Kia has given us a sneak peek at the upcoming, updated Seltos compact SUV. You might not be familiar with the Seltos - it's a Kia model that hasn't been sold here yet, but it's coming to Ireland this time, and it could be a big new model for Kia.
What is a Seltos, exactly?
It's a compact SUV, distantly related to the Hyundai Kona and the old Kia Soul. It's primarily designed for the Indian and South Korean car markets, but it's also been sold in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
It's a small crossover, about the size of a Volkswagen T-Roc or a Renault Symbioz, and so far it's been entirely petrol-powered. That may change with this new model, though…
Is the Seltos going electric?
It might do, as the Seltos will be switching to Kia's K3 platform, which also underpins the likes of the Niro and the K4, so clearly, fully-electric power is at least possible now. You can almost guarantee that hybrid power will be offered this time around, and don't bet against an all-battery model.
What about the styling?
That's where Kia might have a winner on its hands. The new Seltos, although we haven't been shown the whole thing yet, is clearly picking up styling details from the likes of Kia's all-electric EV lineup. Indeed, it looks either like a smaller version of Kia's chunky EV9, or even the company's massive US-only Telluride SUV. There are neat, upright main headlights, flush door handles, and a cool 'floating' roof effect at the back.
Will the Seltos actually come here this time, though?
Yes, it will do. It's about the same size as a Niro, so Kia might have difficulty finding a home in the current lineup for it here, although the company has said that it has an 'expanded global ambition' for this new model, so that pretty much seals the deal.
We should find out more on 10 December, when the full reveal takes place.