Kia has had the advantage of having its parent brand, Hyundai firmly established in India. But this does not mean that it was a walk in the park for it to garner success, catering to the diverse masses. Kia had to keep its cars different from Hyundai’s because why would one buy a new unfamiliar product if it is the same as the old tried and trusted product? With sharper designs consisting of their signature tiger-nose grille, Kia cars look sportier and are some of the most fashionable offerings. In addition to this, many subtle differences make Kia cars stand apart not only from Hyundai cars but from other rivals as well. Today, with only four cars on sale, Kia stands as one of the leading carmakers in India. If you are considering a Kia car as your next car, this article explains what they have to offer you.
List of Best Kia Cars In India
Model | Fuel Type | Body Type | ARAI Mileage | Ex-showroom Price |
Kia Sonet | Petrol & Diesel | Compact SUV | 18.83 – 19.2 km/l (petrol) 22.3 km/l (diesel) | Rs 7.99 – 15.75 lakh |
Kia Carens | Petrol & Diesel | MUV | 15.5 - 17.5 km/l (petrol) 17.5 km/l (diesel) | Rs 10.72 – 19.67 lakh |
Kia Seltos | Petrol & Diesel | Mid-size SUV | 17 – 17.9 km/l (petrol) 19.1 – 20.7 km/l (diesel) | Rs 10.90 – 20.35 lakh |
Kia EV6 | Electric | Premium Electric SUV | Range - 708 km | Rs 60.95 – 65.95 lakh |
Kia Sonet
The best-selling and most affordable Kia car, Kia Sonet has been in the game for nearly four years. In its run so far, the Sonet had developed its dominion quite early, raising the segment’s standards in terms of interior quality. While the rivals have caught up over time, the Sonet still feels significantly modern on the inside. Moreover, as always it looks striking and new-age, very emblematic of the modernity it packs inside. This modernity is not limited to the design as the Korean compact SUV is one of the most tech-laden offerings in its segment. Meanwhile, with a lengthy list of variants in the Sonet line-up, Kia has made sure that there is a Sonet for every buyer.
Kia Sonet Specifications & Key Features
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, 1-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT, 6-speed DCT
- Mileage: Up to 18.83 km/l (petrol) & up to 22.3 km/l (diesel)
- Airbags: 6 airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Level-1 ADAS features
- 4-way powered driver seat
- Ventilated front seats
Kia Carens
When Kia decided to make an MUV for the Indian market, it did not limit itself to traditions. Ergo, Kia’s first MUV, Carens features an SUV-inspired face and a turbo-petrol engine for an exciting performance, something usually not expected in MUVs. In its first few months, the Korean MUV rapidly climbed up the ladder, becoming one of the best-selling cars. While the increased competition from Maruti and Toyota has eroded its popularity, the Carens is still doing substantial sales and is one of a kind. Firstly, as compared to its rivals Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Rumion, the Carens is larger, more feature-rich, and the only one to feature a sunroof. Moreover, sharing its engines with Kia Seltos, the Carens has three engine options which include a sporty turbo-petrol mated to a DCT automatic and a segment-only diesel engine.
Kia Carens Specifications & Key Features
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine, 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT
- Mileage: 15.5 km/l for petrol & 17.5 km/l for diesel
- Airbags: 6 airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 6- & 7-seater
- Body Type: MUV
- Electric one-touch folding second-row seats
- Ventilated front seat
- Digital instrument cluster
Kia Seltos
As the first Kia car in India, Kia Seltos did a great job of introducing the qualities of the Korean brand and defining what to expect from Kia cars. By all odds, the Seltos was a massive success and had even outshined its sibling, the Hyundai Creta, for a few months. While the Seltos might not be as popular today as it was earlier, it is among the front runners of its segment which is the largest one and sees competition among a total of nine cars. Much like the Hyundai Creta, the Seltos is a well-rounded package. With premium interiors and their neat fit and finish, the Seltos has an upmarket air to its cabin. At the same time, it is packed to the gills with high-tech features to deliver a rich passenger experience. Moreover, sharing its mechanicals with the Hyundai Creta, the Seltos comes with some of the most refined and reliable engines in the Indian market.
Kia Seltos Specifications & Key Features
- Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT, CVT, 7-speed DCT, & 6-speed AT
- Mileage: 17 – 17.9 km/l for petrol & 19.1 – 20.7 km/l for diesel
- Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
- Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Mid-size SUV
- Dual-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Level-2 ADAS safety suite
Kia EV6
The Korean automaker’s first all-electric crossover in India, Kia EV6 is a feast to the eyes and an excellent car as far as EVs are concerned. This huge Korean premium EV is replete with high-end features. Moreover, the state-of-the-art interiors and acres of space in the cabin makes the EV6 deliver a high level of premium experience that can challenge more expensive luxury EVs. All the same, the main speciality of the EV6 is its range of up to 708 km which is one of the longest ones available in India and makes it an alluring choice for city usage as well as trips to far-off destinations.
Kia EV6 Specifications & Key Features
- Battery pack: 77.4 kWh
- Range: Up to 708 km
- Airbags: 8 airbags
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Premium electric 5-seater SUV
- 14-speaker Meridian sound system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ventilated and powered front seats
Summary
For nearly six years that Kia has spent in India and with only a few cars on sale, Kia has done exceptionally well to establish itself as one of the market leaders. As a key player in the SUV space, Kia had facelifted Seltos last year and Sonet earlier this year to keep its SUVs abreast with the competition. In the coming months, Kia is expected to launch Kia Clavis SUV in the sub-4-metre category and Kia KA4 which is essentially the fourth-generation Kia Carnival that was on sale for nearly three years and was discontinued last year. However, if you are looking to own a Kia car now, this article eases things for you to make an informed choice.
FAQs
Which cars does Kia sell in India?
Kia sells Kia Sonet, Kia Seltos, Kia Carens, and Kia EV6 in India.
Which Kia cars offer a panoramic sunroof?
Kia Seltos is the only Kia car which offers a panoramic sunroof.
Which Kia cars are available with a diesel engine?
Kia cars which are available with a diesel engine are Kia Sonet, Kia Seltos, and Kia Carens.
Which Kia cars offer a DCT automatic transmission?
Kia cars which are available with a DCT automatic are Kia Sonet, Kia Seltos, and Kia Carens.
Which is the most expensive Kia car in India.
The most expensive Kia car is the Kia EV6 priced at Rs 60.95 – 65.95 (ex-showroom).