Kia has confirmed that its new global compact SUV will be called Seltos and it’s expected to reach South Africa in early 2020.

The Seltos name is derived from Greek mythology, more specifically, Celtos, the son of Hercules. The ‘S’, however, stands for speed and sportiness.

The new Kia Seltos is based on the SP Signature Concept which was recently shown at the Seoul Motor Show as is squarely aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers. The Seltos will be built in a new state-of-the-art assembly plant in India following an investment of $1.1-billion (R16-billion) in 2018. The Seltos will cater for right-hand drive markets and is therefore ideally suited for introduction in South Africa to fill the gap left by the now locally discontinued Soul compact family car.

Kia says that the Seltos combines a sporty design with the space and capability of a traditional SUV, but in a compact product offering. The interior also boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment system along with Sound Mood Lighting. An 8.0-inch head-up display is also part of the tech inclusion for the Seltos along which displays basic information along with turn-by-turn navigation.For audiophiles, there is the option of a banging 8-speaker Bose sound system.

Power comes in the form of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines as well as turbodiesel units. The particular market will dictate which variants go where and are available with either 7-speed dual-clutch, 6-speed auto or CVT gearbox.

Kia has upped the safety spec of its 'global' cars with the Seltos, which includes vehicle stability management and traction control systems. It's also equipped with 6 airbags, although it will surely depend on the derivative as to how many make it all the way to South Africa.

The Kia Seltos sits on a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch crystal cut alloy wheels.

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