‘Complete change’ refers to a full change. Because it replaces everything, not only the exterior and interior design but even the engine-and-drive system, the term ‘complete’ is applied from a mechanical design perspective as well. It is on a different level from minor-change (partial change) jobs that round some upper body panels, reshape the lights, and lightly tweak the interior design.
A true ‘new car’ worthy of such a ‘full change’ has finished its final mass-production stage in December, the last month of the year, and is set to enter the market. The star is the second-generation Seltos from Kia. The model name is The all-new Seltos)’. This Seltos was a model that drew tremendous popularity when the first generation launched, and it is a standout ‘player’ for Kia’s design power among player models.
Second-generation ‘Seltos’ the model name is The all-new Seltos)’. The Seltos was a model that achieved immense popularity when the first generation was released and it also stands apart for Kia’s design power.
Second-generation Seltos, domestic sales in Q1 next year, followed by sequential launches in North America, Europe, and more
So how has it changed compared with the first generation?
If the first generation was a model suited to the domestic market, the second emphasizes an SUV concept aimed at global standards even more. At a glance, it is close to the EV series. The future-oriented, refined exterior design and interior space, along with the addition of a new hybrid lineup, will partly inform such evaluations.
The all-new Seltos)’.
First, we look at the exterior design. You can see the deliberate craftsmanship throughout.
Based on Kia’s design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, it presents a rugged SUV style image. Up front, a wide radiator grille and Star Map signature lighting deliver a strong first impression, while at the rear, tail lamps that connect horizontally and vertically create a solid yet modern mood. The specialized X-Line trim emphasizes a differentiated image with its bold bumper design and high-tech grille pattern.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The cabin remains wide and simple, with a layout that is well grouped. In particular, it features a panoramic wide display (12.3-inch cluster, infotainment).
Ambient lighting, a panorama sunroof, and relaxation comfort seats raise emotional satisfaction, while 536 liters of luggage space and a two-level luggage board enhance practicality.
As for the engine lineup, it now includes the newly added 1.6 hybrid. It uses both an engine and a motor. It also comes with interior V2L and Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0. The 1.6 turbo gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 193 hp and peak torque of 27.0 kgf·m, and the 4WD model applies Terrain Mode for stable driving across various road surfaces. If a recommendation is in order, the ‘1.6 Hybrid’ seems worth close attention.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The all-new Seltos)’.
For safety and quietness, its multi-skeleton body structure is robust, and the level of vibration and noise ingress during driving appears close to that of the EV series. It is equipped with nine airbags. Block foam and thick door glass help reduce noise and enhance quietness.
Driver assistance? It is a bit disappointing. It is not in the hottest autonomous-driving category these days, but it does include various advanced ADAS features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The all-new Seltos)’.
The all-new Seltos)’.
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist 2 also enhance driving safety and convenience. For parking, a Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist are supported.
Convenience and emotional features? It is equipped with a generative AI-based Kia AI Assistant. In short, it is smart. It can recognize navigation, vehicle control, and entertainment via the driver’s natural-language speech. To boost emotional driving appeal, it also allows subscriptions to various digital content such as games and sports/Disney themes. A Harman Kardon premium sound system is included.
Kia plans to release the car in the domestic market in Q1 next year for pre-sales and then roll it out sequentially to global markets including North America, Europe, and China. That is because there is a rich pool of latent domestic demand that has been waiting for the second-generation Seltos. This marks the emergence of a homegrown ‘K-SUV’ in which Design by Kia (Design by KIA) capabilities and the safety and high efficiency of its hybrid system are properly combined.
