The much-awaited Kia Seltos has made its global debut in India, with a goal to stand apart from its rivals with its sophisticated, sporty design and the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV – all in a compact package. The Seltos will be Kia’s first product offering in India.
The name comes from Greek mythology as we read in an earlier post. Compared to the SP concept of last year, the production version retains most of the design elements, including the basic shape of the wheels.
Unlike the dual-lamp trend on SUVs these days where the main headlamp unit is positioned below a narrow upper strip, the Seltos’ headlamps are in the traditional place and are full LEDs. Under the headlamp units are 3D multi-layer indicators, and all the way down on the bumper are another stylish-looking, vertically mounted LED fog lamps.
The Seltos sits on a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, shod with 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18 wide tires, respectively. A chrome lining and chrome door handles add a premium touch on the side profile, while the rear-end looks equally premium with a roof spoiler, multi-layer tail lamp detailing and a chrome bar that connects them. Don’t miss the chrome bar-integrated reverse lamps. For some reason, the designers have decided to retain even those fake exhaust tips.
While the overall design might look a bit aggressive or busy to some, it is clear that the design team have put their best efforts into making the Seltos standout from its competition which includes its step brother.
Features inside include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, UVO Connect telematics, optional Sound Mood Lighting system with 8 customizable colours and 6 themes, and optional 8-speaker Bose audio system. The options list also includes 8.0-inch Head-Up Display.
Kia said that the UVO system is free to users for the first 3 years, and includes stolen vehicle notification and tracking, safety alerts, auto collision notification and emergency assistance. The aforementioned Sound Mood Lighting emits soft light from a unique 3D-patterned surface on the door panels.
As for safety, the Seltos’ body is a mix of steel, aluminum, and a high proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel components. Other safety features include 6 airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, Brake-force Assist, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control, 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors as well.
Moving on to the business end of the story, the Seltos will be offered with 1.6-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine producing 177 hp, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 149 hp, or a 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 136 hp. Depending on the market, transmissions will be a 7-speed dual clutch automatic, a 6-speed automatic, or a CVT. Drivers can choose from ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ modes which are self-explanatory.
Only the front discs get Red callipers?
The Seltos is an important car for Kia as it will play a central role in the expansion of our global footprint, and especially in a priority market like India. We’ve adapted our strengths in design, quality and technology to fulfill the needs of customers in the Indian market – Han-Woo Park, President and CEO, Kia Motors
The Kia Seltos will be produced in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and in Gwangju, Korea. Expected to go on sale in India in August.
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