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Kia Seltos 2021.

Sales of the Kia Seltos crossover started in Russia quite recently, but the company has already prepared a small portion of updates.

The equipment of the «senior» versions with 2.0 MPI (149 hp) and 1.6 T-GDI (177 hp) engines has been revised. Affected configurations Luxe, Style, Prestige, Premium and Premium +, all of which have risen in price after the revision.

The upgraded machines will be available for purchase in the near future.

New equipment for Kia Seltos 2021

The SUV enters the new year with an expanded list of options. There is only one external revision — a fully glossy radiator grille, available starting from the Style variant.

The rest of the improvements relate to instrumentation and technical equipment. So, all the updated Seltos have acquired a system of reminders for passengers in the back row.

In addition to this, the Luxe and Style versions received a media center with support for wireless connection of gadgets using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols.

The second row of the Prestige includes ventilation deflectors and a USB port for charging mobile devices.

And, finally, the most expensive turbo-powered crossovers in the Premium and Premium + versions have been assigned a frontal collision avoidance system with an interference warning function when turning at an intersection.

As a result of the update, the «older» versions of the Kia Seltos 2021 model year have risen in price by 5,000 rubles.

However, a couple of weeks ago, the company had already raised prices for the crossover, so that in the end the increase amounted to 20-30 thousand rubles. And, in general, since the start of sales, the car has become more expensive by 65-95 thousand rubles.

The simplest version of a SUV with a 2.0-liter engine in the Luxe configuration now costs 1,444,900 rubles. In addition to the updated multimedia system, such a car relies on heating of both rows of seats, climate control, rear parking sensors, a light sensor, side airbags and curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Style trim is offered with LED running lights and taillights, gloss black false radiator decor, 18-inch wheels.

The Prestige version boasts a combined seat upholstery (fabric + eco-leather), an advanced media center with a 10.25-inch screen and navigation, a 7-inch dashboard, interior lighting, Bose speakers, keyless entry and push-button engine start.

The top versions of Premium and Premium + have an electric drive for adjustment and ventilation of the front seats, a rain sensor, a head-up display, wireless charging of smartphones, and a set of Drive Wise active safety systems.

Specifications

As noted, the Korean model is supplied to the Russian market with three power units. By default, the car is equipped with a 1.6-liter «aspirated», whose maximum output is 123 hp. (in all-wheel drive versions — 121 hp), and the torque does not exceed 150 N * m.

Complete with a starting motor, a choice of a manual and automatic transmission for 6 speeds is supplied.

Instead of the base engine, you can purchase a 2-liter «atmospheric» unit, which develops no more than 149 hp. power and 180 N * m tractive torque. This motor is combined with a variator.

The top-end versions are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 177 hp. and thrust at the level of 265 N * m. This motor is equipped with a 7-speed robotic gearbox.

The Korean model is based on MacPherson struts and a multi-link design at the back. In this case, the latter in front-wheel drive versions is replaced by a torsion beam.

The total length of the crossover does not exceed 4370 mm with a wheelbase of 2630 mm. The vehicle’s ground clearance is 185 mm. The width of the car is 1800 mm, the height is 1615 mm.

Handling and off-road performance

The off-road capability of the 2021 Kia Seltos is provided by an electro-hydraulic clutch that engages the rear axle. However, it only works in difficult conditions, when the wheels begin to slip.

When driving at speeds over 40 km / h, the clutch is automatically disengaged. This solution increases the service life of this part. However, it negatively affects the directional stability of the vehicle when driving on slippery roads.

The handling of the Korean model fully meets the expectations of motorists. By this indicator Seltos is not inferior to any of its direct competitors.

Maintenance costs

Officially, Kia Seltos appeared on the global market only in 2019. That is, it is quite difficult to calculate how much the maintenance of the Korean model will cost.

However, the car is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Creta, and borrowed almost all the nodal units from this model.

This means that Seltos is relatively cheap to maintain. In particular, engines, with proper care, can withstand over 200-250 thousand kilometers.

It is also worth noting the presence of localized production, due to which the prices of consumables for Seltos remain relatively inexpensive.

Dynamic properties and fuel consumption

Kis Seltos with a basic naturally aspirated engine gains the first 100 km / h in 12.2 seconds. Setting the «automatic» leads to an increase in this parameter by 0.1 seconds, all-wheel drive — by 0.7 seconds.

Average fuel consumption, respectively, varies from 6.9 to 7.8 liters. The appearance of a 2-liter unit with a variator improves the dynamic characteristics of the car.

With this combination, the Seltos accelerates to 100 km / h in 9.6 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 6.8 liters. The turbo engine provides acceleration in 8.4 seconds. Because of this, fuel consumption rises to 7.6 liters.

Design

The 2021 Kia Seltos stands out from its direct competitors with its non-standard appearance. The Korean crossover is equipped with the original head optics with vertically oriented LED lights, under which the LED DRL unit is located.

The radiator grille has become wider than other Kia models, but retained the branded frame in the form of a broken metal bar. The large front bumper on the sides is complemented by niches with fog lights and metal protection.

The top-end Seltos has a contrasting black roof. The stern includes large LED lights, «cut» by a metal insert that runs along the embossed boot lid. Just below it, the manufacturer installed additional brake lights placed in stampings.

The salon of the Korean model is executed in the corporate style, providing for the presence of a three-spoke steering wheel, a large touchscreen monitor with washers, a standard instrument panel and a fairly wide transmission tunnel.

At the same time, the Seltos uses a new climate control unit with a screen. And on the front panel there is a decorative insert in a contrasting color. The luggage compartment volume reaches 493 liters. But with the raised floor lowered, this figure is reduced to 433 liters.