All-new Kia Seltos: First impression

Firstly introduced in mid-2019, Kia’s subcompact crossover SUV, the Seltos is already on sale in some of the prominent markets including North America, Australia, and Asian countries like China and India. As for Malaysia, the model has been a long time coming to the local market; first teased in 2019 and then followed by a number of official previews over the last year. But finally, the wait is over now. Naza Kia who is still managing the brand in the country has launched the Seltos SUV a few days back.

Fully imported from India, the Kia Seltos is offered in two variants in Malaysia - the EX and the GT Line, powered by the same engine. Let’s have a look at the first impression of the new Kia SUV in town, which rivals against the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-3 in the hotly-contested B-segment SUV category.

Kia Seltos Exterior

In terms of visual appeal, the new Kia Seltos scores high with its flatteringly striking looks. The eye-catching dynamic SUV sports the brand’s ‘tiger nose’ grille upfront, which is flanked by automatic headlights with extended LED daytime running lights along with a faux skid-plate. At the rear, there are stylish tail lights, which are connected by a chrome bar sporting the Kia logo. The faux twin-exhaust outlets are positioned at the bottom. 

The range-topping GT Line variant adds LED treatment to headlights, fog lights, and tail lights instead of halogen items in the base version. Other additional equipment, and aesthetic enhancements for a sportier look include an aggressive front and rear bumper, chrome door handles, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and red accents on the outside.

Dimensionally, the Seltos measures 4,315 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, which means it is a bit longer and wider than the Hyundai Creta, the model on which it is based.

Talking about the Kia Seltos color options, the SUV is available in four choices - Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Intense Red, and Intelligence Blue. However, the Red comes exclusively for the EX, and Blue is there only for the GT-Line. 

Kia Seltos Interior

Inside, the SUV sports a spacious and welcoming interior that combines a simple, intelligent driver interface with comfortable seating and exciting features. The freestanding display panel incorporates a 3.5-inch multi-info cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as standard along with a Sound Mood ambient lighting system. 

In the base version, the customer gets a flat-bottomed D-cut steering wheel, gloss black interior trim, black leather upholstery, 6-speaker audio system, keyless entry with push start button, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, and cruise control.

But if the customer chooses the GT Line, the added features list includes GT Line-badging on the steering wheel and seats, red accents, alloy pedals, a seven-inch multi-info display, a head-up display, ventilated front seats with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a Qi wireless charging pad, and front parking sensors.

The SUV offers a boot space of 433 litres which can be expanded to 900 litres. 

Kia Seltos Engine specifications

Both variants get power from the same source and that’s a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated Gamma MPI four-pot mill churning out a maximum power of 123 PS at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 151 Nm at 4,850 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to front wheels only. The interesting traction drive modes include Snow, Mud, and Sand which adjust the traction according to the conditions.

Kia Seltos Safety

The well-reinforced chassis design of the Seltos features the extensive use of advanced high strength steel (AHSS), resulting in exemplary control, and enhanced occupant protection. The standard safety bits include six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist, reverse sensors, a reverse camera, and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors. 

Kia Seltos Price

Check out the price of the Kia Seltos in Malaysia in the following table:

Variant	Price (on-the-road excluding insurance and including a 50% SST exemption)
Kia Seltos EX	RM 115,888
Kia Seltos GT-Line	RM 133,888

The above-mentioned prices also include a five-year warranty with a 150,000 km mileage cap.

Summing up

Kia Seltos has already emerged as one of the most potential offerings in other markets, we hope the SUV will also conquer Malaysia with its striking looks and hi-tech features.

Also read: Kia new logo revealed with a pomp show; made a Guinness World Record