Kia Motors have released yet another series of sketches that tease the interior of the upcoming SP2i SUV. These sketches bear a lot of semblance to what was seen in the SP concept that was unveiled in the Auto Expo 2018.
The sketches reveal a minimalistic, well laid out interior that one usually sees on premium cars. The dashboard is seen in a split black-beige tone, leading us to believe that faux wood panelling will be used in conjunction with plastic elements. The centre of the dash has the infotainment system encased in one piece of trim that continues to the right to form the shroud of the instrument cluster.
The orientation and placement of air vents is beautiful too, with the central vents placed horizontally below the 12.25” infotainment screen and separated by the hazard light button. The side vents are placed vertically at the end of the dashboard, giving it a well-rounded look. The climate control is a digital screen placed under the central vents and keeps in continuum with the central console through a grab handle, that lends a free feel to it. By itself, the central console is independent and goes on to end in a storage cubby that is likely to hold a wireless charging station on the higher trim.
The console comprises of a stubby gear knob working in a manumatic transmission setup that slots sideways to engage manual mode. Shifting paddles are also seen concerning the same. Alongside the shifting setup, there is a large button indicative of provision for drive selection. The steering is a 3-spoke wheel with communication and infotainment controls mounted on the 3’o clock and 9’o clock arms. It interposes itself between the driver and a semi-digital instrument cluster that contains analogue gauges and a rather obscure but large colour screen to display related information.
Overall, the interiors see liberal use of brushed aluminium and faux wood embellishments, and we are not complaining at all. They find their way into the door cards too, and the resultant is very upscale. The SUV will also house multi-colour LED mood lighting, Kia has confirmed.
Based on the previous sketches, the SP SUV will sport a sharply contoured and muscular styling with expansive body panels. This is further confirmed by images of camouflaged test mules doing high speed runs on the highway.
It will be powered by both petrol and diesel variants of a 1.5-litre engine that is mated to both manual and automatic transmissions. Also speculated is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will drive in conjunction with a dual clutch transmission.
Kia plans to launch the SUV next month on June 20, 2019; pitting it against the likes of the Tata Harrier and the MG Hector.
