Korean Cars in India

Foreign car makers aren’t always able to crack the Indian market. Indian car buyers are highly demanding, and at the same time the market is highly price sensitive. However, Hyundai and Kia are two Korean car brands present in the Indian market that appear to have cracked the formula for success in the world’s third largest car market

There are plenty of reasons for the success enjoyed by South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia. Korean cars are stylish, reliable, feature packed, and most importantly, they offer great value for money. In their formative years, both car brands started by offering mass market models in the Indian market. However, in recent years both car brands have diversified their lineup of cars and now offer both budget, premium and luxury models.

List of Korean Cars in India

Put together, Hyundai and Kia sell a total of 18 car models in India. In the case of Hyundai, the i20, Venue and Creta also get N Line variants. To keep things simple, we have included these performance oriented variants under the regular models of these cars.

Car	Body Type	ICE/Electric	Ex-Showroom price
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	Hatchback	ICE	Rs. 5.98 lakh to Rs. 8.62 lakh
Hyundai Aura	Sedan	ICE	Rs. 6.54 lakh to Rs. 9.11 lakh
Hyundia Exter	SUV	ICE	Rs. 6.21 lakh to Rs. 10.51 lakh
Hyundai i20	Hatchback	ICE	Rs. 7.04 lakh to Rs. 12.56 lakh
Hyundai Venue	SUV	ICE	Rs. 7.94 lakh to Rs.13.97 lakh
Kia Sonet	SUV	ICE	Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 15.71 lakh
Kia Syros	SUV	ICE	Rs. 9.50 lakh to Rs.17.80 lakh
Hyundai Verna	Sedan	ICE	Rs. 11.07 lakh to Rs. 17.55 lakh
Kia Carens	MPV	ICE	Rs. 10.60 lakh to Rs. 19.70 lakh
Kia Seltos	SUV	ICE	Rs. 11.19 lakh to Rs. 20.56 lakh
Hyundai Creta	SUV	ICE	Rs. 11.11 lakh to Rs. 20.64 lakh
Hyundai Alcazar	MPV	ICE	Rs. 17.22 lakh to Rs. 21.74 lakh
Hyundai Creta Electric	SUV	EV	Rs. 17.99 lakh to Rs. 24.38 lakh
Hyundai Tucson	SUV	ICE	Rs. 29.27 lakh to Rs. 36.04 lakh
Hyundai Ioniq 5	SUV	EV	Rs. 46.05 lakh
Kia Carnival	MPV	ICE	Rs. 63.91 lakh
Kia EV6	SUV	EV	Rs. 65.97 lakh
Kia EV9	MPV	EV	Rs. 1.30 crore

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the smallest Korean car, and is also one of two Korean hatchbacks sold in India. It is available only with a petrol engine. However, buyers are afforded the choice between a manual and an automatic transmission.

For those who prioritise lower running costs, there is also a CNG model. However, the option of CNG is only available with the mid-spec Magna and Sportz variants. Furthermore, the CNG variant is offered exclusively with a manual transmission.

Hyundai’s smallest offering is equipped with all the essential features such as a touchscreen and automatic climate control. Six airbags are offered on the top spec Asta variant, and the Grand i10 Nios has a 2 star crash test rating from Global NCAP.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT, 5 speed AMT
• Mileage: 20 km/l (petrol), 24 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: Hatchback

Hyundai Aura

Hyundai Aura is the smallest Korean sedan sold in India, and it is based on the Grand i10 Nios. Just like the hatchback, the sedan is only available with a petrol engine with a choice of manual and automatic transmission.

Furthermore, the option of CNG also exists, but only with a manual transmission. The CNG powertrain can be had in all variants, except the top spec SX(O) version.

In terms of features, the Hyundai Aura is once again similar to the Grand i10 Nios. It gets all the basic amenities such as a touchscreen, steering mounted controls and rear AC vents. The design of the two cars is also similar, however, Hyundai distinguishes them with a different interior colour for both. Six airbags are standard on all variants of the Aura.

Hyundai Aura Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT,  5 speed AMT
• Mileage: 18 km/l (petrol), 22 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: Sedan

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter was developed by the Korean car maker to tap into the growing small SUV market in India, and just like other small cars from Hyundai, the Exter is available with a petrol engine with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

A CNG variant is also available, albeit only with a manual transmission. Hyundai has however limited its availability to the lower end S and SX variants of the small SUV.

The Exter is well equipped in terms of features. It goes beyond segment expectations by offering a dashcam, tyre pressure monitoring system and a sunroof. Six airbags are standard on all variants of the Exter, however, it is yet to be crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP.

