Seltos offers two engine choices
When the new Kia Seltos goes on sale in New Zealand just before the end of this year there will be two powertrain choices.
The newcomer will give the Kia a third SUV model line positioned as a smaller sibling below the Sportage and Sorento line-ups.
Both engine choices for the New Zealand market are petrol units with the entry level being a 2.0-litre developing 110kW and 180Nm of torque which is matched to the first CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that Kia will offer in New Zealand.
A more powerful 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine — similar to the Kia Cerato GT — with 130kW output and 265Nm of torque will be partnered by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Kia New Zealand expects most versions of the new Seltos will be
front-wheel-drive but the turbo model is likely to come with allwheel-drive.
“These are two absolutely ideal power plants for the all new Seltos and we expect them to perform extremely well, the turbo option in particular,” says Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors New Zealand.
In some other markets the Seltos range includes a 1.6-litre diesel engine that develops 100kW with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Seltos will compete with the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Holden Trax, Toyota CH-R, Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara in the growing compact SUV segment of the market.
Dimensions confirm the Seltos is a big car for the class. It measures 4370mm in length, which is 205mm longer than a Hyundai Kona and 95mm longer than a Mazda CX-3. The Seltos has a 2630mm wheelbase which is just 40mm shorter than the Sportage.
“Those measurements indicate that the new Kia Seltos will be an exceptionally roomy vehicle — in fact, we understand from Kia that it has the largest cabin and boot space of any B-segment SUV currently on the market,” says McDonald.
Distinctive exterior design elements of the new Seltos include a long bonnet, a strong character line on the front bumper and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork.
It also sports a wide “tiger nose” grille making the car instantly recognisable as a Kia along with full LED headlights and tail lights. Depending on grade the Seltos will ride on 16, 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels with the largest option shod with 235/45 R18 tyres.