SEOUL MOTOR SHOW: Small and large Kia SUVs revealed

Kia has used today’s Seoul motor show opening to reveal the all-new small SUV it will release in Australia by the end of this year, and a concept for an all-new large SUV.

Dubbed the SP2 Signature concept, the former is almost identical to the SP2 Concept it revealed in India last year, save for details like different wheels and the lack of a roof-mounted light bar.

In fact, despite wearing the same paint colour as the previous SP2 concept, we understand the SP2 Signature show car you see here is production-ready except for its narrow wing mirrors.

As we’ve reported previously, Kia’s first small SUV will be launched in Australia around October this year, positioned below the mid-size Kia Sportage from around $25,000.

Aimed directly at popular small SUVs like the Mitsubishi ASX and Mazda CX-3, the as-yet-unnamed compact crossover is expected to help generate 80,000 annual sales for Kia Australia.

The second Kia concept to make its world debut today is the Mohave Masterpiece, a similarly all-new large SUV that’s claimed to combine rugged off-road ability with a luxurious, high-tech cabin.

Our sources say the chunky-looking Mohave Masterpiece show car is based on the same monocoque platform as sister brand Hyundai’s Telluride, which presently is produced only in left-hand drive.

However, Hyundai Australia is currently working on a business case that could see it also produced in RHD for markets including Australia.

If that happens, both Hyundai and Kia could offer a large off-road SUV to rival the likes of the Toyota Prado, in addition to the HiLux-style one-tonne dual-cab utes both Korean brands are expected to land by 2022.

“If there’s a decision made to produce that platform in right-hand drive, it would certainly help our cause,” said Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth.

In an official press release, Kia said: “An expanding range of SUVs and crossover models has provided the impetus for Kia’s long-term sales growth around the world.

“The Masterpiece and Signature both provide an insight into how Kia could develop its model line-up in future, in terms of design, layout and use of technology.

“The Masterpiece hints at how the brand could adapt its latest designs and features for the large off-road SUV segment.

“Driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new small SUV for its global markets.

“The concept previews a production-ready compact SUV from Kia, due to be revealed for the first time later in 2019. The concept’s design will also influence future models destined for Kia’s global markets.”