Image Source kia.com
Seltos is in the middle ground between a compact SUV and a subcompact SUV, in the B category to which the Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the soon-to-be-launched Chevrolet Trailblazer and Volkswagen Tarek also belong.
The KIA's model is 4.31 meters long, although it looks bigger to the eye. In fact, one of the keys to its success is that: it looks very SUV. The front end is square, the hood is tall, the overall shapes are rough, and the height over the floor reaffirms its identity as an SUV. It doesn't just look like a high hatchback.
Exterior
In its design there are some interesting features, especially in the GT Line version, which includes 17" wheels and some decorative red inserts on the fascia, sides and even brake calipers. At the front there is a luminous line that starts in the headlights and extends through the grille, very eye-catching at night.
Some African models of the Seltos are manufactured directly in South Korea; versions for sale in other regions of Europe and Latin America will be imported from India, where KIA opened a factory just a few months ago. The upholstery of the seats, the finish of the buttons, the feeling of the leather that covers part of the dashboard and the funky finish of the speakers, which also light up in different colors and can be configured in tone and rhythm.
The real approval will have to be earned over time, when KIA's Indian factory has proven that its vehicles can withstand the test of time as well as those made in Korea, the U.S. or Slovakia.
Interior
When you get into the driving position, the first thing that catches the attention is the elevated driving position. It feels like you're sitting in an SUV. The second thing that is eye-catching is the dashboard design, where the dashboard and the 10.25" touchscreen are framed in a single piece of gloss black finish.
The KIA Seltos is available with two engine options. The more affordable versions carry the same 1.6-liter MPI engine as the Soul or Rio, with 121 hp and 112 lb-ft. The GT Line is powered by a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 138 hp and 179 lb-ft, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
