Many believe that in the Indian market, hybrid vehicles are the way of the future. The argument is valid because electric vehicles experience range anxiety and have limited charging facilities. Kia intends to test-drive hybrid vehicles in India. It may release its first hybrid vehicle before the end of this year. Let’s discuss the first hybrid Kia vehicle sold in India.
Hybrid tech
Kia has revealed that it is researching the potential of introducing hybrid vehicles to the Indian market. The 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter normally aspirated engine options now available in the brand’s portfolio are already being electrified. The new Clavis SUV, which is anticipated to be unveiled before the end of this year, maybe the first vehicle to receive the hybrid treatment. Then, it’s anticipated that it will be added to additional vehicles like the Seltos and Carens.
What else do we know?
A brand-new chassis that is compatible with both ICE and EV powertrains will serve as the foundation for the Clavis. It has been observed testing a tall-boy design recently. The Clavis will be positioned as a product between the Seltos and the Sonet. How will Kia set itself apart then? Similar to the Sonet, the Clavis would be a sub-4 million vehicle but with more features and more room inside. In addition to its hybrid configuration, the Clavis is anticipated to have an electric and petrol drivetrain.
Hybrid Kia car – Launch timeline
By the end of 2024, Kia reportedly intends to reveal the Clavis. The launch, though, is limited to the first half of 2025. The electric vehicle (EV) version will launch first, then the gasoline/diesel version. The release date of the hybrid version is yet unknown. The Clavis is likely to have a wide range of variants, with costs expected to start at Rs 14 lakh and go up to Rs 26 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). This is because it has so many engine options.
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