Days after its new B-segment crossover was caught completely undisguised, Kia has gone ahead and confirmed that the name Seltos will indeed be attached to the car. While it may sound like it’s completely made up, the South Korean carmaker claims there’s actually some science behind it.
Apparently, Seltos comes from Celtus, one of the sons of the Greek god Heracles – better known to you and me as his Roman equivalent Hercules. Kia says that the name represents Celtus’ brave and assertive spirit, with the “C” changed to “S” to signify the car’s speed and sportiness.
The company adds that the car itself is aimed at tech-savvy millennials, combining “sophisticated, sporty design and the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV…in a compact package.” Kia has certainly pushed the limits with the design of the car, with distinctive slim headlights, a Volvo XC40-esque upswept window line, contrasting black roof and squared-off wheel arches.
Previously released sketches show a contemporary interior design with a freestanding 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, metallic highlights in the air vents and a centre console that features what appears to be a prominent grab handle for the front passenger. Kia says that the Seltos will also get the Soul’s Sound Mood Lighting system, which pulsates according to the music.
Like the Euro-centric Stonic, the Seltos is expected to be based on the Rio and should be offered with some of the same engines. These include 1.25 and 1.4 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines, a 1.0 litre turbo three-pot petrol and a 1.6 litre four-pot turbodiesel. The Seltos is set to be unveiled later this month, with sales in Korea and other markets (except Europe) slated to commence in the second half.
GALLERY: Kia Seltos spyshots
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Kia shelltox and Hyundai Kona not selling here. So Proton Binyue X50 no problem …
You’re right klopp! Because if those 2 game changers are selling here, Proton Binyue X50 is not going to stand a chance. Maybe aroung 5 months X50 already game over
If P2 going to relaunch the Nautica, Proton Binyue X50 is not going to stand a chance too.
You think your Aruz have any chance? How delusional!
(Like) Kia Seltos
(Dislike) Proton X50 Turbo
What a beautiful car. Kia just amazes me. Their first car only rolled out in 1974, and today, they can sell 8 million cars globally.
I truly admire Kia. In the 90s, people looked down on their cars. Then Kia decided to turnover their image and they put in sweat and blood and long hours to change their image to what it is today – excellent.
KIA workers work hard. Everyday they go to office at 7 AM. Then they start working non stop and have lunch for 10 mins only. After that they leave office at 10 PM, sometimes 11 PM. With this kind of game changing working attitude, KIA become one of Korea’s best automaker and also become an international world-class brand. But why our Proton is different? Proton working attitude have a problem. Proton workers enter office at 9 AM, most even can late until 11 AM. Then they have 30 mins each breakfast, lunch and teabreak. 6 PM all of them quickly leave office and go home. That is why Proton must learn from KIA to become a game changing company we can proud of
becuz KIA rcvd way more bailout $$$ than P1.
Wow, you can pull anything out of your behind! Your backside must be as big a liar as your mouth!
i wonder whats the rate of suicide among kia worker…masuk kerja 7am, come out 11pm…wtf…unless they are working shift…
u worked in Kia before? wher you get your facts?
No wonder Korea has the 2nd highest suicide rates after Japan. Work so hard for what. Just to make the owners richer and then kill ownselves. Make rich owners happier but make loved one sadder. Is this a better way to live? Maybe you should go there and see if you survive or join the list of fatalities. Talk is cheap for a know-nothing troll.
Not only the design is mind-blowing, the game changing B-segment SUV name is also very stunning. Kia is really smart in making game changers. Look at our Proton SUV, even the name is not creative at all.
But at least Kia and Proton design looks better but look at Hyundai design, design looks terrible and not stunning
Game changer or not, I am not sure. But we do have a name changer in the form of RJ Raja Jamban aka food names.
Come here and people will call it Shieldtox
Abang malaysia masuk tak?
I’d like to nickname it ‘Mentos’
KIA Volvo XC series alike….
XC 40 rivalling? Size and design seem to display intend. Looks good. These Koreans… Leaps and bounds.
Okay la. Its a good nyamuk repellent name