Riding on the success of the Seltos and the Sonet, Kia Motors is now planning to enter into the 7-seater utility vehicle segment. The company has confirmed that a new 7-seater UV will be introduced in early 2022. It is most likely to be a new 7-seater SUV based on the Kia Seltos.
The new model will follow Hyundai’s approach, which is selling the Alcazar 7-seater UV based on the Creta platform. For people not in the know, the Seltos is based on the Creta platform. The new Kia Seltos 7-seater SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus.
The 7-seater Kia Seltos has already been spotted testing in a video, which shows a near-production test mule. The new Seltos will measure close to 4.5 meters in length, and will have a wheelbase of 2,760mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 150mm, which should help Kia to create more space for the third-row seats. For reference, the Hyundai Alcazar is 4,500mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,675mm in height. It also offers a segment-largest boot space of 180-litres with all three rows in position.
The new Kia Seltos based 7-seater SUV will have an extended front and rear overhangs with more prominent rear quarter glass area for the third-row. The SUV will share most of the design with the existing Seltos; however, Kia engineers will make some changes to keep things fresh.
It is likely to receive a more prominent front fascia with a bolder Tiger Nose grille with mesh pattern, sharper headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, extended body, bigger alloys and completely redesigned rear profile with LED tail-lights. The SUV will have relatively flatter roof and rear design.
Interior details are yet to be revealed; however, it will share most of the components and features with the Seltos. This could also receive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). Feature list will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument console, UVO connected car tech, blind spot monitor, front and rear parking sensors, 360 degree camera, ESC, hill start assist, VSM, TPMs and many more.
The 7-seater Kia Seltos is likely to share the engine options with the Alcazar, which includes a 1.5L turbo-diesel and a 2.0L petrol. While the former is good for 115PS of power and 250Nm of torque, the petrol engine produces 159PS and 191Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
