New Kia Crossover Breaks Cover

Kia Motors Corp. took the wraps off the all-new Seltos compact crossover today in Delhi, India.

The carmaker will produce the 2020 model at its manufacturing plants in India and South Korea. Global sales will launch in the second half of the year.

The Seltos is the first of five new Kia models due in India by the end of 2021 as part of a bid to hike annual sales in the country to 300,000 units in two years. Kia also aims to expand its dealer network in India to 350 points in more than 160 cities over the same period.

Exterior styling for the Seltos is highlighted by all-LED headlights and taillights and a widened version of Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille and all-LED headlights and taillights. The passenger cabin will provide class-leading space, according to the carmaker.

Kia says the Seltos (named after Celtos, the son of Hercules in Greek mythology) is designed for tech-savvy millennials. The 10.25-inch infotainment display can be split into three user menus. An eight-inch head-up display is optional. Drivers can choose among three driving modes.

Other available goodies include ambient lighting with eight customizable colors, and an eight-speaker Bose audio unit. The lighting system can be synched with the sound system, with door panel lights pulsing to the beat of the music.

In India, buyers can choose a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or 1.6-liter diesel four-banger. The engines can be paired with a 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual clutch or a continuously variable transmission.

Kia plans to eventually supply the Seltos to markets in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.