All new Kia Seltos compact SUV
New compact Kia SUV arrival is imminent.
Kia Australia will accept orders for the self-designated "cutting-edge" SUV from 25 October. Driveaway prices start from just $25,990.
Kia Seltos highlights
Five different models will make up the range, with three front-wheel-drive models and two AWD examples.
The S, Sport and Sport+ 2WD Seltoses have a 2.0-litre, multi-point injection, Atkinson cycle engine. The power plant generates up to 110kW and 180Nm, with gearing duties handled by a CVT transmission.
For the Sport+ and GT Line AWD, Kia fits a potent turbocharged engine. As a result, it makes a higher 130kW and 265Nm.
Standard features include
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (car and pedestrian detection)
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Cruise control
- Driver Attention Alert
- Halogen Daytime Running Lights
- Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines
- Rear parking sensors
- Six airbags
- Six speakers
- Auto headlamps
For an entry-level model, that's a comprehensive specification.
Moving up to the $29,490 Sport, you get nice-to-have extras like 17-inch alloys (as opposed to 16-inch steel rims), a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, single-zone climate control, power-folding mirrors, auto-up and down on the driver's window, an auto window defogger, a halogen front foglight, solar windows and a (quickly becoming extinct) full-size spare.
Sport+ models have cloth and synthetic leather seats, full AEB, smart cruise control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance assist, a smart key with push-button and remote starting, an electronic parking brake and heated side mirrors. Occupants also benefit from LED interior lights, a luggage screen, while drivers will enjoy an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front parking sensors and 16-inch disc brakes (rather than drum brakes). For the Sport+, Kia charges $32,990 for a 2WD and $36,490 for an AWD drivetrain Seltos.
The Seltos range tops out with the GT Line. This model has a sunroof (unless painted with the contrasting roof), large 18-inch alloy wheels, interior sound mood lighting (diffused light emits from door panels and the dash, pulsating in time with music), a Bose eight-speaker audio system, a rapid wireless phone charger, an HD 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a Head-Up Display, premium artificial leather seats as well as power front seats with heating and ventilation. The lights are given an upgrade to higher efficiency LED types and the wipers become rain-sensing. There are also additional safety assists like Lane Following Assist and Safe Exit Alert. The GT Line is yours from $41,990.
Kia Seltos: The belle of the ball?
Named after the son of a mythological Greek god, Kia is hoping the Seltos will capture the forecasted upswing in global small SUV orders. Australia is only the third market worldwide to get the Seltos.
Kia Motors Australia senior executive, Damien Meredith, is confident that the Seltos will become the "belle of the ball" and it's an SUV the market is asking for. How do they plan on ticking all these boxes?
"The Seltos is not only stylish but brings practical, useable size along with great technology, safety and value in a segment-leading package which also benefits from Kia's industry-best 7-Year Warranty, 7-Year Capped Price Service and 7-Year Roadside assistance program," Meredith extolled.
Early reviews of international-spec examples certainly seem to back up the above statement. To sum up, it would appear the car has all the potential to become a segment leader.
Recent car reviews
- McLaren 750S touches down in Australia
- Victoria’s EV tax scrapped: Motorists set to save $378
- 2023 CUPRA Born review
- Volvo EX30 launched in Australia
- Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid Review
Picture: Supplied
