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Kia has officially revealed the new Seltos SUV, well the exterior anyway, ahead of an Australian launch later this year.

 

The chunky looking Seltos brings a fresh take on Kia’s SUV design language with a long bonnet, a pronounced character line on the front bumper, along with a robust shoulder line and glasshouse shape.

 

Kia has previously stated, the Seltos takes plenty of styling cues from the SP and SP Signature concept cars.

 

Exterior highlights include a wider ‘tiger nose grille’, LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights and tail-lights. There’s also 3D multi-layer indicators and a rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect.

 

Depending on the trim level, the Seltos will ride on 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-grip 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18 tyres.

 

The interior of the Seltos is yet to be officially revealed, however, Kia recently released teaser images of the dash. It’s a minimalist design consistent with other recent releases from Kia.

 

A 10.25-inch floating touchscreen navigation system, ambient lighting and an 8.0-inch head-up display will headline the cabin’s spec sheet. Higher grades will get a premium eight-speaker Bose audio system.

 

It’s possible Kia’s new 12.3-inch ‘Supervision’ digital driver instrument cluster will also be available.

 

At launch, Kia Australia will offer the Seltos with two powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre 110kW naturally-aspirated Atkinson Cycle petrol unit matched to a CVT that drives the front wheels.

 

There's also a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel GDi unit coupled to a seven-speed DCT and all-wheel drive.

 

Both powertrain choices come equipped with Kia’s 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 Seltos will pack the brand’s latest passive and active safety tech, though Kia hasn’t detailed the safety package for our market. To achieve the magic five-star ANCAP rating autonomous emergency braking is a necessity.

 

Six airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems including ABS, traction control, brake force assist, hill start assist, along with front and rear parking sensors, are certain starters.

 

Kia has confirmed the Seltos will go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2019, with Australia to follow shortly after.