Just two weeks after refreshing its Seltos SUV for the North American market (see video), Kia has followed up with a European version. Buyers will be choosing between ICE and hybrid this time around, and the equipment list looks rather generous even in the base trim.
The exterior of the new Seltos seems to be the same across all regional variants. It features rectangular headlights framed by the grille, fang-like DRLs and similarly styled taillights in the back. The whole car is sized 4,430 x 1,830 x 1,600 millimeters (174.4 x 72 x 63 inches) large with 2,690 mm (105.9 inches) between the axles. Wheels range from 16 to 19 inches large depending on the trim.
The interior looks revamped with a new front panel, a different steering wheel and a three-display arrangement in front of the driver. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital dash, a same-sized infotainment display and a smaller HVAC control panel squeezed in between them. The cheapest trim puts the transmission lever on the tunnel, while the top trim moves it under the steering wheel like most modern cars do.
The ICE Kia Seltos for Europe commands a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine rated at 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW). Available transmissions include six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch. The drive is on the front wheels, but AWD is listed under options.
In turn, the hybrid Seltos uses a de-boosted version of the same engine in conjunction with either one or two e-motors. The former option sends 156 PS (154 hp / 115 kW) to the front axle, while the latter sends 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW) to both. Kia points out V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) support, meaning you can use the car’s battery to power up external appliances.
Sales will start later this quarter.
