Kia has officially unveiled its new Seltos compact SUV in India. The Seltos is based on the SP concept that was displayed at the Auto Expo in February 2018 and remains very much connected to its original design.
Related: Kia to Begin Operations in India with SP-Concept Based SUV
Although the Seltos will be first introduced in the competitive Indian market, it will act as a global compact crossover and will reach other markets towards the end of this year. The Kia Seltos comes with a modern design language. The front profile is dominated by the signature Tiger Nose Grille, LED headlamps with DRLs and LED fog lamps. It will ride on 17-inch rims whereas the range topping version will get 18-inch wheels. The Kia Seltos will be offered in 8 colors along with 5 two-tone options.
The interior of the Seltos offers a lot of new features including Bose Sound System, 10.25-inch Touchscreen, Heads Up Display, 360° Camera, Ventilated Seats, Powered Driver’s Seat, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Sunroof, Air Purifier, Automatic Climate Control, Rear AC Vents, etc.
The Kia Seltos comes with UVO connect system with smart features including AI Voice Command, Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilizer, Auto Collision Notification, SOS-emergency assistance etc, Remote engine start & stop, Remotely operated Air Purifier and In Car Air Quality Monitor and Safety alert (Geo fence, Time Fence, Speed, Valet, Idle).
Related: Hyundai Venue Launched in India at INR 6.5 lac
Kia will be offering BS6 compliant petrol and diesel engine options right from the beginning of its launch. The Seltos will be powered by three engine options including 1.5-liter petrol, 1.5-liter diesel along with a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol unit.
All the engines will get 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The 1.5-liter petrol will be offered with CVT automatic. The 1.5-liter diesel will be offered with 6-speed torque converter automatic. The 1.4-liter turbo petrol will get a 7-speed DCT automatic.
Related: Kia to Start Local Production of Sportage and Picanto From August
Some of the safety features include 6 Airbags, ABS, ESC, VSM, Traction control system, Brake-Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Stolen vehicle notification, tracking and immobilization, 360 degree camera with Blind View Monitor and driving rear view monitor (DRVM), Rear & Front Parking Sensor, etc.
For other markets, the Kia Seltos will be offered with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel. There will be a total of three automatic gearboxes on offer depending on region: a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a 6-speed auto, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Related: Are Japanese Cars Better than Korean Ones?
Kia will introduce the Seltos to global markets in the latter half of the year and will assemble the compact crossover in Gwangju, South Korea and in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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