Kia Seltos 2019: New baby SUV named as "son of Hercules"

Kia has chosen the name Seltos for its new small SUV, which is due to be revealed this month, with an Australian launch scheduled for later this year. 

If, like us, you’re curious as to the name, Kia has an answer. Seltos was chosen for the “brave and assertive spirit of Celtos” who was Hercules’ son in Greek mythology. According to Kia, the 'S' replaced 'C' in Celtos because of the car’s apparent sportiness.

According to Kia, the Seltos has been created for millennials, and stands apart from other small SUVs thanks to its combination of “sporty design and the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV - all in a compact package.”

In addition to the car’s name, Kia has also released some teaser images of the Seltos, which have revealed some of its exterior styling as well as its interior treatment, which will offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system in Australia for the first time in a Kia product. The Seltos will also feature sound mood lighting, which adjusts the colour to the beat and volume of music being listened to.

Reportedly sharing the same platform as the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos will likely offer a 2.0-litre petrol engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, while a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with all-wheel drive and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto from the Kona may be available optionally. 

Like the Kona, both hybrid and electric drivetrains could be offered in the Seltos down the track. 

A small SUV is the product that Kia Australia desperately lacks. Although the brand sells the Soul and Stonic small SUVs in other markets, the Australian arm has been waiting for the Seltos because its larger size is reportedly better suited to the local market. 

Is a small SUV the key to further Kia sales success? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.