Kia Seltos, the Korean surprise at the 2019 Los Angeles Motor Show

The Kia Seltos was announced for the second half of this year 2019, and true to its schedule, it has been shown at the Los Angeles Motor Show. And, as we expected, it is a model designed for the US market and will not reach the European market. At least, for now. The Kia Seltos is a small SUV that keeps the brand’s design language with its signature Tiger Nose.

In the United States it will have five trim levels: LX, EX, S 2.0L, S 1.6T and SX, although they have not yet revealed the final prices at which this much-anticipated model will launch. It is rumoured, however, that the entry-level version, the Kia Seltos LX AWD, will be priced at 22,000 dollars and that the S Turbo version will not be far from that figure.

Engines of the Kia Seltos

To enter the US market, the Kia Seltos will be offered with two engines. The first will be a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit delivering 146 CV of power and a maximum torque of 180 Nm. The second option is a 1.6-litre turbo engine offering 175 CV of power and a maximum torque of 265 Nm. The first variant is paired with a CVT gearbox and the second with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

To improve the driving experience, Kia will offer an AWD option that includes torque vectoring, and a central locking differential can split torque between both axles to improve grip and optimise power.

Interior space and equipment

Kia understands how important space is to American drivers, so it announces that the Seltos will offer comfortable, ample room in both rows of seats, plus a folding rear bench with a removable luggage tray.

Turning to equipment, there is an infotainment system controlled by a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, with satellite radio and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging and three USB ports complete the connectivity equipment.

In terms of safety, it includes blind-spot collision warning and other driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with Stop & Start and other features that make it a very safe and efficient car.

The Kia Seltos will sit between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage ranges, and sales will begin in the United States during the first quarter of 2020. In Spain we will be left without this model, which could be the equivalent of the Kia Stonic.