√2023 Kia Seltos facelift detailed, in Australia this year

Kia’s updated Seltos small SUV gains a new look, revised engines, and a host of upgraded tech features. It’s due in showrooms later this year.

Full details of the facelifted 2023 Kia Seltos have been revealed, ahead of an Australian launch due in the final months of 2022.

First shown by Kia in preview images last month, the updated Seltos has been showcased in more depth in South Korea with a new look, overhauled interior, additional technology, and more potent engines.

Aside from the exterior updates previously detailed, the facelift is led by a revised 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, now developing 148kW and 265Nm – up 18kW – with a combined fuel consumption claim of 7.8 litres per 100km, down 0.1L/100km.

There’s a new eight-speed automatic transmission – though it’s unclear if this replaces the 1.6-litre turbo engine’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto, or is instead fitted to the 2.0-litre non-turbo base engine, which makes its debut in Korea for 2023 (but has been sold in Australia since launch).

That engine develops 111kW and 180Nm in Korean-market trim – 1kW down on Australian cars – with a combined fuel use claim of 7.8L/100km. Sound insulation now features in the windscreen glass for a quieter drive.

No hybrid version will be available, contrary to some rumours.

Safety has seen an upgrade, with the addition of a 360-degree camera, a “rear side” parking camera, traffic sign recognition, and a low-speed rear autonomous emergency braking system.

Hyundai and Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist function, which allows owners to stand beside the vehicle and move it forwards or backwards in and out of a parking space, just from buttons on the key fob.

Other new features include memory for the driver’s seat, a hands-free power tailgate, built-in dashcam, USB-C ports, and a ‘digital’ key function for your smartphone.

As reported, the Seltos gets a new look inspired by the larger Sportage, with a restyled front end, new LED light signatures, redesigned LED tail-lights with a Carnival-style full-width bar, and a reworked lower rear bumper.

New 16-inch and 18-inch wheel designs feature, while there’s a new Gravity model grade in South Korea, which adds gloss black finishes for the grille, headlight garnishes, 18-inch wheels and side mirrors.

Inside, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument display integrates with the old 10.25-inch centre touchscreen into one panel inspired by the smaller Niro, while there’s now also a ‘shift-by-wire’ electronic gear selector, and revised centre console garnishes.

Pluton Blue and Ballet Green have been added to the colour palette in South Korea, while there are three new two-tone colour combinations with Fusion Black contrast roof finishes. The interior trim can be had in black, tan or dark green.

The 2023 Kia Seltos is expected to reach Australian showrooms before the end of 2022 – local details will be confirmed closer to launch. The current model costs $29,290 to $45,290 drive-away.

The post 2023 Kia Seltos facelift detailed, in Australia this year appeared first on Drive.