KIA reveals updated compact SUV with new style, safety and convenience features
Kia revealed the new Seltos subcompact SUV at a special launch event at the Ayala Museum. The new SUV comes with updated exterior styling and a suite of new interior and convenience features, including an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The Seltos slots in between the smaller Stonic and flagship Sorento SUVs.
The Seltos features refreshed exterior design. A larger grille with multiple three-dimensional textured elements is topped by slim LED headlamps. There’s an available lighting feature called Star Map that activates across the grille to give a distinctive nighttime appearance to the Seltos. Vertically-oriented foglights integrate with the daytime running lights. The rear lighting elements also use LEDs and stretch out across the SUV’s width to complement the front design. A complex, geometric design for the 17-inch alloy wheels complete the Seltos’ sporty look.
The Kia Seltos is priced at:
1.5 LX: P1,198,000
1.5 EX: P1,288,000
1.4 Turbo SX: P1,688,000
The Seltos is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, both gasoline-fed. The 1.5-liter engine generates 115ps and 144Nm. It pairs with an automatic transmission. The 1.4-liter turbo bumps up the power and torque of the Seltos to 140ps and 242Nm, from just 1500rpm. The turbo engine pairs with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 1.5-liter Seltos variants get an 8-inch touchscreen audio control, while the turbo variant gets an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The Seltos EX features smart entry with push start, power fold side mirrors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The top Seltos SX variant comes with mood lamp, leather seats, and power driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof and wireless charger.
The Seltos measures 4385mm long x 1800mm wide x 1620mm tall. The front-wheel drive Seltos rides on McPherson struts up front and torsion beam axle rear suspension. Discs are four-wheel brakes. Safety features include ABS brakes, electronic stability control and hill-start assist. The available active driver assistance includes lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist and smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Standard are rear camera and rear park distance sensors.
Colors are: Snow White Pearl and Gravity Gray for the LX and EX, and Pluton Blue and Snow White Pearl with black roof for the SX.
“This is a big moment for us,” says Kia Philippines President Toti Zara. “I feel that the future is bright for Kia Philippines, and the new Seltos marks the beginning of an exhilarating chapter as we continue to drive towards automotive excellence in our market. We will remain dedicated to driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of mobility in the Philippines.”
“Our stable of capable SUVs is stronger than ever,” says Brian Buendia, COO of Kia Philippines. “Loaded with standout style, some of the latest technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and enthusiastic performance, the Seltos is in a league of its own.”
The Kia Seltos comes with a 5-year, 160,000-km warranty. The variants currently on display in showrooms are the Seltos LX and EX. The top-of-the-line Seltos SX variant will be arriving in showrooms soon. For more information about the Kia Seltos, visit the Kia Philippines website at Kia.com, like and follow Kia Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to its YouTube channel.
