Sharper Seltos here in Q4

KIA Australia will introduce its updated Seltos small SUV locally in Q4 of this year bringing a new look and enhanced safety and convenience features to the range.

Though it has yet to advise pricing for the refreshed model – which currently begins at $27,290 plus on-road costs – the South Korean importer says the four-variant line-up will continue to appeal to a breadth of lifestyles with two engine choices available as well as the option of all-wheel drive.

The existing 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle and multipoint injected four-cylinder unit, which drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), will carry over unchanged with the update, and is available across all trim grades.

An updated 130kW/265Nm ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre turbocharged and direct injected petrol four-cylinder – offered exclusively on Sport+ and GT-Line grades – now arrives with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, in place of the outgoing seven-speed dual-clutch unit, and all-wheel drive.

The exterior design of Seltos has been refreshed with a new headlight graphic, larger and bolder grille and reprofiled front bumper with prominent skid plate garnish. The front lighting design on Seltos GT-Line has been transformed with Kia’s new ‘Star-map’ signature design.

At the rear, the updated Seltos is identified by what Kia says is a “subtly tweaked” and “more athletic” design with improvements to the rear bumper profile and tail-light graphic to compliment the frontal redesign.

Further, alloy wheels are now offered as standard across the entire Seltos line-up featuring a machine-finished appearance.

Inside the cabin, Kia introduces a digital instrument panel in place of analogue gauges on all grades. Seltos S features a 4.2-inch multifunction LCD cluster while Sport+ and GT-Line variants gain a dual 10.25-inch setup and redesigned climate control panel reminiscent of that found in the larger Sportage SUV.

Comfort and convenience features introduced with the update include rear-seat air vents and USB-C charging ports and a full-size spare wheel. Kia will also introduce its connected car service in Sport trim and above, while GT-Line grades gain a powered driver’s seat with two-position memory and Kia’s smart tailgate.

On the safety front, the Kia Seltos S now includes intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist and blind spot collision avoidance assistance as standard.

The updated Seltos is available in choice of seven paint colours including Mars Orange, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Grey, Fusion Black, Neptune Blue and the all-new Pluton Blue. GT-Line variants are available exclusively with the choice of two dual-tone paint schemes: Clear White with a Fusion Black roof and Pluton Blue with a Fusion Black roof.

“The response to Seltos has been extraordinary over the last three years and we are very pleased to be introducing its improved successor,” said Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith.

“It’s rare to find a car that appeals as much to families as it does to singles and couples. With the inclusion of extra safety and convenience technology across the board, we’re positive the new Seltos will continue to win buyers over with its unmatched combination of style and practicality.”

To the end of July this year, Kia has sold 5398 examples of the Seltos locally, accounting for 7.9 per cent of the Small SUV under $40,000 segment. The model ranks fifth with the popular market segment behind the MG ZS (with year-to-date sales of 11,609), Mazda CX-30 (9520), Hyundai Kona (7572) and Mitsubishi ASX (6697).