KEEPING MOVING FORWARD - Kia ‘Tusker’ SP SUV
Created for the millennial generation with a sophisticated modern design
Kia Motors has today revealed the first images – albeit design sketches - of its new small SUV. Originally previewed in 2018 by the SP concept before evolving to the near-production Signature concept earlier this year, the SUV is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, and is said to possess the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package.
With a modern and urbane design, inspired by the 2019 Kia SP Signature Concept, the SUV will stand apart from rivals by matching the unique preferences and needs of the millennial generation. The robust design character of a traditional SUV coexists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong, sophisticated character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.
The new compact SUV brings a sense of luxury to its exterior design with LED headlamps which extend over the radiator grille. The lamps feature a three-dimensional light graphic and a highly technical diamond pattern at their trailing edges. The design is also echoed in the rear LED lamps.
Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, comments: “We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new small SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match.”
While Kia has yet to release an official name, pundits are claiming it will be called the Tusker in India, and will rival the Hyundai Creta. By adding a new global small SUV to its line-up, Kia Motors is extending its range of SUVs to fulfil the needs of customers in every region. The new model is expected go on-sale in Korea in the second half of 2019, with sales in other regions to follow soon after.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Tusker cost in South Africa?
Kia hasn't released official South African pricing for the Tusker yet, but expect it to start around R350,000 to R450,000 when it launches, positioning it squarely against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Magnite.
Q: Is the Kia Tusker worth buying?
The Tusker looks promising with its modern design and millennial-focused features, but we'd recommend waiting for the full reveal and test drives before making a decision, especially since Kia's build quality and after-sales service have improved dramatically in recent years.
Q: What engine options will the Kia Tusker have?
Kia hasn't confirmed engine specifications yet, but expect a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder producing around 88kW and possibly a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated option with about 85kW, both likely paired with manual and automatic transmission choices.
Q: When will the Kia Tusker be available in South Africa?
The Tusker is expected to launch globally in the coming weeks, with South African availability likely following 6-12 months later, putting local showroom arrival somewhere in mid to late 2024.
Q: How does the Kia Tusker compare to the Hyundai Creta?
Both SUVs target young buyers and share similar underpinnings, but the Tusker appears to focus more on sporty design while the Creta emphasises interior space, though we'll need to wait for full specifications to make proper comparisons.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses, boet. The Kia Tusker looks like it could be a proper contender in the compact SUV space with its sharp styling and millennial-focused approach, but it's still in sketch form. With expected pricing around R350,000 to R450,000, it'll go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta (from R389,900) and Nissan Magnite (from R299,900). The design language is spot-on for younger buyers, and Kia's improved reliability means it's worth considering. However, until we see the full car, know the exact specs, and get behind the wheel, we'd say maybe, wait for the proper reveal. The best compact SUV under R400,000 in SA right now is still the Nissan Magnite Acenta Plus at R349,900, so Kia needs to bring something special to steal that crown.
