The Kia Seltos line-up will be bolstered by a new high-spec front-wheel drive variant in the coming months, according to a dealer bulletin obtained by CarExpert.
From March 2022 production, the Kia Seltos GT-Line FWD Limited Edition will offer the flagship trim level with the base 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and front-wheel drive for the first time.
Update 11/4 10:30am: The Seltos GT-Line 2WD will be priced from $38,790 before on-road costs, a near $4000 saving compared to the existing GT-Line AWD ($42,700). Drive-away pricing is still to be confirmed.
Specification will pretty much mirror that of the GT-Line AWD bar the drivetrain, which means you can expect:
- 18-inch machined alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED front fog lights
- LED tail lights
- Aeroblade wipers
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Artificial leather seat trim
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Eight-way power front passenger seat
- Heated/ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 7.0-inch driver’s display
- Head-up display
- Eight-speaker BOSE premium audio
- Wireless phone charging
- Ambient interior lighting
- Lane Following Assist
Power will come from the familiar 2.0-litre ‘MPi’ naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine shared with S, Sport and Sport+ versions of the Seltos, with 110kW of power at 6200rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4500rpm.
By comparison, the GT-Line AWD’s 1.6-litre T-GDi turbo four makes 130kW (6000rpm) and 265Nm (1500-4500rpm).
Drive in the GT-Line FWD is sent to the front wheels via a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), as opposed to the dual-clutch auto and front-biased on-demand all-wheel drive system of turbocharged models.
In existing variants running this powertrain, Kia claims a combined fuel figure of 6.8L/100km. The 2.0-litre mill runs the more efficient Atkinson cycle.
A selection of seven exterior colours will be offered:
- Starbright Yellow
- Steel Grey*
- Gravity Grey*
- Neptune Blue*
- Cherry Black*
- Snow White Pearl*
- Mars Orange*
* Premium finishes add $520
Going by the bulletin, it appears the limited-edition GT-Line FWD won’t offer a contrast roof option like the GT-Line AWD.
CarExpert understands this new special edition will open up additional volume for the Seltos line-up, which for certain variants is experiencing customer-reported wait times of over 12 months – with the GT-Line the hardest hit.
Kia has been quite upfront about its crippling supply issues and long customer wait times across various model lines, but still managed to post 19.9 per cent growth for the Seltos in January, with 934 units sold.
It’s also worth noting a mid-life refresh for the Seltos is well on its way, confirmed for an Australian introduction during the second half of 2022. Prototypes have been spied as recently as this week, ahead of a likely reveal in South Korea around mid-year.
MY21 Seltos GT-Line AWD
There’s even a rumoured hybrid powertrain in the works, though whether it’ll make it Down Under remains to be seen.
We’re expecting Kia Australia to make an official announcement for the Seltos GT-Line FWD Limited Edition in the coming weeks, ahead of production commencing in March.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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