Kia’s popular small SUV enters a new generation with hybrid power across the range, fuel economy as low as 4.5L/100km and the option of all-wheel drive, starting at under $40,000.
The all-new Kia Seltos has gone on sale in New Zealand, bringing a hybrid-only powertrain, a choice of front-wheel drive or electronically controlled all-wheel drive, and pricing starting at $39,990 plus on-road costs.
Every model uses a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel-drive versions produce 112kW, while the flagship X-Line eAWD increases output to 129kW.
Kia claims fuel consumption as low as 4.5L/100km for the Light and Earth 2WD models. The hybrid powertrain also meets Euro 6d emissions standards.
Five-model range
The New Zealand Seltos line-up comprises five variants:
- Seltos HEV Light 2WD: $39,990
- Seltos HEV Earth 2WD: $44,050
- Seltos HEV Water 2WD: $47,990
- Seltos HEV X-Line 2WD: $51,990
- Seltos HEV X-Line eAWD: $55,490
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Larger exterior and a redesigned cabin
The new Seltos adopts Kia’s current design language, with a wider grille, Star Map lighting, flush-fitting door handles, a floating roofline and a redesigned rear lighting signature.
Its exterior dimensions have also increased, although Kia New Zealand has not provided detailed measurements in the local release. The additional size is claimed to provide more cabin space.
Inside, the Seltos receives a substantial update intended to bring it into line with newer models in the Kia range. Available features include a pair of 12.3-inch displays, over-the-air software updates and a column-mounted shift-by-wire transmission selector.
The second-row seatbacks can also be adjusted through a total range of 24 degrees, comprising 12 degrees of forward and rearward adjustment.
Tuned for New Zealand roads
All versions of the new Seltos have undergone Kia’s local ride and handling programme for New Zealand and Australian conditions.
The programme includes suspension and steering tuning intended to suit a mixture of urban driving and rougher country roads. The Seltos is based on Kia’s latest K3 platform and also introduces the company’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0.
A suite of driver-assistance features will be offered, with Kia targeting a five-star ANCAP safety rating. That rating had not been confirmed at the time of the New Zealand announcement.
Kia expects hybrid power to broaden the Seltos’ appeal
Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, said the company expected the new generation to build on the Seltos nameplate while appealing to buyers considering their first hybrid vehicle.
“This new generation of the Seltos reinforces Kia’s commitment to expanding our electrified vehicle portfolio, delivering a more advanced package that will appeal to both private and fleet customers,” he said.
