The KIA Seltos is ready to release a mid-life update, same that already premiered in South Korea, but now it also arrives in the United States. These improvements, presented in the Los Angeles Hall 2022 they attack all the weak points of the model, as well as those that had aged prematurely due to the repositioning of the South Korean brand.
“Our lineup of SUVs is stronger than ever and, despite being the smallest of the bunch (in the US), the Seltos has been a strong performer since its introduction”said Steven Center, KIA America’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. “Loaded with style, some of the latest technology, advanced driver assistance systems and enhanced performance, the 2024 Seltos serves as the perfect gateway to our largest and most capable SUVs for when the consumer is ready to take the next step. ”.
KIA Seltos 2024 outside
The exterior changes are notable and help integrate the Seltos into the brand’s current offer, with features already implemented in other models, such as Sportage:
- There’s a new, much larger grille with chrome surrounds and an upper section that aligns with the top of the headlights.
- The “Star Map” light signature is also available. This is born from the central part of the new grill and intersects with the headlights.
- Switch up the optical package with available LED lights.
- The bumper is slightly bulky, thanks to a pair of silver moldings on the lower intake,
- The redesign of the rear is complete, with a new optical assembly that extends towards the center of the gate.
- The bumper was also redesigned, with a less urban style, relegating reflectors and backup lights to the lower part.
- New two-tone wheels.
- New colors including Pluto Blue (pictured), Fusion Black and Valais Green.
In addition, the brand will offer a package called X Lineideal for those who do not like much chrome and includes:
- A metallic gray grill
- Exclusive 18″ wheels
- Black roof bars
- Black accents on the doors
- X-Line Badges
The dimensions should not change, with 4.3 meters long, 2.6 meters between axles and a trunk of 433 liters of capacity.
KIA Seltos 2024 inside
The Seltos debuted with two different interior designs, depending on the market in which it was offered. Today this design has been standardized and its perceived quality has improved.
- There are new central air vents, narrower, but more modern in design.
- The air conditioner is also newly designed.
- Both screens are 10.25″Now the instrument cluster and the screen of the multimedia system are inscribed in a large horizontal panel.
- The commands for the multimedia system are under the climate control.
Some convenience and comfort options are also added:
- four USB ports
- Electric gate in SX version
- Ventilated seats in SX version
- Support for Digital Key 2 Touch, which is a virtual key that you can use from your phone to open and start the car. This key can also be shared with other devices.
- Map and firmware updates with OTA (Over-The-Air) support.
KIA Seltos 2024 – now with more assists
The Seltos already had a package available from driving assistance (ADAS) and for the new model, these have been refined. The list goes like this:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), with autonomous braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection (standard).
- FCA 1.5: the assistant can also act at intersections (since SX versions).
- Blind spot monitor (from S versions).
- Intelligent speed limiter and assistant: detects urban and extra-urban speed limits (from SX versions).
- Attention monitor (standard).
- High beam assistant (standard).
- Lane Keeping Assist (Standard).
- Reversing camera (standard).
- Safe egress assistant (from S versions with navigation package).
- Intelligent cruise control that operates together with the browser (from SX versions).
- Highway driving assistant: level 2 semi-autonomous driving (from SX versions).
- Cross traffic assistant (from S versions).
KIA Seltos 2024 – powertrain changes
- The 1.6 Turbo GDI engine gains 20 Hp, for a total of 195 Hp, associated with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
- The aspirated 2.0 MPI engine delivers 146 Hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, in conjunction with an IVT (automatic CVT with intelligent program) box.
- There is an AWD drive option with electronic center differential lock and Torque Vectoring assistance.
- Driving modes, to manage power and consumption: Eco, Normal and Sport.
The new Seltos should start shipping in the first half of next year. We will see during 2023 if these changes also begin to reach other markets like ours. Remember that the model that is sold in Mexico is imported from India and uses different engines. But surely, many of these changes will be adopted in the future, so you have to be very attentive.