Hyundai Exter Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT,  5 speed AMT
• Mileage: 19 km/l (petrol), 27.1 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai i20

Premium hatchbacks rarely exist in the Indian market and the Hyundai i20 is an exception. It is offered with a choice of 2 petrol engines. The less powerful, naturally aspirated engine is reserved for the regular version of the i20 and is offered with a manual and automatic transmission.

A smaller, but more powerful, turbocharged engine is offered with the i20 N Line, a sportier derivative of the premium hatchback. It too is available with manual and automatic transmission choices.

The i20 is lavishly equipped for its segment. It gets an HD touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, sunroof, and a 7 speaker BOSE sound system. In terms of safety, the i20 and i20 N Line both get six airbags across all variants. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also offered on all variants except the base model.

Hyundai i20 Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT / CVT (petrol), 6 speed MT / 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol)
• Mileage: 20 km/l (petrol), 14 km/l to 18 km/l (turbo petrol)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: Hatchback

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV developed by the Korean car maker to cater to their growing demand. It’s available with three engine options: a naturally aspirated petrol engine with a manual transmission, a turbocharged petrol engine with an option for manual and automatic transmission and a diesel engine with a manual transmission.

The Venue also has a N Line model which is only offered with the most potent turbocharged petrol engine. However, the transmission option is limited to just an automatic.

In terms of features, the Venue is well loaded. Apart from the basic amenities, the Venue gets advanced features like connected car technology, dashcam, automatic headlamps and an auto dimming rear view mirror. All variants of the regular Venue are sold with six airbags as standard and the top spec also features Level 1 ADAS. However, for the N Line model, only the top spec N8 variant gets six airbags. 

Hyundai Venue Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT (petrol), 6 speed MT (turbo petrol and diesel), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol)
• Mileage: 16 km/l to 18 km/l (petrol), 13 km/l to 17 km/l (turbo petrol), 22 km/l to 24 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet is the smallest car from the Korean car maker and is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue. It features similar engine options as well. A naturally aspirated petrol engine with a manual transmission is great for everyday driving.

For those who want something spicier, there is a turbocharged petrol engine as well. A diesel engine is also offered with the Sonet. Both the turbo petrol and diesel engine are available with manual and automatic transmissions options.

Despite having the same underpinnings as the Venue, the Sonet features a different exterior and interior design. It is also packed with top notch features like a sunroof, air purifier, electrically adjustable driver seat and a fully digital instrument cluster. Six airbags and many other safety features are standard on the Sonet. The top spec GTX+ and X-Line trims also feature Level 1 ADAS.

Kia Sonet Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine, 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 5 speed MT (petrol), 6 speed iMT (turbo petrol), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed MT (diesel), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 16 km/l to 18 km/l (petrol), 13 km/l to 17 km/l (turbo petrol), 22 km/l to 24 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Kia Syros

The Syros is a true representation of Korean cars, as it blends a compact size with premium features. Kia offers the Syros with a turbocharged petrol and a diesel engine, with manual and automatic gearbox options available for both.

The Korean car maker has given the Syros a futuristic design with sharp lines and a boxy silhouette, which give it a unique identity. This gives the Syros a premium avatar despite its compact size.

Kia offers premium features on the Syros with the stand out being a 30 inch panoramic screen on the dashboard that combines the instrument cluster and touchscreen into one unit. It also features ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers. The top HTX+ (O) variant also gets Level 2 ADAS. Six airbags, ESP and other safety features are standard on all variants of the Syros.

Kia Syros Specifications

• Engine: 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 15 km/l to 18 km/l (turbo petrol), 18 km/l to 21 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is the biggest Korean sedan sold in India, and only one of two. It is available with a choice of two petrol engines, where one is naturally aspirated and the other engine is turbocharged. Both engines are available with manual and automatic transmission options.

The Verna looks Korean with its sleek LED lighting at the front, and overall, the sedan looks quite futuristic and unlike other cars on the road.

Hyundai has equipped the Verna with premium features such as cooled and heated front seats, a sunroof, a digital instrument cluster and a BOSE sound system. All variants of the Verna are equipped with six airbags and the top variant of the sedan also features Level 2 ADAS. Furthermore, the Verna also has a 5 star crash test rating from Global NCAP.

Hyundai Verna Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre turbocharged engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, CVT (petrol), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol)
• Mileage: 18 km/l to 20 km/l (petrol), 15 km/l to 18 km/l (turbo petrol)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: Sedan

Kia Carens

The Carens is an MPV from Korean carmaker Kia and it is available with three engine options. There are two petrol engines, one naturally aspirated and the other one featuring a turbocharger. However, only the turbocharged petrol engine is available with an automatic transmission. Furthermore, it doesn’t get a proper manual transmission and instead features an iMT.

