KIA Seltos is a front- or all-wheel drive five-door crossover of a subcompact category and, in combination, a "global product" of the South Korean automaker, which boasts a stylish design, modern and spacious interior, productive technology and progressive options ... The car is aimed primarily at urban youth (regardless of gender) interested in the latest technology and gadgets that like to stand out from the crowd ...
The crossover, the conceptual forerunner of which under the name SP Concept was presented in February 2018 at the Indian Auto Expo, was first shown in serial form to the public on June 20, 2019 at a special event in Delhi, but then only in the specification for the Indian market, and through a week it came to the "South Korean" version ... Well, on July 23, during the online presentation, the debut and "global performance" of a subcompact SUV, focused on the countries of the Old World and Russia, finally took place.
KIA Seltos, which is one step below the compact Sportage in the model range of the South Korean brand, is based on the modern platform K2, and it was equipped with exclusively "automatic" (and several types) gearboxes.
Exterior
Outside, "Seltos" is distinguished by a beautiful, balanced and rather spectacular appearance - the exterior of the car certainly does not make you sad, and all the interesting design solutions here get along well in a single ensemble.
The almost vertically "chopped off" front end of the crossover flaunts the "complex" optics with long LED lines of running lights, the branded "tiger nose" of the radiator grille with chrome edging and the "figured" bumper with foglights resembling ice cubes.
In profile, the SUV is perceived as a real robust man, somewhat even reminding "classic SUVs", but at the same time it has a really harmonious silhouette - a slightly sloping roofline, small overhangs, embossed splashes on the sides and rounded-square wheel arches. And from the rear, the five-door looks elegant and lean - stylish LED lights, a large tailgate and a neat bumper with a chrome trim that imitates a pair of exhaust pipes.
In terms of its dimensions, the KIA Seltos corresponds to the subcompact segment: it is 4370 mm long, 1800 mm wide, and 1615 mm high. The wheelbase of the car extends to 2630 mm, and its ground clearance is 177-183 mm (this figure is influenced by the type of drive).
When loaded, the "Korean" weighs from 1345 to 1470 kg, depending on the modification.
Interior
Inside the salon "Seltos" can boast of a beautiful, modern and adult design, which is complemented by thoughtful ergonomics, solid materials of decoration and good build quality.
Directly in front of the driver is a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with a raised rim and a laconic "toolbox" with large dials, between which a 7-inch (in the "base" - two inches less) screen of the onboard computer is inscribed. Above the center console, an 8- or 10.25-inch touchscreen of the infotainment center "hovers", under which there are symmetrical ventilation deflectors and an extremely understandable "microclimate" unit.
The front riders in the crossover rely on well-profiled seats with a distinct side profile, moderately dense padding, sufficient adjustment ranges and heating, and in the "top" versions - also with ventilation.
On the second row there is a comfortable sofa with a backrest adjustable in two positions, a solid supply of space even for three tall passengers, as well as amenities such as a folding armrest, its own ventilation deflectors, heating and a USB socket.
In the arsenal of KIA Seltos there is a trunk of the right shape with a simple finish, the volume of which in the usual state is 498 liters. The rear row of seats is "sawn" into two sections in a ratio of "60:40" and fits into an almost flat area, increasing the compartment capacity more than twice.
In the niche under the raised floor there is a "dokatka", but there is enough room for a full-size spare wheel.
Specifications
On the Russian market, Seltos is announced with three four-cylinder petrol units:
- The basic version is an atmospheric MPI engine with a working volume of 1.6 liters with a multi-point fuel supply, a timing chain with 16 valves and a variable valve timing system, the potential of which depends on the version:
- on front-wheel drive cars - 123 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4850 rpm;
- and on all-wheel drive - 121 hp. at 6200 rpm and 148 Nm of peak thrust at 4850 rpm.
- It is followed in the hierarchy by a 2.0-liter "aspirated" MPI with distributed fuel injection, a 16-valve DOHC timing belt and variable valve timing, which produces 149 hp. at 6200 rpm and 179 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.
- The "top" designs are based on a 1.6-liter T-GDI engine with a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, 16-valve DOHC timing belt and phase shifters at the inlet and outlet, developing 177 hp. at 5500 rpm and 265 Nm of ultimate thrust at 1500-4500 rpm.
The "junior" motor by default is paired with a 6-speed "mechanics" or 6-band hydromechanical "automatic", the "intermediate" is combined exclusively with a continuously variable IVT variator, while the "senior" works together only with a 7-band "robot" DCT with two clutches. At the same time, the first two units can be equipped with both drive wheels of the front axle and an all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch, which, if necessary, connects the wheels of the rear axle, and the third is offered only with an all-wheel drive transmission.
It is worth noting that the crossover with a 177-strong "four" accelerates to the first "hundred" in just 8.1 seconds, and its "maximum speed" exceeds 200 km / h (there is no data on other versions yet).
Design features
At the heart of the KIA Seltos is the K2 modular "bogie" of the Hyundai-KIA concern, which implies a transverse arrangement of the power plant and the presence of a monocoque body, characterized by extensive use of high-strength steel in the structure.
An independent MacPherson-type architecture is used on the front axle of the car, but the structure of the rear suspension depends on the version: front-wheel drive has a semi-independent system with a torsion beam, all-wheel drive has an independent multi-link.
By default, the crossover is equipped with electric power assisted rack and pinion steering. Disc brakes are used on all wheels of the five-door: front - ventilated with a diameter of 280-305 mm, at the rear - solid ones with dimensions from 262 to 284 mm.
Options and prices
In the Russian market, Kia Seltos in 2020 is offered in six trim levels to choose from - Classic, Comfort, Luxe, Style, Prestige and Premium.
For a car in the basic version with a 1.6-liter "aspirated", manual transmission and front-wheel drive, they ask for a minimum of 1,099,900 rubles, and the surcharge for an "automatic" in this case is 40,000 rubles. By default, the SUV has in its asset: four airbags, ABS, ESP, air conditioning, power windows for all doors, steering wheel adjustment for reach and height, 16-inch steel wheels, an audio system with six columns, ERA-GLONASS technology, heating and electric side mirrors , heated washer nozzles and some other options.
For the version with a "junior" engine, but also with an all-wheel drive transmission, you will have to pay from 1,239,900 (starting with Comfort), the version with a 2.0-liter unit cannot be bought cheaper than 1,349,900 rubles (with a Luxe configuration and above), modification with a turbo engine costs from 1,789,900 rubles (Prestige), but the "top" version will cost from 1,999,900 rubles.
The most "packed" crossover boasts: six airbags, heated steering wheel and all seats, dual-zone "climate", media center with a 10.25-inch screen, 18-inch alloy wheels, "leather" interior, adaptive "cruise", head-up display, completely LED optics, Bose audio system, front and rear parking sensors, electric drive and ventilation of the front seats, as well as a complex of electronic assistants.
