MILANO (ITALPRESS) – “The launch of the brand new KIA Seltos marks an important stage for KIA, as we reveal the next evolution of a vehicle that has come to define the modern segment of SUVs”. With this words Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia, officially announced the launch of the brand’s new C-Suv: Seltos. “Thanks to the dedication of our teams, the next generation model is reborn with a more decided design, a fresh design, superior intelligent technology, improved refinement and practicality – he explained – Also for this new model, we have focused on hybrid drive options, offering improved efficiency and extended usability beyond the conventional guide.” Kia Seltos will arrive in all markets over the next year, including Europe. The goal, announced by President Song, is “to achieve global average sales of over 43,000 units per year”.
The vehicle is 4.430 mm long, 1.830 mm wide and 1.600 mm high. It is remarkable dimensions that show a change compared to previous models, so as to improve comfort on board. As explained by Spencer Cho, Head of Global Business Planning, “the overall length increased by 45 mm and the 60 mm pitch, creating a more spacious interior. The load space has also been greatly improved: the luggage compartment is 80 mm longer, offering a leading storage space in the category of 536 liters. We also improved the ease of storing with a two-tier trunk platform that can be adjusted vertically together with a kiosk gear system that allows you to connect a variety of accessories“. In terms of motorization, we are talking about 1.6 liters T-GDI turbo gasoline: 180 CV and 265 Nm pair, with 7 dual-clutch (DCT) or 6-speed manual (MT). The optional integral traction, combined with multi-link rear suspensions and Terrain adjustment, with Snow, Mud and Sand modes, improves stability and control in difficult conditions. Instead, the Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport) adapts the performance to the different circumstances that you can meet, from urban roads to the most disconnected roads, while at the same time maintaining an unexceptionable handling and ensuring maximum comfort to all passengers. A Full-Hybrid variant will be introduced in 2026. In this version, in addition to the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for the supply of external devices, the Kiàs Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 will be introduced, new generation technology that automatically regulates regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation data, in order to optimize energy recovery.
A distinctive feature of KIA Seltos is connectivity. According to Cho, it is based on Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit vehicle infotainment system, built on a 30-inch integrated panoramic view panel that combines two 12.3-inch screens with a 5-inch climate control screen. With an improved user interface, it provides information more effectively and supports intuitive vehicle control.” “In addition, through the Kia Connect store, you can enjoy a wide range of multimedia content such as streaming, games and themes for the display – added – Kia’s AI assistant, now integrated with Chat GPT, makes access to onboard content and use of functions such as navigation even easier and more intuitive. The newly added over-the-air (OTA) upgrade capability keeps the vehicle system updated just like smartphone software updates, allowing maintenance and improvement of functionality without visiting a service center.” Complete the whole Kia digital key 2 to enter, start and control the vehicle remotely using only the smartphone.
As for ADAS devices on board, the Highway Driving Assist 2 is able to offer semi-automatic lane changes and avoidance on highways along with lane and speed maintenance functions and the “hands-on” function for monitoring the driver’s grip on the steering wheel in real time whenever autonomous driving assistance functions are active. On the parking front, the vehicle is equipped with sensors to avoid collisions during reverse manoeuvres and alerts from forward, side and back to detect risks at any time even during the exit from the parking lot. Finally, report the Remote Smart Parking Assistant to remotely maneuver the car. Other elements for comfort on board are the openable panoramic roof, reclining seats of the second row of series on all installations up to 24 degrees of regulation and two USB ports on the sides of the front seats for the use of multimedia devices for prolonged periods. On the design front, KIA Seltos tries to find a synthesis between the proportions of a SUV and refined details.
“This is a SUV capable, built to meet the challenges of modern life: strength in facing rough roads, quiet comfort in the city and flexibility in the unexpected moments of everyday life. Seltos combines the family heritage of a traditional SUV with an elegant and futuristic look of all the new Kia models”, are the words with which Karim Habib, Head of Global Brand and CX Division of Kia is described.
“In the front the large grid emphasises its powerful structure, while the vertical pattern of the grid integrated with the headlights strengthens its high-tech character. The look of the Kia family is completed by an elegant interpretation of the Star Map signature lights, along with a wide lower protection plate that highlights the durable and robust appearance of the brand new Seltos – explained – On the back, the graphics of the lights naturally connect to the hatch and emphasizes the width of the body, adding to the impression of strength and solidity. The vertical design of the rear lights encapsulates the back and strengthens the modern high-tech character of the vehicle. For its part, the front design features a pocket-type bumper that further accentuates the volume and strengthens the width of the vehicle.” The production of the New Seltos will begin in December 2025, starting from India, then continuing in Korea, North America, Europe and China during 2026.
– photos: Kia Italia press office –
(ITALPRESS).
