Range, features and official prices, everything you need to know about the new generation Kia Seltos launched in Romania
A global model ready for Europe. With the launch of the new generation, Kia Seltos becomes a globally marketed model, officially expanding its presence on the European market and arriving in showrooms in Romania. The compact SUV brings an extremely competitive proposition to the most popular segment of the automotive market, combining optimal dimensions for urban congestion with sufficient resources for long trips.
The new Seltos is designed to meet the diverse demands of drivers, offering a balance between exterior style, interior utility and dynamic performance.
Modern aesthetic language and robust visual identity
The exterior design of the new generation Kia Seltos adopts the brand's Opposites United styling philosophy, integrating an imposing road presence and dynamic lines. At the front, the massive Digital Tiger Face grille stands out, framed by slim LED headlamps and the Star Map LED daytime running lights.
The car's profile suggests an athletic character through pronounced wheel arches, protective inserts at the sills and alloy wheels that vary from 16 to 18 inches, depending on the trim level. The rear is defined by the LED light strip that unites the taillights across the entire width of the tailgate, providing a distinctive look at night. The GT Line trim level brings more aggressive visual accents and aerodynamic details, while the X Line variant emphasizes the adventurous side with dark finishes and additional protections.
Spacious interior and cutting-edge digital technology
Inside, the Kia Seltos features a digitalized cabin and well-studied ergonomics. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the curved panoramic panel that integrates two 12.3-inch screens: one reserved for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system.
The multimedia system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the list of available features includes a 64-color ambient lighting system, wireless smartphone charger and a premium audio system. The interior benefits from durable material finishes, fabric or eco-leather upholstery and a generous trunk, designed for the daily needs of a family.
High-level safety and advanced ADAS systems
Safety is a top priority on the new Kia Seltos. Even from the base trim level, the car comes equipped with a full package of passive and active protection, including 6 airbags (front, side and curtain), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX anchorages and hill start assist.
Higher levels add an expanded suite of driver assistance (Level 2 ADAS systems):
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA): With detection of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at intersections.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA & LFA): Keeps the vehicle in the center of the lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BCA): With active intervention when changing lanes.
- Intelligent Cruise Control (SCC): With Stop & Go function for heavy traffic.
- 360-degree camera system: Facilitates parking maneuvers in tight spaces.
180 HP engine and dynamic performance
Under the hood, the new Kia Seltos is equipped at launch with the 1.6-liter T-GDi gasoline unit from the Smartstream family. It develops a maximum power of 180 hp and a torque of 265 Nm, and is available with both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Customers can choose between front-wheel drive (4x2) or all-wheel drive (4x4) versions. In the automatic transmission and front-wheel drive configuration, the Seltos accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and records a combined consumption of 7.0 liters/100 km. The range will be expanded later with a hybrid version (HEV), without plug-in charging.
Equipment levels and prices on the Romanian market
The new Seltos is available in Romania in 4 trim levels: Urban, Trend, GT Line and X Line. The absolute starting price is 24,730 euros including VAT for the entry-level version (Urban, 1.6 T-GDi, manual transmission, 4x2).
Official Kia Seltos price range in Romania (VAT included):
1. Urban (1.6 T-GDi 180 HP, 265 Nm):
- Manual, 4x2: €24,730
- Automatic, 4x2: €27,430
- Automatic, 4x4: €28,980
2. Trend (1.6 T-GDi 180 HP, 265 Nm):
- Manual, 4x2: €29,200
- Automatic, 4x2: €30,750
3. GT Line (1.6 T-GDi 180 HP, 265 Nm):
- Automatic, 4x2: €33,450
- Automatic, 4x4: €34,400
4. X Line (1.6 T-GDi 180 HP, 265 Nm):
- Automatic, 4x2: €33,730
- Automatic, 4x4: €34,680
The standard equipment on the Urban version offers a rich list of features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, fabric upholstery, a 12.3-inch central screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the full safety assistance package.
Direct comparison with the competition:
Compared to direct competitors in the compact SUV segment, the Kia Seltos offers a generous ratio between engine power and list price:
| Model / Version | Power (hp) | Combined consumption (l/100 km) | 0–100 km/h acceleration (s) | List Price (€ incl. VAT) |
| Kia Seltos 1.6 T-GDi Auto 4x2 | 180 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 28,980 |
| Hyundai Kona | 138 | 8.3 | 9.5 | 26,462 |
| Nissan Qashqai X-Tronic AWD | 156 | 6.3 | 9.9 | 34,100 |
Thanks to the combination of the resources of the 180 HP engine offered as standard, the high level of technological equipment and the diversity of versions with all-wheel drive or automatic transmission, the new Kia Seltos consolidates its solid position in the local SUV offer.
