Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—While it sometimes feels like automakers have given up on everything but luxury cars, that’s not universally true. While some car companies have appealed to the government, they are afraid, asking to build protective walls to avoid cheap competition from China, some have looked at the problem from different angles, trying to meet the times. One such effort is the new Kia Seltos, a small SUV that takes its inspiration and Telluride but with a starting price of only $24,990 including shipping costs.
The US almost didn’t get Seltos in the first place; and first generation example it was designed with China in mind. Seltos take two are considered the most, and a little more. The new body with its signature Telluride style has been stretched, especially in the wheelbase. That said, the length of 174.4 inches (4,430 mm), 72 inches (1,829 mm) width, and 64.9 inches (1,648 mm) is still small, one part smaller than something like Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5.
Kia offers a choice of three different powertrains. The 1.6 L hybrid is our favorite. But the model won’t be in showrooms until Q4 this year; don’t expect Ars’ first drive of the hybrid Seltos until early next year. Or anything else in this first report — the Seltos hybrid still has EPA certification, and Kia isn’t ready to talk about power, torque, or efficiency until it’s finished and crushed.
