KIA’s new Seltos brings assertiveness to Nigeria’s compact SUV market

Kia moves up the ladder in Nigeria’s automotive business following the recent arrival of the all-new Seltos and Sonet compact SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle). Having published details of the new Sonet compact SUV, the focus this week is about the details of the Kia Seltos launched in Victoria Island few weeks ago.  

The new Kia Seltos brings sophistication, assertiveness and cutting-edge technology and safety features to the global compact SUV segment.  It comes with distinctive design details, lending the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness and combining forward-looking technical features, class-leading space and a suite of world-class safety features, and is powered by a choice of highly efficient smartstream petrol and diesel engines.

Jacky Hathiramani, managing director and chief executive at Kia Nigeria declared at a recent media reveal that the Seltos is an important car for the brand, as it will play a central role in the expansion of our footprint, and especially in a priority market like Nigeria. ‘’We’ve adapted our strengths in design, quality and technology to fulfil the needs of customers in the local market. Seltos is aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers and is packed full of our most cutting-edge technology and safety equipment”.

Seltos provides 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.

It is a sporty and sophisticated compact SUV that tands apart from its rivals with thanks to its sophisticated, sporty design and the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV – all in a compact package.

There is also a distinctive exterior design detail, 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, but with a difference. Its robust shoulder line and glasshouse shape, which tapers towards the rear of the car, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.

The rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect accentuates this dynamic appearance with a choice of 16, 17 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 design is forward-looking interior characterized by futuristic and high-quality materials Seltos is designed with high quality, futuristic materials. Aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers, the cabinKia 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 that discreetly projects relevant driving information on to a small glass panel behind the steering wheel such as turn-by-turn navigation directions and vehicle speed information.

It comes equipped with a range of newly developed third-generation powertrains for high efficiency and powerful performance. All powertrains are engineered with Kia’s Smart stream technology for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

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 with an 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.

The Seltos is a technologically advanced and refined compact SUV equipped with a range of market and world-first features designed to make driving safer and less stressful, while also providing total ease of operation. The car’s 10.25-inch advanced infotainment system 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. It 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. Full range of advanced active safety systems available Kia’s passive and active safety systems ensure that Seltos occupants remain well protected on every journey.  Body is made up of a blend of steel and aluminium, maximising 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.

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. It is fitted with an anti-lock braking system, 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.

MIKE TOCHUKWU