Being a people mover, the Carens also features a diesel engine and it can be optioned with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The Carens is equipped with all the usual features such as a premium BOSE sound system, sunroof and HD touchscreen.

What sets the Carens apart are its roof mounted AC vents for the second and third row, cooled cup holders and the seat back table in the second row. The second row seat also folds incredibly easily to give access to the third row. All variants of the Kia Carens are equipped with six airbags and it got a 3 star crash test rating from Global NCAP.

Kia Carens Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT (petrol and diesel), 6 speed iMT (turbo petrol), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 14 km/l to 16 km/l (petrol), 12 km/l to 16 km/l (turbo petrol), 18 km/l to 20 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 seater, 7 seater
• Body Type: MPV

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos was the first car launched by the Korean car maker in India and it instantly became a hit. It too features three engine options. A petrol, a turbocharged petrol and a diesel engine, all of which are also available with an automatic transmission. 

However, the turbo petrol engine is only available with an iMT and not a proper manual transmission. The Seltos is offered in three variant lineups: Tech Line, GT Line and X Line.

The Korean SUV is decked with the latest features including a panoramic sunroof, dual HD screens, dual zone climate control and connected car tech. In terms of safety, 6 airbags are standard on the Seltos and it achieved a 3 star crash test rating from Global NCAP. The Seltos also gets Level 2 ADAS.

Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT (petrol, diesel), 6 speed iMT (turbo petrol), CVT (petrol), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 15 km/l to 18 km/l (petrol), 12 km/l to 17 km/l (turbo petrol), 18 km/l to 22 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta is a highly popular Korean car, and is currently the best selling SUV in India. It gets a petrol and diesel engine, both of which are available with a manual and automatic transmission. Hyundai also offers a powerful turbocharged petrol engine, albeit only with an automatic transmission.

However, the Creta also has an N Line variant lineup which is offered with the same turbo petrol engine. A manual transmission is available in this case, alongside the automatic.

In terms of features, the Creta is highly loaded. It gets a panoramic sunroof, HD screens, dual zone climate control, and an 8 way power adjustable driver seat. The safety package is also comprehensive, and it gets 6 airbags standard across the range, along with Level 2 ADAS.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine, 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT (petrol, diesel), CVT (petrol), 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 15 km/l to 18 km/l (petrol), 12 km/l to 17 km/l (turbo petrol), 18 km/l to 22 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Alcazar

Based on an extended version of the Hyundai Creta’s platform, the Alcazar is a popular MPV from the Korean car maker. It features two engines, one petrol and one diesel. Both engines are available with a choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Being an MPV, the Alcazar is available in 6 and 7 seater configurations. However, the 6 seater configuration is only offered on the top two variants, whereas the 7 seater configuration is available across all variants.

The Alcazar boasts of a premium interior and gets features like an 8 way power adjustable driver and passenger seats, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats for first and second row. In terms of safety, all variants of the Alcazar get 6 airbags and a full suite of electronic driving aids. A Level 2 ADAS system is also offered on the top two variants of the MPV.

Hyundai Alcazar Specifications

• Engine: 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed MT, 7 speed DCT (turbo petrol), 6 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 12 km/l to 16 km/l (turbo petrol), 18 km/l to 20 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 seater, 7 seater
• Body Type: MPV

Hyundai Creta Electric

The Hyundai Creta Electric is the latest EV from the Korean car maker. It extends on the high levels of popularity enjoyed by the regular Creta and is offered with one electric motor on the front axle, and being an electric, it is only available with an automatic transmission.

Hyundai also offers the Creta Electric with the option of two battery packs. While both power only one electric motor, the bigger battery pack squeezes more power out of the electric motor. Both can be fully charged from 10% in under 5 hours.

While the overall design remains similar, the Creta Electric features distinguishing elements such as the transmission selector, which is part of the steering column, that set it apart from the regular Creta. It also is well loaded with features such as memory functions for the powered front seats. All variants are equipped with six airbags and the Creta Electric also gets Level 2 ADAS. 

Hyundai Creta Electric Specifications

• Engine: Single Electric Motor
• Transmission: Automatic
• Battery Pack: 42 kWH, 51.4 kWh
• Airbags: 6
• Range (MIDC cycle): 390 km (42 kWh), 473 km (51.4 kWh)
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is the flagship ICE SUV for the Indian market. The Korean carmaker offers it with an option of petrol or diesel engine, however both engines are only available with an automatic transmission. A 4WD system is also offered with the diesel engine, albeit only in the top spec Signature variant.

The Tucson stands out in Hyundai’s line up due to its design, which has been directly borrowed from Hyundai’s global lineup of cars.

