Highlights: –
- Facelifted Kia Seltos likely to get a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain in place of the existing 1.5-litre diesel engine.
- Cosmetical changes will include new lighting system, revised front grille, tweaked front & rear bumpers, new upholstery, and more.
- Could get digital driver’s display and ADAS.
Launched in August 2019, the Kia Seltos is one of the most popular offerings in the 5-seater mid-size SUV space. It will soon receive a mid-life facelift update. With this, the Korean automaker could replace its 115PS 1.5-liter diesel engine with a new hybrid powertrain.
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2022 Kia Seltos Facelift – What are the rumors suggesting?
According to the Korean Car Blog, the 2022 Kia Seltos will be offered with the same hybrid engine as the global-spec Kia Niro. That said, the SUV will get a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder GDI turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a full parallel-hybrid system delivering a combined power output of 139PS, along with a peak torque of 264Nm. Transmission duties are likely to be taken care of by a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
For those who aren’t aware, the hybrid system of Kia Niro comprises a 43PS/170Nm Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor, mated to a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Globally, it also comes in a plug-in hybrid version. However, it is unlikely to make its way to our shores, at least not anytime soon.
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Besides the new powertrain, Kia will also provide the 2022 Seltos with a slew of visual changes as well as new features. These could include tweaked bumpers and grille, redesigned alloy wheels, and a new lighting system. Inside, it could get revised upholstery and a new color scheme.
Similar to the upcoming Hyundai Creta facelift, the upgraded Seltos could also get a digital driver’s display and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Currently, Kia offers the Seltos with three engine options: a 1.5-litre NA petrol (115PS/144Nm), a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol (140PS/242Nm), and a 1.5-litre diesel (115PS/250Nm). While a 6-speed manual transmission comes standard with all three, the optional automatic unit is different for each mill. These include a 7-speed DCT for turbo-petrol, a CVT for NA petrol, and a 6-speed torque converter for the oil burner.
Expect Kia to launch the facelifted Seltos by mid-2022. When launched, it will emerge as a more prominent contender against Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks, Maruti S-Cross, and Renault Duster.
