Kia’s Creta Rival To Be Named Seltos

The SUV is slated to be unveiled on June 20

• The production-spec SP2i is expected to look largely similar to the concept.
• Likely to get a set of 1.5-litre BS6 petrol and diesel engines.
• Will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Captur and Maruti S-Cross.

Latest Update: The Kia Seltos has now been revealed. It will be available with three BS6 engine options and all the engines will be available with an automatic transmission too. Apart from the various powertrain options, Kia has also revealed some features of the Seltos. Read in detail about the compact SUV here.

Kia has officially announced the name of its first product for the Indian market and it is called the Seltos. It comes just a few days after the global-spec SP2i was spied bearing the Seltos name. This comes as a surprise as it was not a part of the contest Kia ran last year to name the compact SUV. Tusker or the Trailster were the two most popular names from that contest.

• Kia SP2i Spotted In The Flesh; Bears The Name Seltos

Kia says the name ‘Seltos’ is inspired by Greek mythology and the legend of Celtos, the son of Hercules. And the ‘S’ in the car’s adapted name implies speed, sportiness and strength.

While we will have to wait till June 20 to see how the India-spec Seltos will look, we have a fair idea thanks to the global-spec model which was spied recently. It looks largely similar to the SP Signature, a near-production prototype that Kia had showcased in Korea. However, the Seltos featured front fog lamps, front parking sensors, thicker side cladding and tail lamps with a minor redesign, unlike the SP Signature.

• Kia SP2i Official Interior Sketches Revealed Ahead Of June Reveal

Under the hood, the Seltos is likely to be powered by a set of new 1.5-litre BS6 petrol and diesel engines. These engines are also expected to make way to the next-gen Creta and Verna. Although the global-spec Seltos featured a 4WD badging on the tailgate, the India-spec SUV is not expected to get that since the demand for 4WD SUVs in the country is weak.

After unveiling the Seltos on June 20, Kia is expected to launch the compact SUV by September 2019. Prices are expected to range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Captur and the Maruti S-Cross.