In terms of features, the Tucson is lavishly equipped. It features a panoramic sunroof, cooled and heated front seats, a 10 way electrically adjustable driver seat, a hands free powered tailgate, 64 colour ambient lighting and 8 speaker premium BOSE sound system. It also features 6 airbags and a full suite of electronic safety systems, along with Level 2 ADAS.

Hyundai Tucson Specifications

• Engine: 2.0 litre petrol engine, 2.0 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6 speed AT (petrol), 8 speed AT (diesel)
• Mileage: 10 km/l to 14 km/l (petrol), 12 km/l to 17 km/l (diesel)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the most expensive car sold by the Korean car maker in India and it’s an EV. The Ioniq 5 features a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, giving it highly sporty driving dynamics.

The Ioniq 5 is also available in one fully loaded variant, and is sold in the country via the CKD (completely knocked down) route. It can be fully charged using AC power in under 7 hours. Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 supports DC charging up 350 kW which can charge it from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.

The Korean car maker has kitted the Ioniq 5 with some premium features such as panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, BOSE sound system and a Vehicle 2 Load feature which helps it power electronic appliances. The Ioniq 5 features 6 airbags and Level 2 ADAS.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Specifications

• Engine: Single Electric Motor
• Transmission: Automatic
• Battery Pack: 72.6 kWh
• Airbags: 6
• Range (ARAI): 631 km
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival is the most expensive Korean car sold in India with an internal combustion engine. The reason for its high price is that it is a CBU (completely built up) model that is imported into the country. The Carnival is offered with a sole diesel engine and an automatic transmission. It is available in a single variant only.

The Carnival is offered in a 7 seater configuration, with 2 captain seats in the second row and bench seating for three passengers in the third row. Being over 5 metres long in length, the Carnival offers huge amounts of space inside the cabin.

It is also luxuriously equipped. There are two sunroofs on offer, one for the front row and one for the second row. It also features highly luxurious ottoman style seats in the second row and 64 colour ambient lighting. On the safety front, it gets 8 airbags, a full suite of electronic safety features and Level 2 ADAS.

Kia Carnival Specifications

• Engine: 2.2 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 8 speed AT
• Mileage: 10 km/l to 14 km/l
• Airbags: 8
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7 seater
• Body Type: MPV

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 was the first EV launched by the Korean car maker in India. It features a dual motor layout, with one electric motor powering each axle. This gives the EV6 AWD capabilities and also makes it seriously quick, with a 0 -100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds.

The EV6 is sold in India via the CBU route, which is the reason for its high price in comparison to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is also based on the same platform. The EV6 is available in a single fully loaded variant and can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC charger.

In terms of features, the EV6 is packed with a sunroof, powered tailgate, Meridian sound system, a head-up display and a digital key which can be loaded onto your smartphone. On the safety front, it is equipped with 8 airbags and a Level 2 ADAS system, apart from the usual suite of electronic driver aids.

Kia EV6 Specifications

• Engine: Dual Electric Motors
• Transmission: Automatic
• Battery Pack: 84 kWh
• Airbags: 8
• Range (ARAI): 663 km
• Seating Capacity: 5 seater
• Body Type: SUV

Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 is the only Korean car sold in India which is priced north of a crore, making it the most expensive Korean car in the Indian market. It is a CBU unit which also accounts for its hefty price tag. It features two electric motors, one on each axle, which gives it AWD capabilities. The EV9 is available in a single, fully loaded, variant.

Using regular AC charging, it takes just over 10 hours to fully charge the EV9. However, if you are in a hurry and chance upon a high capacity DC charger, then it can charge the EV9 from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.

The EV9 is equipped with highly luxurious features such as an 18 way powered driver seat with memory function, three zone climate control, massaging seats in the second row, a 14 speaker Meridian sound system and 64 colour ambient lighting. The safety package consists of 10 airbags, Level 2 ADAS and multiple electronic driver aids.

Kia EV9 Specifications

• Engine: Dual Electric Motors
• Transmission: Automatic
• Battery Pack: 99.8 kWh
• Airbags: 10
• Range (ARAI): 561 km
• Seating Capacity: 6 seater
• Body Type: MPV

Korean Cars in India Summary

While Hyundai and Kia are the only two Korean car brands present in India, they offer a comprehensive set of cars ranging from hatchbacks, to sedans, SUVS and even MPVs. Their cars are priced from as low as Rs. 6 lakh, all the way to Rs. 1.30 crore, catering to a broad spectrum of buyers.

Korean car makers in India haven’t always been as successful as the Hyundai and Kia duo, both of who are part of the Hyundai conglomerate based out of South Korea. A great example of this is Ssangyong, which tried to enter the market but ultimately didn’t get very far. Ultimately, both Hyundai and Kia have managed to make it in India by offering a premium experience at a digestible price tag.

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