KIA SELTOS | PROVA in ANTEPRIMA e PREZZI

The new Kia Seltos finally arrives in Europe, and we've already previewed it on German roads, including autobahns. It's Kia's C-segment SUV, positioned between the Niro and the Sportage: 4.43 meters long, with a 2.69-meter wheelbase, square lines, the brand's new family feel with a light signature that closely resembles its electric cousin, the EV2, and a completely new platform. The first generation already existed in Korea, America, and India: this second generation becomes a global model and is arriving in Italy for the first time. The launch engine is the 1.6-liter T-GDI 180 hp turbocharged gasoline engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The automatic version can be equipped with true all-wheel drive, complete with 4WD Lock, which locks the torque split at 50:50 between the two axles: an absolute rarity in the segment. A full hybrid is also coming soon, in two versions: 154 hp with front-wheel drive or 178 hp with e-AWD, where a 50 kW electric motor powers the rear axle. This is the first time Kia has offered a full hybrid with all-wheel drive. The spec sheet in brief: — Dimensions: 4,430 mm x 1,830 mm x 1,610 mm, wheelbase 2,690 mm — Trunk: 536 liters (483 on AWD), up to 1,511 liters — Engines: 1.6-liter turbo 180 hp / full hybrid 154 or 178 hp — Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic — Display: 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment, 5.3-inch climate control — Trim levels: Business, Style, GT-Line, X-Line Inside, it's packed with C-segment essentials: two 12.3-inch screens, OTA updates, Digital Key, wireless charging, 100W USB-C ports, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a blind-spot camera that projects an image onto the dashboard. Plenty of real physical buttons, soft materials on the dashboard and door panels, and plenty of space in the back even for taller drivers. The X-Line features a curious choice of a single-color steering wheel, while the GT-Line has a two-tone one. Some hard plastic on the seat panels and no flocking in the pockets, but the overall impression is still positive. Note for traditionalists: under the cargo floor, there's a generous storage space even on the all-wheel drive version, perfect for those considering an LPG conversion. On the road, the Seltos 1.6 turbo X-Line all-wheel drive proved smooth, comfortable, and well-insulated from both wind noise and tire noise: the engine only becomes audible above 4,500 rpm. The ADAS systems work very well, with precise lane centering, automatic lane changing, and a capacitive steering wheel. And above all, Kia has finally listened to a long-standing criticism: the speed warning beeps are now discreet and pleasant, no longer intrusive. The suspension isn't sporty, but it's balanced and very comfortable, with comfortable seats and soft headrests; Sport mode keeps the gearbox at higher revs and makes the car more responsive, even though it lacks electronically controlled suspension. During our first drive, even with aggressive driving, we recorded real-world fuel consumption of around 14-15 km/l at a constant speed: for true efficiency, however, the full hybrid is the way to go. ✔ 50:50 all-wheel drive, unique in the segment ✔ ADAS among the best in the category and finally polite beeps ✔ Very spacious, with ample trunk space and technological features ✗ Some hard plastics and no flocking in the compartments ✗ Full hybrid cannot be combined with the turbo engine Price starts at €31,500 for the 1.6 turbo manual Business and reaches €41,000 for the all-wheel X-Line model we tested; the full hybrid ranges from €35,000 to €43,000 for the e-AWD X-Line. Reasonable prices for the features offered, right in the Qashqai, Tucson, and Corolla Cross range. Find the full review with all the official data at www.techdrive.it --- Our Insta360 Ace Pro2 action cameras: https://bit.ly/InstaTechDrive