Kia said on the 26th it will begin taking orders for the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) "The All New Seltos" starting on the 27th.
The new Seltos is a fully redesigned model after six years. Since the first-generation model launched in 2019, the Seltos has sold about 330,000 units in Korea, establishing itself as Kia's representative small SUV.
Kia added a hybrid powertrain to the new Seltos. It will be offered with a 1.6 gasoline turbo and a 1.6 hybrid. The hybrid model delivers a system maximum output of 141 horsepower and a maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m, with a maximum combined fuel economy of 19.5 km per liter (L). The battery cell supplier is LG Energy Solution.
Kia said fuel economy and driving convenience were improved by equipping Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 and a hybrid layered predictive control system. Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 uses traffic flow and navigation information to reduce how often the brake pedal is applied, and the hybrid layered predictive control system optimally controls the battery's state of charge by predicting the driving route and road conditions.
In addition, the hybrid model features electrification-specific functions previously available only in EVs, such as in-cabin V2L (vehicle-to-load) and Stay Mode. Stay Mode is a rest mode that lets convenience features operate without idling when stopped in Park.
The gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 193 horsepower and a maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m, with a maximum combined fuel economy of 12.5 km per L. The 4WD (four-wheel drive) model can drive stably in various road-surface conditions through Terrain Mode.
Compared with the previous model, the new Seltos adds 40 mm in overall length, 60 mm in wheelbase, and 30 mm in width, increasing second-row headroom and legroom by 14 mm and 25 mm, respectively. The average body rigidity has improved by about 20%. The exterior emphasizes a futuristic image based on Kia's philosophy of "Opposites United" (creative fusion of contrasting concepts), while the interior creates a refined atmosphere with a wide, simple layout.
Kia emphasized that the new Seltos is the first internal combustion vehicle in its class to adopt a range of advanced safety and convenience features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Highway Driving Assist 2, and auto flush door handles.
Prices are up about 2 million won from the previous model, and the hybrid starts at 28.98 million won reflecting tax benefits. This year's domestic sales target is 55,000 units.
Jung Won-jung, head of Kia's Korea Business Division, said at Media Day on the 23rd, "It is a hybrid and gasoline new car being released in Korea for the first time in a while," adding, "From EVs to gasoline and hybrids, we will offer a wide lineup so customers can make the optimal choice for their needs."