KIA AY SUV, that's the code given by the South Korean (South Korean) manufacturer for its newest project. The new KIA car will enter the entry level segment. In fact, the choice of the engine is not only gasoline, but there is also a battery-based electric drive option (BEV).
"The manufacturer is developing a small SUV with the code AY. This SUV uses a flexible platform, which allows KIA to enter the entry-level petrol SUV segment, as well as EV," said a statement from Kia India officials, quoted from Indiatimes, Thursday (05/01/ 2023).
KIA's plan to present an EV that is more affordable due to the success of the KIA EV6 electric car. Especially now that KIA has Small and Compact SUVs that are quite in demand, namely the Sonet and Seltos. The KIA AY SUV project was also given the tagline "Compact Lifestyle SUV" as a result of targeting the younger generation.
The price of the KIA AY SUV is predicted to be affordable
Even though it is said that it will enter the small SUV segment, according to Autocarindia, KIA AY will occupy a position between Sonet and Seltos. Its body length is estimated at around 4 meters, with a muscular body and a rectangular design like the Sorento. This is what will differentiate AY from Seltos or Sonet which appear more stylish.
With his tall stature, AY is expected to have better driving flexibility. Meanwhile, with a longer body than the Sonet, this car should also have more spacious cabin space. But of course there is no detailed specification information from the manufacturer.
Use Turbo 1.0L Engine
According to an internal source from the company, the KIA AY SUV will come with several engine options. One of them uses a 1.0-liter Turbo petrol engine.
There will also be an EV option that may use two electric motors to provide capabilities like a 4WD car. Meanwhile, the petrol engine variant only uses front-wheel drive (FWD) like the Sonet.
The source also said that India would become the AY production base with a target of 10,000 units per year. Apart from the domestic market, AY produced by India will also produce a right hand drive (RHD) version, aka the right steering wheel for export needs.
