The Seltos appeared in Kia’s catalog in mid-2019, when it was unveiled in India, its initial production location. When the brand was preparing to present it in Chile, the pandemic locked us in quarantines unknown to the public. In fact, Kia set a regional launch of the compact SUV to take place in our country, an event that, of course, was canceled and replaced by a cautious sale through the web.
Since then, the Seltos has been a best-seller for Kia in Chile, and its presence in the range has allowed it to raise the positioning of the Sportage, both in terms of price and equipment. In addition, with the Sonet they constitute a strong commitment of Kia in the SUV-B segment, which represents 20% of the total SUVs in Chile, around 30 thousand units a normal year.
Now, Kia has updated the Seltos with cosmetic changes in the design, but more changes in the engine, equipment, safety, and also the source, since it is no longer imported from India and now from China, the same plant that Soluto comes from. In addition, it is the first model of the Chilean brand with a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty.
Kia Seltos arrives in Chile in four versions, with two engines, four equipment levels, and prices between $18,490,000 and $24,490,000. The brand wants to put between 150 and 200 units per month, depending on the type of year, to reach 8% of the share.
Kia Seltos 2024: the exterior design
The change in the source of production allowed the Seltos to grow in dimensions, and now it is bigger than ever because China likes big cars.
It is now 4,385 mm long, which is 70 mm more than before, and has 2,630 mm between the axles, which is 20 mm more than before. The width remains at 1,800mm, while the Seltos is now 15mm longer than before, at 1,635mm. The trunk also does not grow and remains at 433 liters.
Regarding the exterior design, the novelty is at the ends of the car. There is a new front end with revised lights and bumpers, and some details taken from the brand’s new cars, including electric EVs. Depending on the version, there are Full LED lights, with daytime running lights and fog lights, which offer a more aggressive lighting signature.
On the side there is a new design of 17-inch wheels, different depending on the version, roof bars and black trim with chrome. At the back, the bumper has been changed and the lights have changed, to be combined with a light bar.
The brand will offer the Seltos in 7 exterior colors, including three new ones, as well as three two-tone body options with a black roof.
Kia Seltos 2024: the interior redesign
Inside, there are many elements taken from the Sportage, including the double screen for scoreboards and infotainment within the same frame, the air vents and a noticeable improvement in materiality and finish.
The central screen is 8 “or 10.25″ and offers wireless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the cluster is integrated with a 4.2” or fully digital 10.25-inch screen, which offers limited settings.
The console has also been redesigned, which includes a newly designed gear lever, electric parking brake and a rotary knob for driving modes, among other things.
Depending on the version, Seltos may offer dual climate control, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifter and eco-leather upholstery.
Kia Seltos 2024: the new mechanic
Under the hood is where Kia surprises with changes, as it ditches the old 1.6 MPi 122 HP four-cylinder gasoline engine and replaces it with the same two engines that debuted in the Hyundai Creta.
The first is the new 1.5-liter aspirated block from the Smartstream family, which meets the Euro 6b emissions standard. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox or an IVT automated manual, it delivers 113 HP and 144 Nm of torque, offering consumption between 11.5 km/liter in the urban cycle to 16.4 km/liter on the highway.
The second option is more interesting, because it is a 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct injection, which produces 138 HP and 242 Nm of torque, combined exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission . The brand claims 13.4 km/liter in the city and 16.4 km/l on the highway.
Depending on the version, it will offer a driving mode system (Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart).
All versions have front-wheel drive, McPherson front and Torsion Axle rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes as standard.
Kia Seltos 2024: versions and prices
Seltos EX 1.5 MT: $18,490,000
- 6 airbags
- Front and rear sensors
- backup camera
- Hill start assistant
- ABS and ESP brakes
- Electric folding exterior mirrors
- Halogen front and daytime running lights
- Front fog lights
- Roof bars
- 17″ rim wheels
- Air conditioning
- 8″ central screen
- Mixed cluster with 4.2″ screen
Seltos EX 1.5 IVT: $20.490.000
- Add the following:
- 10.25″ central screen
- 10.25″ cluster
- Dual climate control
- Wireless charger
- Electric handbrake
- Driving and terrain modes
- Cross control
Seltos EX 1.4T 7DCT: $22,490,000
- Add the following:
- Paddle shifters
- Full LED front lighting
- LED front fog lights
Seltos Full 1.4T 7DCT: $24.490.000
- Smart key with ignition button
- Eco-leather tapestry
- Electrochromatic central mirror
- aluminum pedal board
- 17″ bitone wheels
- Chrome handles
- LED taillights
- Ambient lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Forward collision assist emergency brake
- Pedestrian and object detection
- Lane Keep Assist
- Smart cruise control
- Driver attention alert
- High beam assistant
