After creating a record of 6,000 bookings on first day itself, Kia Motors is set to achieve another major milestone on July 31 when the first units of Seltos SUV will roll out from company’s manufacturing facility in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh.
Kia had commenced production some time back and demo cars have already been dispatched to specific dealerships. Photos of these demo cars are now being circulated on the internet. Production of customer cars will commence on 31st July. Deliveries to customers who have booked Seltos will commence after the SUV is launched on August 22.
CEO and President of Kia Motors Corporation, Han Woo Park, said that the company’s facility in Andhra Pradesh has been built with a total investment of $1.1 billion, which is approximately Rs 7,600 crore. The plant is spread across an area measuring 23 million sq. ft. and has production capacity of 3 lakh units per annum.
Coming back to the Seltos, it boasts of aggressive styling and outstanding features. It is offered with a host of engine and transmission options.
The entire engine lineup is said to offer impressive mileage figures. The 1.5 liter petrol engine will offer 16.4 kmpl with manual transmission and 16.3 kmpl with IVT.
The 1.5 liter diesel engine gives 20.8 kmpl with manual transmission and 17.8 kmpl with 6 speed AT. The top of the line 1.4 liter turbo petrol engine offers 16.1 kmpl where both 6 speed manual and 7 speed DCT transmission options are concerned.
Test drives of Kia Seltos are expected to commence in early August. Seltos comes with an attractive design and is packed with a range of best-in-class and hi-tech features. It is the second SUV (after MG Hector) to offer internet connected smart features such as real time vehicle tracking, stolen vehicle tracking, remote engine immobilization, live traffic information, vehicle health report, remote AC control, geo fencing, auto collision alert, etc.
Other key features include head-up display, 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, blind spot monitoring, electric sunroof and premium 8-speaker Bose sound system. In terms of safety, Seltos offers 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, parking sensors, hill assist, rain sensing wipers and traction modes of Mud, Snow/Wet and Sand.
When launched, Kia Seltos will take on rivals such as MG Hector, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks, and Renault Captur. Latest reports indicate that Seltos will be priced in the range of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 14.99 lakh. Official prices will only be revealed on 22nd Aug.
