There have been some photos of the new small SUV from Kia Motors floating around the internet lately. Not wanting to tease any more overseas concepts from Kia Motors, we decided to wait on this one before writing up an article. Although not 100-percent guaranteed, according to autoblog.com, a U.S. market launch of the new Kia model with a global rollout early 2020. Called the Kia Seltos, check out what could be the next popular funky car for a younger generation.
Where Does It Fit?
Bigger than a Kia Soul but smaller than a Kia Sportage, the Kia Seltos first appeared at the 2018 Auto Expo in India.
According to autoblog.com, the vehicle was “specifically ‘created for the millennial generation’ with a ‘wide range of features and technologies suited to younger buyers,’ and is somehow promised to offer ‘the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package.’”
Automakers are starting to use this word “millennial” to sell to the generation that will eventually dominate the new consumer base of the auto industry in the coming years. However, those of us in the millennial generation sometimes wonder if automakers really do get us. The initial sketches, seen above, provided us with a modern and urban look, much like the Kia Soul, designed as an SUV that stands out with sharp lines and a strong stance. There was a sense of luxury with the narrow, LED headlights that slid into what seems to be becoming the new “tiger nose” grille design and an LED DRL that nearly runs the entire width of the front fascia, interrupted by the center of the grille. The rear bumper had a metallic and sporty look with chrome accents, raked rear glass, and a wide stance with large wheels.
The interior concept sketches also gave a youthful vibe that also held its own elegance. A newly designed broad, sweeping dashboard makes the front of the cabin feel much more spacious, and at the center is a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The sketches for the interior have yet to be confirmed, but recently, the Kia Seltos was revealed before expected, and it seems the concept sketches of the exterior made it into the production model.
From sketchbook to the street, the new Kia Seltos looks nearly identical to the images above. The metallic design can be seen in the trim, faux metallic skid plates on the bumpers, and a rising window line at the rear. Ever since the Kia Stinger sports car, Kia Motors has been changing the design of all of their vehicles, and the Kia Seltos is no different. Too bad there’s no word on the powertrain as of yet.
Although a little larger than the Kia Soul, the Kia Seltos may come with similar powertrain options, such as 147 horsepower 2.0-liter engine from the Soul, or the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Forte, able to 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. No word on any alternative fuel options. We guess the Seltos was long in production before the Imagine by Kia speech. We’ll be waiting on that all-new all-electric car.
What are your thoughts on the new Kia Seltos? Looking forward to learning more? Follow along on Miami Lakes Kia social media.