Aussie tuning for new Kia Seltos

Kia’s latest SUV model is only months away from landing in Australia and local tuning for our bumpy roads and particular driving tastes is almost complete.

Announcing specifications for its compact Seltos SUV today, Kia also confirmed it completed bespoke local tuning that’s destined for Australian versions - a key point of difference for previous models in the South Korean car maker’s lineup.

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The ride and handling package for the Seltos, which sits on a 179mm ground clearance, was developed by the Kia Australia team both locally and overseas.

“All models for Australia will have the bespoke local tune which has become one of the key characteristics of all Kia cars sold in Australia,” it said in its announcement.

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“The ride and handling package for Australia was developed by the Kia Australia team over thousands of kilometres both in Korean test facilities and on Australian roads.”

Compact SUVs get set to take over Australia

The Seltos is scheduled to go on sale in Australia fourth quarter this year, though pricing and specifications for models is yet to be confirmed. It will however come with either front or all-wheel-drivelines that can play a pivotal difference in handling - FWD variants are limited to a torsion beam rear suspension setup only while AWD models get a more sophisticated multi-link arrangement.

Built in Kia’s Gwangju, Korea facility models will come powered by either a 1.6-litre turbo or 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four pot petrol or 1.6-litre diesel turbo - the same drivetrains available in its Hyundai sibling the Kona. The turbo petrol Seltos is the perkiest of the bunch, producing 130kW and 265Nm and recording a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 8.0sec. Both 1.6-litre engines get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the 2.0-litre is limited to a CVT.

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Other gear likely to arrive in Australia to meet ANCAP safety ratings include a bevvy of safety systems such as ‘Level Two’ autonomous lane following assist, rear-view monitor for slow-speed maneuvers and safe exit function that will warn occupants not to open the door into on-coming traffic.

“The Seltos is an important car for Kia as it will play a central role in our international growth,” said Kia president and CEO, Han-Woo Park,

“The Seltos brings Kia strengths in design, quality and technology to this popular segment.

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“In the Seltos, we have created a car that can fulfil the diverse needs of customers in markets all around the world.”