HiTLeR Posted September 3, 2020 Posted September 3, 2020 Kia offered us an early opportunity to drive its all-new 2021 Kia Seltos during a recent visit to the automaker's headquarters in Seoul, Korea. The subcompact crossover, which enters a booming segment, goes on sale early next year and will be slotted between the 2020 Kia Soul and Sportage models. Sporty styling with the characteristic “Tiger Nose” grille At first glance, the Seltos appears to be a reduced-in-stature version of Kia's Telluride - that’s a strong compliment, as the 7-passenger Telluride SUV is one of the automaker's most attractive vehicles. Like its midsize bigger brother, the new subcompact crossover maximizes Kia’s styling attributes with a signature ‘tiger nose grille’ taking center stage - setting the tone for sporty, stylish, and sophisticated. Bold character lines and muscular shoulders allow the Seltos to stand out from the crowd, which make it appear larger than its measurements indicate, yet aerodynamics haven’t been forgotten - the small crossover cheats the wind with a low 0.33 drag coeffiecient, says Kia. Physically speaking, the new Seltos is smaller than both the Telluride and the Sportage, which is categorized as a compact crossover. Within its competitive segment, which includes the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade, the Seltos sits in the middle of the pack (it is the same length as the HR-V, the same width as the CX- 3, but slightly longer than the Renegade). Forthcoming competitors include the 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer as well as the compact / subcompact tweener the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Four-cylinder power, with turbocharged zest Kia is offering the Seltos globally with three different engines - displacement and fuel type depend on the region and market. Standard models are fitted with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, gasoline-fed ‘Nu’ engine (147 hp / 132 lb-ft). Optional in foreign markets is a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel (134 hp / 236 lb-ft) that is more fuel efficient at the expense of acceleration. Familiar to U.S. Buyers is the optional turbocharged 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, gasoline-fed ‘T-GDi’ engine (175 hp / 195 lb-ft) that is also fitted to the Kia Optima 1.6T model. Both gas engines are headed to the U.S.A. market. The standard 2.0-liter engine is mated to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), while the turbocharged engines are mated to 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions (DCT). Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. To ensure a sporty (yet comfortable) ride, the engineers fitted a fully independent suspension, with a coupled torsion beam axle on the rear of FWD models (AWD models use are more independent suspension on the rear). The steering is electrically assisted, with 16-, 17-, and 18-inch tire / wheel packages offered. The curb weight range between 3,000-3,200 pounds. The Seltos is slightly heavier than the Honda HR-V, but lighter than the Jeep Renegade. Safety equipment for even the most discerning Kia says, “the safety of occupants (is) a number-one priority for the brand in all of its cars." With that in mind, the company equips the Seltos with a suite of standard safety equipment that rivals many premium luxury vehicles. While many of the standard systems are federally required in the States (eg, ABS, ESC, and traction control), Hill-Start Assist Control and front- and rear-parking sensors are also standard - these frequently used systems are very helpful on a daily basis. Optional safety systems include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. New is a Driver Attention Warning-Plus, which monitors the driver for signs of fatigue, and Safe Exit Assist, which alerts occupants to oncoming bicycles and motorcycles as they depart the vehicle. Kia touts ‘Level Two’ autonomous capability for the Seltos, claiming the vehicle can control acceleration, braking, and steering to assist the driver. Impressive interior space and driving dynamics All four doors open wide to reveal an expansive interior with space for five adults. The front seats are supportive for all shapes and sizes and vision outwards is good. The second row, with 60: 40-split folding seats, offers a reclining seatback to ensure passengers are comfortable. The trunk delivers class-leading capacity, and an innovative 2-step floor can may be moved down to improve volume. Driver controls are intuitive and legible - premium trims are fitted with an 8-inch infotainment screen - and there is an available head-up display to help keep eyes on the road. In addition to offered premium appointments (including semi-aniline leather upholstery), Kia is proud of its available Sound Mood Lighting system, with color-adjustable lighting within the speakers. Driving the Seltos On the road, the new Kia is well mannered. There’s a bit of lag immediately off the line, as the turbochargers in the 1.6-liter engine come on boost, but it's not worrisome - after a few minutes it is unnoticed. The DCT shifts smoothly, and the steering and brakes feel great. As expected, there’s a bit of noise that permeates the cabin (a mixture of wind and tire roar) but talking to fellow passengers never required us to exceed a conversational level. Without question, the Seltos is enjoyable to drive. The 1.6-liter turbocharged AWD model we sampled was quick (we estimate a 0-60 mph sprint will take about 8 seconds) and zippy. While we didn’t have an opportunity to test it at highway speeds, we spent plenty of time navigation congestion and urban settings the areas surrounding Seoul - the chassis is unflappable, and the suspension damping is excellent. How much will the 2021 Kia Seltos cost? While pricing has yet to be announced, we expect the new Seltos to start under $ 20,000. For reference, the Kia Soul starts at $ 17,490, while the larger Sportage starts at $ 23,990.
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