Kia Seltos succeeds the Niro
Kia shows first pictures of a conventionally powered compact SUV, which is also set to come to Europe next year.
(Image: Kia)
No mass manufacturer can currently afford not to be represented in the SUV segment between around 4.2 and 4.5 m in length. The offering is now densely packed, and the Hyundai Group with its brands, including Kia, is doing well. The second generation of the Niro has been on the German market since the summer of 2022. Kia doesn't explicitly communicate it that way, but the Seltos, now shown, is likely to succeed it.
Likely designed to be broadly acceptable
The format and powertrains speak for this, as the Niro and Seltos are almost identical in these respects. With a length of 4.43 meters, a width of 1.83 meters, a height of 1.6 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.69 m, the potential successor to the Niro has similar dimensions. Whether the design is now "bold and progressive," as Kia wants it to be understood, I will trustfully leave to your judgment. It is likely to be broadly acceptable within the target group.
The interior also lacks any design sensation. The dashboard layout is the same as in other models of the group. Functionally, there is little to criticize, but it doesn't look brand new or fresh. The hope remains that Kia has learned from the criticism of the rather margin-optimized lining of the EV3 interior. A car in this class really doesn't need to look so cheap. The interior space should correspond to the good average for this vehicle size. 536 liters of trunk space in a car that occupies hardly more road space than an Opel Astra sedan is an excellent value.
Kia Seltos (6 Bilder)
Kia
)AI and Assistants
Artificial intelligence is intended to help further improve voice control. Kia has made above-average progress in this regard in recent years. Initially, it was hardly usable, but now spoken commands are implemented properly. In the expensive trim levels, smartphones and smartwatches can be set up as vehicle keys. Kia also provides the usual assistants for parking, exiting, and maintaining distance. If desired, you can also get assistance with changing lanes on the highway.
Powertrains
The first press release mentions four powertrains, with Kia already providing initial information on three of them. It is not yet certain which of these will be launched in Europe:
The fourth will be a hybrid powertrain, not yet specified in detail, whose traction battery can be tapped for external consumers. This suggests a plug-in hybrid. This powertrain offers adaptive recuperation that reacts variably to traffic conditions and route.
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Prices: An estimate
As mentioned at the beginning, the market in this segment is very densely occupied. This also has a lasting impact on pricing. The Niro is currently officially offered from 33.990 Euros, the plug-in hybrid from 39.690 Euros. Prices on the major car exchanges are significantly lower. We expect Kia to offer the Seltos from around 32.000 Euros. Competitors with similar dimensions include, among others, the VW T-Roc, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mercedes GLA, and Skoda Karoq.
(mfz)