The KIA Seltos is now official and will reach the market in the second half of this same year

Following a series of leaks and several teasers that had the brand keeping us on tenterhooks, the company has officially unveiled its new model: the KIA Seltos. The small SUV made its debut during a very special event in Delhi, India, and will go on sale during the second half of this same year.

Outside, it combines a youthful style and crisp lines with the look of a traditional SUV. The wide front grille stands out, presiding over the brand’s so-called “tiger nose”. This grille is a key feature that will also help users identify the model as a KIA.

The KIA Seltos is equipped with an LED DRL system, fog lights and rear light clusters with multi-layer 3D indicators, and a choice of 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. The wheels are forged and fitted with high-grip tyres 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18. The cabin is defined by sweeping shapes and the infotainment system that dominates the dashboard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen located in the centre of the driver’s position. In addition, this screen is connected to the rest of the equipment through a thin lighting strip that changes colour depending on the sound.

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Buyers will also be able to choose the model with an eight-inch screen, premium Bose sound system and a few other extras, while enjoying what the brand describes as a “spacious, lounge-style interior” aimed “at young buyers who are tech-savvy”.

KIA Seltos, this is the brand’s new model

It is important to highlight that the new KIA Seltos comes with several active and passive safety systems, such as vehicle stability management incorporating traction control and electronic stability control, hill start assist, brake assist and parking sensors, among others.

The new KIA Seltos can adapt to different road conditions, as drivers can choose between three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. Depending on the market, the new KIA small SUV can be specified with petrol engines: a 1.6-litre turbo version producing 180 CV and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit delivering 147 CV. It is also available with a 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 140 CV. All the powertrains are designed with Smartstream technology from Kia to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The engines can be paired with three transmission options: a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed automatic and a CVT. It is important to note that production of the new KIA Seltos will begin in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and in Gwangju, Korea. The model will reach global markets from the second half of this same year 2019. Everything suggests it may not reach Spain, as this segment could already be occupied by the KIA Stonic.

Mr. Han-Woo Park, President and CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, has commented that “the KIA Seltos is an important car for Kia, as it will play a central role in expanding our global footprint, especially in a priority market like India”. “We have applied our strengths in design, quality and technology to meet the needs of customers in the Indian market.”