Kia's second-generation "the all-new Seltos" (hereafter Seltos) will begin accepting purchase contracts starting on the 27th. The attention-getting 1.6 hybrid model starts at 28,980,000 won. Its maximum combined fuel economy is an impressive 19.5 km/ℓ.
The Seltos is the most popular model in Korea's small SUV market, with more than 330,000 units sold domestically from the launch of the first-generation model in 2019 through 2025. The new Seltos is a second-generation, full-model-change model introduced six years after the first-generation model, adding futuristic design elements to a traditional SUV style to create a strong yet refined image.
Kia added a 1.6 hybrid model to the Seltos lineup and equipped it with electrification-focused technologies such as in-cabin V2L and smart regenerative braking 3.0, and applied class-leading advanced safety and convenience features to further raise the overall product competitiveness.
The Seltos has newly added a hybrid lineup and will operate with two powertrains: the 1.6 hybrid and the 1.6 gasoline turbo. The 1.6 hybrid has a system peak output of 141 horsepower, maximum torque of 27.0 kgfm, and maximum combined fuel economy of 19.5 km/ℓ, while the 1.6 gasoline turbo delivers a peak output of 193 horsepower, maximum torque of 27.0 kgfm, and maximum combined fuel economy of 12.5 km/ℓ.
In addition, the 1.6 hybrid model is equipped with smart regenerative braking 3.0 and a hybrid layered predictive control system that improve fuel economy and driving convenience. The smart regenerative braking system 3.0 uses forward traffic flow and various navigation information to automatically set the optimal regenerative braking amount according to driving conditions and can automatically decelerate to a stop, reducing the frequency of having to press the brake pedal while driving. The hybrid layered predictive control system predicts the driving route and road conditions to the destination and optimally controls battery charge.
Kia also equipped the Seltos hybrid model with in-cabin V2L and stay mode so customers can experience electrification-focused features previously available only in electric vehicles. The in-cabin V2L delivers a maximum output power of 3.52 kW at 220V, allowing electronic devices to be used without concern during outdoor activities such as camping. Stay mode provides a rest mode that allows various convenience devices to operate from the high-voltage battery while stationary (in P) without engine idling.
The 1.6 gasoline turbo 4WD vehicle is equipped with a terrain mode that lets drivers select snow, mud or sand to optimally control the vehicle according to various road conditions.
The Seltos applies the newly strengthened K3 platform to increase overall driving stability and safety performance. The K3 platform was designed with a focus on enhancing crash safety performance and increases average body strength by about 20% by expanding the use of ultra-high-strength steel and hot stamping, providing stable and reliable driving performance in a variety of driving environments.
Kia equipped the Seltos with a large number of advanced safety features and driving assistance functions to help customers travel comfortably and safely.
The Seltos is the first in its class among internal combustion vehicles to apply forward collision-avoidance assist 2 and highway driving assist 2, and it is equipped with safety features such as steering wheel grip detection, driver front-gaze warning camera, lane-keeping assist 2, nine airbags, and reversing guide lamps. In addition, navigation-based smart cruise control (on/off ramps for highways/controlled-access roads), smart cruise control, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (forward exit/driving), lane departure prevention assist, safe exit assist, intelligent speed limit assist, high beam assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist are applied to help the driver in a variety of potential driving hazards. Parking and exiting safety and convenience are carefully addressed with features such as a surround view monitor, front/side/rear parking distance warning, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, remote smart parking assist, and rear seat occupant alert.
The Seltos also boasts top-level convenience features comparable to those in higher vehicle segments.
Kia applied class-first features for internal combustion vehicles to the Seltos, including auto flush door handles, dynamic welcome lights, digital key 2, a 100W USB charging port in the first row, and a second-row center armrest sliding cupholder to enhance convenience and a premium feel. It also applied advanced infotainment technologies such as an AI assistant, next-generation infotainment system (connected car Navigation Cockpit), wireless software update (OTA, Over-The-Air), built-in cam 2 plus, and augmented reality (AR) navigation, and enabled subscription to various digital content through the Kia Connect Store. In addition, a Harman Kardon premium sound system and an air purification system (including a fine dust sensor) create a pleasant and luxurious interior environment.
Practical convenience features such as full-seat safety windows, a smartphone wireless charging system, a high-pass automatic payment system (including e hi-pass function), and a smart power tailgate were also installed.
The Seltos completes a distinctive design by emphasizing a futuristic image on top of a traditional SUV style based on Kia's design philosophy "Opposites United."
The front features a grand radiator grille and a sleek star-map signature lighting design that contrasts with it to realize Kia's family look. The side presents a dynamic SUV style centered on a solid silhouette with diagonal character lines, bold lower-body cladding and door side sills, while the rear's tail lamps that extend horizontally and vertically convey the body's solidity and deliver a modern atmosphere.
The Seltos's interior creates a refined and futuristic atmosphere based on a wide and simple layout, and through high space utilization it produces a versatile space that encompasses various lifestyles.
Compared with the previous model, the Seltos's overall length increased by 40 mm, wheelbase by 60 mm and width by 30 mm, giving dimensions of 4,430 mm in length, a 2,690 mm wheelbase, 1,830 mm in width and a height of 1,600 mm (same as before), and the second-row headroom and legroom increased by 14 mm and 25 mm respectively, securing class-leading interior space and second-row occupant comfort.
It also applies a panoramic wide display composed of a 12.3-inch cluster, a 5-inch climate control display and a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and improves intuitiveness and space utilization with a windshield-type head-up display (HUD) and a column-type electronic shift lever.
Kia enhanced convenience by equipping the Seltos's first row with relaxation comfort seats and the second row with reclining seats that can be freely adjusted up to 24 degrees, and for the first time in Kia vehicles it installed Vibro sound seats to provide occupants with a rich media experience. The Vibro sound seats are applied to the driver and front passenger seats and link media sound with vibrators built into the seats to create a more immersive sound environment for customers through seat vibrations and the vehicle's speakers when in-car audio is played.
The Seltos's luggage space secures a class-leading cargo capacity of 536 liters (VDA standard) and adds practicality by ensuring storage convenience with Kia AddGear.
The design-focused trim X-Line further accentuated a dynamic and robust image.
The X-Line trim's front and rear emphasize volume and a wide stance with rectangular dark-metal pocket-type garnishes and a black high-gloss skid plate, and the radiator grille uses hot stamping to convey a premium image. In addition, the differentiated style is completed through black high-gloss cladding, dark-metal door garnish pieces and roof garnish, dedicated 19-inch black wheels, and exclusive emblems. The X-Line trim's interior raises the sense of luxury and creates a more dynamic atmosphere by applying a dedicated steering wheel, first-row mesh-type headrests, dedicated patterned embossed seats, metal pedals and door scuffs, and a black headlining.
Kia plans to sequentially ship and deliver the Seltos gasoline and hybrid models to customers starting at the end of this month.
Seltos pricing is: 1.6 gasoline turbo Trendy 24,770,000 won, Prestige 28,400,000 won, Signature 31,010,000 won, X-Line 32,170,000 won; and the 1.6 hybrid model is Trendy 28,980,000 won, Prestige 32,080,000 won, Signature 34,690,000 won, X-Line 35,840,000 won. (※ based on a 3.5% special consumption tax; hybrid models reflect environmentally friendly vehicle tax benefits)
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