Kia News: Kia Unveils the Seltos

[Drew Dowdell]

In Delhi, India today Kia has taken the wraps off their tiny SUV calling it the Seltos.  While this model signals Kia's entry into the Indian market, it is highly likely that the Seltos will be sold in the U.S.  Kia is planning a massive launch in India with the most dealerships ever seen for a new brand entry.  

The Seltos is essentially a production version of the Kia SP Signature Concept that debuted in March of 2019. While it is a small crossover, the Seltos design affords a sporty look with a relatively long hood and strong character lines. LED lights surround the exterior. In the Indian market, the Seltos comes with 16", 17", or 18" wheels, however the US market model may skip the base 16" wheels. 

Depending on the market (read: the U.S. isn't getting the diesel), the Seltos is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making about 175 horsepower, a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder making 147 horsepower, or a 1.6 liter diesel with 134 horsepower. Transmission choices are a 7-speed dual clutch, a 6-speed auto, or a CVT.   The driver can select different powertrain modes of normal, ECO, and Sport. 

Inside the Kia's UVO infotainment system is there with a 10.25 inch screen that feature split screen ability to display up to 3 different applications on the screen at the same time. Unfortunately, we don't have any images of the interior yet. But it does come with a "Sound Mood Lighting" option with 6 themes and 8 colors that synchronizes to the beat of the music. 

The Kia Seltos will be built in India and Korea.

 

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[Drew Dowdell]

I gotta say, the Hyundai Venue is cute, but this is really handsome and much more attractive!  Kia and Hyundai are doing a good job keeping their brands distinct from each other and not being just badge jobs. 

[Robert Hall]

I saw somewhere last week this was coming to the US and was to target Millennial buyers.   I like the front end detailing.

[G. David Felt]

Is it me of does those headlights and the front say ACURA!

I agree with Drew, this is a sharp looking auto for the size.

LOVE the attention to detail such as the colored Calipers on the brakes. This really sets them apart from companies like Ford with rusty calipers on their Mustang unless you buy the performance package with brakes and then you get painted calipers.

The Koreans are really paying attention to not only quality, but the little details that does set them apart from the rest.

Interesting drawings online of the interior.

Very Sparse.

[balthazar]

Way too busy front end w too many disharmonious elements. Suddenly the Silverado is sleek & clean!

This is really bad design, IMO; I can't easily see past it : 

Edited June 20, 2019 by balthazar

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I gotta say, the Hyundai Venue is cute, but this is really handsome and much more attractive!  Kia and Hyundai are doing a good job keeping their brands distinct from each other and not being just badge jobs. 

Agreed.  This looks pretty good and the headlights make it look expensive.  You wouldn’t guess that this is competing with a Traxx or HRV by looking at it.  It looks a level or two up.

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Is it me of does those headlights and the front say ACURA!

I agree with Drew, this is a sharp looking auto for the size.

LOVE the attention to detail such as the colored Calipers on the brakes. This really sets them apart from companies like Ford with rusty calipers on their Mustang unless you buy the performance package with brakes and then you get painted calipers.

The Koreans are really paying attention to not only quality, but the little details that does set them apart from the rest.

Interesting drawings online of the interior.

Very Sparse.

“Floating” NAV screen!  Industry first!

[riviera74]

How large/small is the Seltos compared to the KIA Soul?  Will it replace the KIA Soul, since they both seem to be small CUVs?

[Drew Dowdell]

45 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

How large/small is the Seltos compared to the KIA Soul?  Will it replace the KIA Soul, since they both seem to be small CUVs?

Smaller than the Soul

[ocnblu]

Wow, that's tiny then.  Not too bad looking.

[surreal1272]

1 hour ago, riviera74 said:

How large/small is the Seltos compared to the KIA Soul?  Will it replace the KIA Soul, since they both seem to be small CUVs?

As Drew said, smaller than the Soul and also with AWD if I’m not mistaken. The Soul is Kias best seller. They are not replacing it anytime soon especially since they just released the all new model. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Remember, we all need a CUV every 2 inches of length.

This will be the low cost entry like the Venue.

2 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

As Drew said, smaller than the Soul and also with AWD if I’m not mistaken. The Soul is Kias best seller. They are not replacing it anytime soon especially since they just released the all new model. 

AWD was not mentioned in the press release. I think some media outlets are speculating.

[smk4565]

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Remember, we all need a CUV every 2 inches of length.

The consumer public will not be satisfied until there are 1,000 crossovers available for under $30,000.  And 1,000 more for above $30,000.

[surreal1272]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Remember, we all need a CUV every 2 inches of length.

This will be the low cost entry like the Venue.

AWD was not mentioned in the press release. I think some media outlets are speculating.

Okay. That’s where I was getting that info. It would make sense to offer it though. It is also appears to similar to the Kona in size (to my understanding anyway) and it offers AWD. Guess we will see in the future. 

Edited June 21, 2019 by surreal1272

[daves87rs]

Smaller? Yikes...

Looks great, but don’t plan to roll in a micro machine...really don’t want anything smaller than my Equinox. At that point a car makes more sense.....

[Drew Dowdell]

9 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Okay. That’s where I was getting that info. It would make sense to offer it though. It is also appears to similar to the Kona in size (to my understanding anyway) and it offers AWD. Guess we will see in the future. 

It could be Kona sized.... they didn't release any specs. To me, it looks Venue sized.

[G. David Felt]

Put the Style on a Mid and full size CUV and you got it made for a family.  

[Robert Hall]

I

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Put the Style on a Mid and full size CUV and you got it made for a family.  

Well, they already have the new Telluride, different design language.  But I wouldn't be surprised if the next Sorrento gets some of this frontal styling. 

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It could be Kona sized.... they didn't release any specs. To me, it looks Venue sized.

Same platform as the Venue from what I've read..so bigger than the Soul  but smaller than the Sportage... kind of Trax/Encore sized, I think? 

Edited June 21, 2019 by Robert Hall

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Same platform as the Venue from what I've read..so bigger than the Soul  but smaller than the Sportage... kind of Trax/Encore sized, I think? 

What? No, the Venue is the smallest crossover you can get.  Trax/Encore are larger. 

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

What? No, the Venue is the smallest crossover you can get.  Trax/Encore are larger. 

Ah, Venue is smaller than I thought.  Venue is actually smaller than the Soul, apparently. 

[G. David Felt]

35 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Ah, Venue is smaller than I thought.  Venue is actually smaller than the Soul, apparently. 

Some people have a very small Soul, so no need for bigger especially if it does not exist at all.  

[ocnblu]

I love it when I see a black, black Soul on the highway of life.

If this is Venue-sized, I gotta tell ya I prefer the Venue, because it is not derivative of any other CUV.  The Sell Toes is let down a bit by the rear clip, which has the ubiquitous triangular quarter glass and a taillight arrangement that could be off so many other CUV's.  Venue is at least a unique miniature.

[surreal1272]

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It could be Kona sized.... they didn't release any specs. To me, it looks Venue sized.

One article has it positioned between the Soul and Sportage which would at least make some sense. 

[Robert Hall]

22 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

One article has it positioned between the Soul and Sportage which would at least make some sense. 

Yeah, that would fit the current trend of filling in the niches between subcompact and compact like GM is doing w/ the Trailblazer and Encore GX. 

[ocnblu]