The Kia Seltos makes a strong impression at its global reveal in India

Kia Motors unveiled its first car for the Indian market today with the world premiere of its indigenously manufactured Kia Seltos. A mid-SUV that oozes style with its contemporary design and plush spacious interiors, it boasts of many world, India and segment firsts, with class leading safety features. Making it a serious segment disruptor that could give competition sleepless nights. Originally slated for India, the vehicle will also be available in global markets from the fourth quarter of 2019.

The Seltos has a stunning design language and that could well be a conversation starter. Bold, distinctive and dynamic, it is a collaborative effort of Kia’s global design centres that did extensive research on the current and upcoming trends of car design around the world and tailored it for the Indian market. The mid-SUV sports a wide Tiger nose grille, with sleek DRLs on top converging towards the centre – one of its most unique and recognisable design elements. The robust character of a conventional SUV co-exists with sophisticated exterior design details and is drawn out from real life inspirations, such as a long hood, a character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse, which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends an air of understated sportiness.

Kia Seltos comes equipped with Smartstream, a third-generation BS VI compliant powertrain developed for high efficiency and powerful performance. By offering BSVI diesel and petrol engines, Kia Motors reiterates its long term commitment to India and towards offering cleaner mobility solution. The vehicle will come in petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel guise and will be offered in three automatic transmission options – IVT, (Intelligent continuously variable transmission) 7DCT, 6AT and a 6 Speed Manual transmission, giving users options that conform to their driving style. To further elevate the driving experience the Seltos gets multiple driving modes that alters the responsiveness of the car and transforms its driving character and optimising performance on every condition. Drivers can also choose from ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ mode. The  Eco mode is tuned to maximise vehicle range by using fuel-saving measures, while Sport mode increases responsiveness from the steering and electric motor to maximise the dynamic driving appeal of the car. Normal mode provides a careful balance between the two. It also comes equipped with multiple grip controls such as mud, wet and sand mode depending on terrain conditions.

In terms of safety, the Seltos gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, HAC, VSM and is built on a robust structure, which has high usage of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) that fortifies the core and keeps occupants safe in the event of a crash. Additionally, the front and rear parking sensors, blind view monitor ensures that the visibility of unseen vehicles is not compromised, giving the driver confidence at all times. Working in tandem with the safety tech, the Seltos comes equipped with an array of advanced UVO connected car technology features. The UVO technology can be summoned via a dedicated button on the IRVM. The IRVM also has a roadside assistance and SOS button that alerts the dedicated call centre in case of an emergency. The car is fitted with an anti-lock braking system, a traction control system, a brake-assist system and hill-start assist control, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

The Seltos is likely to be launched in August 2019 at a speculated price range of INR 11.0 – 17.0 lacs. Watch this space for more information.