will help drive growth. Once our network is improved, it will further strengthen our presence," he said.
Over the past year, Kia India has focused on strengthening its presence across Tier-I and Tier-II cities. In 2024, the company opened 126 new dealerships and 36 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) outlets, expanding its network to 700 touchpoints across 301 cities nationwide, aiming to attract new buyers.
The company's international reach also expanded, with exports totaling 25,404 units in 2024, highlighting its vehicles' growing global appeal. Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Kia India, stated that these efforts have strengthened the company's foundation for future growth.
“Expanding our touchpoints across the country is not just a strategy for immediate gains—it’s a long-term investment in building customer trust and expanding our reach.”