We have noticed that Hyundai were working on an small SUV for the US-market, to be called Leonis, and now we have got a confirmation that Kia will have also its small SUV for North America during 2019. (Kia KX3 Concept pictured above).
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Speaking with Automotive News, Han-woo Park Kia Motors Global CEO announced its plans to push into light trucks for the US-market and while talking about the outlook for the US he said:
“SUVs are going up, but we are suffering from a shortage of pickup trucks in our lineup. But we expect our performance in the U.S. market to rebound soon as we focus on expanding our product lineup, strengthening the Kia brand image and enhancing dealership profitability.”
“We will continue to strengthen our SUV lineup with a range of new model introductions with both the full-size Telluride SUV and a compact A-segment SUV in 2019.”
Check what Kia offers in Europe on the A-segment, a ruggerized Picanto, called Picanto X-Line
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So yeah, Kia will have a small A-segment SUV, smaller than the Soul or Kona in 2019 ready to take another piece of the pie. There’s not information about this model, but is expected to share most of the features from Hyundai’s Leonis.
These are some of the safety features this new model could be equipped with Auto Emergency Brake, Blind Spot Detection, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assistance Control and of course the side and Curtain Airbags.
Hyundai Leonis prototype courtesy of SHM Studio
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On the interior is expected to have an 8″ Display and the Smart Key with Button to start. On the exterior you’ll have the Sunroof, the option of 15″ Alloy wheels or 17″ Alloys wheels as well as the Projection headlights. To keep the trend coming there will be an option for the Two-Tone Roof.
About engine line-up, this will be simple and will take a Naturally Aspirated 1.6-liter Smart Stream engine, fitted with manual and automatic transmission, like the IVT automatic transmission premiered on the Forte.
