The appearance of the new crossover Kia Seltos seriously undermined the sales statistics of Hyundai Creta. The car has become an analogue of Crete, the appearance of which many fans of compact crossovers expect. As it became known, sales of the new Kia Seltos will start in the second half of 2019. The basis for the novelty was the SP concept, which practically migrated to the new model, with minimal changes. For the first time, a similar model was shown in India, back in early 2018, but no one knew the further fate of the prototype.
For the first time, a live model appeared in the United States during the filming of a model commercial. Almost a year later, the new Kia Seltos was officially presented to the public in all its beauty and kit. Initially, Kia's Indian division offered the public three different names: Tusker, Speed and Sportiness. But, due to an unknown situation, the crossover was named Seltos. In comparison with the concept, the appearance is minimally modified. The Kia Seltos crossover received an elongated hood, small stampings on the side, as well as metal tailpipes. Against the background of the concept, the production model looks a little simpler, moreover, the designers have finalized the drawing of the radiator grill.
The interior of the Kia Seltos crossover also received improvements. The central part of the panel has acquired a 10.25 ″ touchscreen display of the multimedia system, made in the form of a tablet. Although, for the Indian market, the multimedia display will be mounted in the center of the console. Until the official premiere, the company keeps the inside and comfort of the crossover a secret. Still, according to some reports, the Kie Seltos is based on the modernized Hyundai Creta platform. That is why serious competition between the two models is possible.
In all likelihood, the drive of the Kia Seltos will be similar to the Hyundai Creta. Front-wheel drive versions will be more common, but unlike Crete, the delivery of an all-wheel drive version is expected. Most likely, the first four-wheel drive versions will appear in the United States.
The new Kia Seltos crossover is likely to receive an engine from Kia Soul. Gasoline turbocharged unit for 4 cylinders, 1.6 liters and 204 horses. The list will also include an aspirated gasoline engine with a volume of 2.0 liters and a capacity of 150 horsepower. For the Indian market, it is a parquet crossover with gasoline and diesel engines, a volume of 1.5 liters, as well as a gasoline unit, a volume of 1.4 liters for 140 horses.
As for the start of sales, in South Korea, the appearance of new items is expected in the second half of 2019. In Russia, the new Kia Seltos will appear in early 2020. It is highly likely that the production of Seltos can be established in Russia, which will significantly reduce the cost of the crossover. Plants in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad can become the basis for the assembly. As for the price of the new Kia Soltis, the start is promised from 955,000 rubles, thereby creating huge competition for the Hyundai Creta. After the official premiere, the manufacturer will present a complete list of configurations, specifications and a list of prices.
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