ROTIMI ASHER
One of the most high-tech cars in its class, Kia Seltos SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has arrived in Nigerian showrooms.
Revealed to the Motoring press at a media parley held in Lagos on Friday, courtesy of Kia Nigeria, Seltos is characterized by distinctive design details, lending the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.
During the media unveil, Kia Nigeria described Seltos as a machine that brings sophistication, assertiveness and cutting-edge technology and safety features to the global compact SUV segment.
Powered by a choice of efficient, Smartstream petrol and diesel engines, Seltos combines forward-looking, technical features, class-leading space and a suite of world-class safety features.
Commenting, Mr. Jacky Hathiramani, MD/CEO, Kia Nigeria, described the Seltos as an important car for Kia, adding that the car would play a central role in the expansion of the brand’s footprint, and especially in a priority market like Nigeria.
He said: “We’ve adapted our strengths in design, quality and technology to fulfill the needs of customers in the Nigerian market. Seltos is aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers and is packed full of our most cutting-edge technology and safety equipment.
“The Seltos provides outstanding value for money – thanks to a range of technology features that maximize connectivity and safety, a roomy interior that seats five people in comfort, and high levels of space and versatility.
Exterior design
The Seltos comes with distinctive exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong, character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. It also sports a wide ‘tiger-nose grille’, making the car instantly recognizable as a Kia.
Its robust shoulder line and glasshouse shape, which tapers towards the rear of the car, lend the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. The rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect accentuates this dynamic appearance.
The Kia Seltos sits on a choice of 16-, 17-inch, or 18-inch premium crystal cut alloy wheels, which complement the dimensions of the car, lending it a powerful stance. The wheels are shod with high-grip 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18 tyres.
Interior
Characterized by futuristic and high-quality materials, Selto’s interior is designed with high-quality, futuristic materials. Aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers, the cabin is characterized by broad, sweeping shapes and highly technical details. Equipped with a range of technologies to maximize convenience, connectivity and ease of use, the bold design of the cabin incorporates a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The ergonomics of the cabin allow the driver to sit comfortably with a commanding view, helping to focus on driving and naturally reduce fatigue. Within the lounge-like and spacious interior, the Seltos also houses an available 8.0-inch Head-Up Display system which unobtrusively projects relevant driving information onto a small glass panel behind the steering wheel – such as turn-by-turn navigation directions and vehicle speed information.
Performance
The Seltos is equipped with a range of newly developed third-generation powertrains for high efficiency and powerful performance. All powertrains are engineered with Kia’s Smartstream technology for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
The vehicle is available as a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged gasoline engine producing 177 PS, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 149 PS, and a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 136 PS. For the Nigerian market, the Seltos will be offered automatic transmission options to suit customers’ needs and driving style – a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) .
To further elevate the driving experience, the Seltos is equipped with a Drive Mode Select system that lets drivers adapt the car to their preferred style or the road conditions. Drivers can choose from ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ mode. The Eco mode is tuned to maximize vehicle range by using fuel-saving measures, while Sport mode increases responses from the steering and electric motor to maximize the dynamic driving feel of the car. Normal mode provides a careful balance between the two.
Technologies and features
A technologically advanced and refined compact SUV, the Seltos is equipped with a 10.25-inch advanced infotainment system, which is packed full of technology and gives advanced split-screen functionality. This allows users to control or monitor numerous vehicle features at the same time, and customize the screen to display up to three applications simultaneously. The driver, therefore, can choose to have a single display (such as navigation) or combine different elements on-screen.
The Seltos also offers Kia’s innovative UVO CONNECT telematics system. UVO CONNECT is designed to bring driving into the digital era, connecting drivers to the world around and providing useful information – via the in-car touchscreen, and compatible smartphones.
Safety
Kia’s passive and active safety systems ensure that Seltos occupants remain well protected on every journey.
The Seltos’ body is made up of a blend of steel and aluminum, maximizing torsional rigidity while keeping body weight low. With a high proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel components, the rigid bodyshell reduces road vibrations and enhances occupant safety in the event of a collision.
The Seltos is fitted with six airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems. These include Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management system as standard, incorporating traction control and electronic stability control.
The car also comes with an Anti-lock Braking System, a Traction Control System, a Brake-force Assist System and Hill-start Assist Control, as well as front and rear parking sensors, for assistance when parking.
Currently assembled in Nigeria, Seltos sells for N13 million.
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