Kia’s new Seltos SUV will make you rethink  your expectations of a mainstream crossover/SUV in Singapore

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SINGAPORE
Kia’s newest sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Seltos, is here. But in typical Kia fashion, the Seltos isn’t just content with delivering value-for-money, it will change what you expect from an affordable SUV.

As things are, you could draw a few conclusions about any SUV priced around S$100k (with COE): It’ll be a fairly normal-looking car, with decent space, a comfortable if boring drive, and an image that reflects all of those characteristics. 

Assume that about the Kia Seltos though, and you’d be very wrong. 

Bonus: Read to the end for a special offer and get S$4,000 off the all-new Kia Seltos.

1. The Kia Seltos has a big image to suit its big personality

SUVS have almost become the de facto type of cars now almost, they’re so popular now. The downside of that is, if everyone is doing it, it’s bound to get a little same-y and vanilla, but a glance at the Kia Seltos shows it smashes that wall easily.

It’s best to see the Seltos in the flesh to appreciate all this, but it’s been designed to stand out from a crowd. In fact you may see a family resemblance to the best car in the world – the Kia Telluride SUV – voted World Car Of The Year 2020, thanks to Kia’s engaging and consistent design language. Here’s a brand that’s not afraid to take risks with its pen!

What also makes the Seltos stand out is its full LED stacked headlight cluster, LED fog lamps, strong grille, and prominent bonnet. In GT Line specification, the Seltos gains 17-inch wheels, with unique red highlights on the wheels, side, and front section.

Fun fact: The Seltos is also taller than most other SUVs in and around the price point, another thing which literally lets it loom large in the mainstream SUV segment. In fact, the price tag might surprise you chiefly because the Seltos has not just the size, but also the premium design details that used to be confined to luxury cars. 

2. The Kia Seltos puts you on a pedestal

‘Mainstream’, ‘normal’, ‘decent’, are very respectable adjectives to have, but as its appearance already shows, the Seltos isn’t satisfied with just toe-ing the line.

From the driver’s seat, it’s clear that the Seltos puts you on a pedestal. Getting in is easy – there’s no-hassle keyless entry, push button start, an electrically-adjustable seat.  

The Seltos’ height spells for a tall seating position with a superb view of the road, but the cockpit has been designed to serve you in the most efficient way possible.

A glance at the instrument panel shows the 7.0-inch supervision cluster which serves up driving and safety information – you control what you want to see via steering wheel remote buttons. . 

There’s also a Head-Up Display (HUD), which is the sort of feature you’d only typically find in more expensive cars and rarely at this price level. Like everything else in the Seltos, it’s something that enhances and improves your day-to-day performance on the road.   

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3. The Kia Seltos also elevates the driving experience…

It’d be slightly embarrassing to focus on style without substance to back it up, but the Seltos has no such problems.

Behind its powerful appearance is real horsepower as well – not only is it one of the more powerful mainstream SUVs around, it also proves advanced drivetrain technology is no longer the sole domain of European cars.

The Seltos is powered by a 1.4-litre T-GDI engine with an impressive 140hp and 242Nm of torque, which gives it good accelerative power both at low speeds and on the highway. Unlike CVTs or automatics, the Seltos also has the benefit of an efficient and fast-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.  

And speaking of European-style technology, the Kia Seltos also has something almost none of its competitors can boast : A selectable drive mode control knob, which enables the car’s response to be tailored to suit your mood. 

4. …and it enhances the living experience too

Even if you’re not the driver of the Seltos, life’s pretty sweet. The HD-Widescreen experience is usually reserved for luxury cars, but the Seltos has a full-colour touchscreen upfront, and not only is it one of the biggest you’ll find in a car of this price. 

You can also leave your smartphone stowed away: The infotainment system is also fully capable of smartphone-connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With that, you can stream your tunes, navigate, even have onboard access to your favourite voice assistants – all while leaving your smartphone in the wireless charging dock. 

A sunroof above emphasises the roominess of the cabin, while the patterned leather seats which feature inbuilt climate control (front seats only) add a touch of class. It’s not just spacious and practical, with a 433-litre boot and 60:40 folding seats, it’s also fun.

Want to have a party on wheels? Music-linked mood lighting, a six-speaker sound system and any music you can stream through your smartphone.

5. It’s affordability married with safety

The Seltos’ isn’t just good at fun, games, and power – it’s also safe on the inside too. Advanced high-strength steel for less weight and superior crash resistance and a generous six-airbag safety system, plus a rear-view monitor and front/rear parking distance warning system – that means the Seltos isn’t just good at minimising hassles in the day-to-day, but also strong enough to keep you safe even in extreme circumstances.

And lastly, after reading the first four points we wouldn’t blame you if you thought the Kia Seltos comes with a price tag to match its big SUV style and usefulness. But that’s not the case, with the Kia Seltos EX starting at just S$102,999 with COE with free nine-years of servicing*, it is one of the most affordable SUVs around. 

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*Final equipment and specifications may vary depending on the model. The Kia Seltos starts from S$104,999 with COE in Singapore. S$102,999 with in-house financing rebate. Visit Kia Singapore today to find out more!

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