Kia has launched the all new Seltos compact SUV in its home market in South Korea. Kia calls it a “game changer” in the global small SUV market which has doubled in size over the last five years.
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Having made its world premier in India last month, the Seltos went on sale in South Korea on 18th July having already garnered 5,100 units ever since it was open for pre-booking some two weeks ago. In India, the Seltos accumulated 6,046 bookings on the very first day breaking all previous records. The SUV is slated for a 22nd August launch in Indian market.
Kia Seltos is characterized by its spacious interior with 498 liters of trunk space and a relatively longer body dimensions at 4,375 mm– the longest in the small SUV category. Exterior features include Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, LED headlamps with 3D multilayer direction indicators, ice cube LED fog lamps, LED rear lights and skid plates. The South Korean-spec Seltos gets 18-inch alloy wheels, as opposed to the Indian version which settles for 17-inch wheels.
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Inside the Seltos gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with UVO connectivity suite, head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, wireless phone charging and 8-speaker Bose sound system among others. There are 6 exterior and 3 interior color options available with the Seltos.
Commenting on the launch, Kia Motors Vice President Kwon Hyuk-ho said:
“Seltos has a strong design and high product quality, and will become a game changer in the competitive small SUV market.”
Seltos is available in two engine options, a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque, and a 1.6 diesel engine that produces 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Kia says it has increased the fuel economy of both the engines by applying 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which enables strengthened responsiveness of the speed pedal. 4WD versions are available as option.
Kia has also offered its latest driving safety technologies as standard to Seltos, putting the driving assist functions including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and high beam assist to all trims. The Seltos offers three driving modes– normal, sport and eco while there is an additional driving assist traction mode, which allows stable driving on roads with snow, mud or sand.
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After South Korea the Seltos would go on sale in global markets including India and China. The company has set an annual sales target of 40,000 units starting from 2020, with a 20,000 target for this year.
The price of Kia Seltos 1.6 turbo gasoline model begins at 19.2 million won (PKR 25.86 lac) for the base trim Trendy, 22.3 million won (PKR 30.04 lac) for the Prestige trim and 24.4 million (PKR 34.87 lac) won for the Noble trim. For diesel versions, the price starts from 21.2 million (PKR 28.56 lac) to 24.3 million won (PKR 32.73 lac) and 26.3 million won (PKR 35.43 lac).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
