Given the cut-throat nature of cars in the realms of pricing, specifications, and even warranties, the final decision for a new car buyer often boils down to looks.
To a fast-growing number of buyers, a good price or a generous feature set may not be enough to swing a vote with their wallets if the car simply looks boring or ho-hum.
This is a situation that seems to have been taken to heart by Kia. The youth-oriented Korean automaker has been churning out some of the most exciting designs for almost a decade now. And it seems to have not lost its touch with last Wednesday’s unveiling of its subcompact crossover contender, the Seltos.
“Tonight will be a legendary experience like no other. As the brave and assertive spirit of Celtos, the son of the Greek God Hercules manifests itself in Kia’s latest Global crossover, the new Kia Seltos,” announced Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada, at the unveiling last night.
“This emboldened spirit, which also lives in the hearts of the younger generation, is what drove us to develop a crossover that embodies sophistication and sportiness — a complete crossover package that delivers innovative driving experiences as well as class-leading cabin space that inspires you to enjoy the thrill of new adventures,” he added.
The newest Kia belies its subcompact dimensions with a sporty and wide body stance (4,370mm x 1,800mm x 1,615mm) and a generous wheelbase that measures 2,630mm. Its athletic contours make it look like it’s ready for the challenges of the road. The athletically contoured body comes in a wide selection of hues, including dual-toneStarbright Yellow/ Cherry Black and Clear White/ Cherry Black (SX) and monotone finishesStarbright Yellow, Mars Orange (LX, EX), Dark Ocean Blue (LX, EX, SX), Gravity Grey (LX, SX), and Iron Grey (LX, EX).
Kia Seltos is welded and crafted with Advanced High Strength Steel for enhanced body rigidity and maximum occupant security. The car is also equipped with a Drive Mode Select system that lets you adjust to your personal style (choose from Normal, Eco, or Sport Mode) or the road conditions ahead. It also comes with a Rear View Camera with Rear View Driving Function.
“I am confident that the Seltos will be a true game changer in the small SUV segment.To develop this model, Kia’s product development teamhasworked harder than ever as you would see in the design details applied to both its interior and exterior – which are difficult to find in its class,” said Ted Lee.
“In terms of quality, I am surethat the Seltos will never disappoint our customers in the Philippine market. In J.D Power’s annual U.S. Initial Quality Study, Kia was once again named the top non-luxury automaker for new-vehicle qualitythis year. Kia has earned this honor for four years in a row. This truly shows how Kia’s excellence in quality controls and I stronglybelieve that the Seltoswill drive the quality index, which will result in better scores next year,” Lee added.
The Seltos boasts an 8-inch touchscreen audio system that allows for smartphone connectivity thru Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has a 6-speaker setup and a Rear View Camera feature that acts as a secondary rear view mirror.
The car boasts Smart Entry and Push-button Start (SX) and is powered by a 2.0L DOHC D-CVVT Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine mated to an all-new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). These were developed by Kia Motors as an answer to the adventurer’s demand for improved power, response, smoothness, and fuel economy. The IVT features a continuous gear shifts for improved drivability while Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) are kept in check by NVH-suppressing materials and construciton.
The Seltos comes with six airbags plus available aside airbags and side curtian airbags. SX variant also has Electronic Stability Control to help ensure safe driving even in challenging conditions.
Price? From now until November 30, the Kia Seltos comes with an additional P50,000 discount which makes the Seltos LX available at P1,048,000, the EX at P1,148,000, and the SX at P1,448,000.
