We at Philkotse.com can’t stress how much the sub-compact SUV market has swept the landscape of Philippine motoring.
Almost every Car Brand in the Philippines have their own version of a small crossover from budget fares such as the Chinese Foton Gratour IM6 to the more premium and luxury Audi Q2. Everyone wants in on one of the hottest segments of the car market.
The sub-compact SUV market has swept the landscape of Philippine motoring
Kia Philippines can probably be noted as one of the pioneers in this segment. In the late 2010s, they introduced one of the quirkiest cars to every ply our local roads, the Kia Soul. The Soul had the formula pat-down. Not quite an SUV and definitely not your regular, low-slung sedan.
The Philippine market at the time was not ready to embrace such a concept, many were looking at either PPVs or Pickup-Truck based SUVs such as the Fortuner, Montero Sport or Everest and even Compact SUVs like the RAV4 and CRV were more the norm at the time.
It took larger companies such as Toyota with the Avanza for Filipinos to finally taste what it is like to drive a car that has a slightly raised ride-height to appreciate sub-compact crossovers.
Alas, The Kia Soul either came too soon on our shores, or its previous distributors themselves were unsure on how to market the little cross-over.
>>> Worth reading: Unveil the top 11 upcoming cars 2020 in the Philippines
Kia Philippines can probably be noted as one of the pioneers in this segment
Enter the Ayala Group of Companies. In late 2018 they acquired exclusive rights from Columbian Autocar to distribute and market Kia cars in the Philippines. They vowed to improve the brand’s marketing and streamline their line-up to be more appropriate for the Philippine market and for Filipinos.
Earlier this year they released the Kia Soluto a small sub-compact sedan that undercuts all its rivals in terms of price and standard equipment. The release of the Kia Stinger a 4-door sports sedan that can give the Germans a good run for their money.
Now they are at the precipice of releasing a potential game-changer in their hands, the Kia Seltos Sub-compact crossover.
Kia Philipines are at the precipice of releasing a potential game-changer
The Kia Soul is no more, as Kia Philippines has deemed it unfit for Filipino’s tastes.
You can’t blame them as 2 generations of the Kia Soul has been released along with diesel, of which Filipinos have been clamoring for a long time for, but it just didn’t sell that well to warrant the release of the funky 3rd generation. They do have potentially a worthy replacement for it with the Kia Seltos.
>>> Click here if you want to wander around and find yourself a Kia car for sale with the best deal.
Kia Philippines has a more than worthy replacement for the Kia Soul
According to the latest car news, Kia Seltos' engine version being released here is the 2-liter Atkinson Cycle Naturally Aspirated Gasoline variant that makes about 149hp and 180Nm of torque.
If those figures sound familiar, it’s because the engine is the same one is found in Kia’s sister company’s own Sub-Compact Crossover, Kona, which is set to hold the fort when it comes to sales against the potential new-comer.
The Hyundai Kona in itself is doing quite well for itself and is one of Hyundai Philippines’ best selling vehicles.
Other cars in the same category are the quirky Nissan Juke, versatile Honda HRV, all-wheel-drive Subaru XV, turbocharged Chevrolet Trax, aging Ford Ecosport and fun to drive CX-3.
The 2 liter NA engine in the Seltos makes 149hp and 180Nm of torque
Pricing for the Kia Seltos has not been officially released yet but sources from within Kia Philippines have stated that it can range from Php 1.1 Million to Php 1.4 Million.
Know more about Kia Seltos 2024
The Kia Seltos 2025 is a subcompact crossover that is designed to appeal to young car buyers. It is available in the Philippines in three variants, with a price ranging from Php 1,198,000 to Php 1,688,000. Under the hood, this model is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 DOHC D-CVVT gasoline engine capable of generating 147 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque. Only an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is paired to the engine.
When it comes to the dimensions, the Seltos spans 4,370 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height (1,610 mm excluding roof rails). It also gets a wheelbase and Kia Seltos ground clearance rated at 2,630 mm and 170 mm, respectively. In the local market, this Korean subcompact crossover competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Mazda CX-3, and MG ZS.
>>> New and used Kia Seltos 2025 for sale in the Philippines
WHAT'S NEW in KIA SELTOS? | Philkotse Quick Look
Kia Seltos Launch
The Kia Seltos got its name from “Celtos,” Hercules’ son in Greek Mythology. Kia Motors developed this car for millennials who want a head-turning automobile that perfectly merges modern and striking looks with innovative features.
Globally, it was launched in South Korea in July 2019, in India in August 2019, and in Indonesia in January 2020. Kia Motors is known as one of the pioneers in introducing crossover-type automobiles in the Philippines. With this, the Kia Seltos was made available in the Philippines in November 2019.
Kia Seltos Exterior
This athletic and stylish crossover measures 4,370mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,610mm tall. On the front, the Kia Seltos 2025 bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps. Its bold, dark tiger-nose grille looks aggressively modern, providing the vehicle an edge among competitors. Its beefy body has subtle lines designed to enhance its overall aerodynamic capabilities.
On the front, the Kia Seltos bears fiercely shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and position lamps
At the top, higher variants are designed with a contrasting roof color with a pair of sturdy rails. The rear, on the other hand, is affixed with modern-looking LED taillights. To complete the overall look of the Kia Seltos, it wears a set of 17-inch 215/55R17 alloy wheels.
Kia Seltos Interior
As it is made for young professionals, you can expect a youthful and classy vibe inside the Kia Seltos Philippines. Its all-black interior looks premium. Highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, 60:40 rear seats that can be reclined, and a heads-up display. In terms of cargo loading, it can carry a maximum of 433 liters and can be doubled when the rear seats are folded.
Technology and Safety Features
All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Top-spec models are equipped with cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front proximity sensors, and a reverse camera.
All variants of the Kia Seltos are generously affixed with a touchscreen infotainment system.
Safety is guaranteed as the Kia Seltos comes with a good number of SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, three-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher variants are furnished with hill-start assist, stability control, and dynamic brake control.
Platform and Chassis
For suspension, it is built with a Macpherson Strut and coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring at the back. The Kia Seltos is manufactured using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It is designed to provide the utmost protection to its riders, efficiently control the vehicle, and guarantee excellent performance on roads and tough terrain.
Engine and Drivetrain
This five-door, five-seater subcompact crossover runs using a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with Continuous Variable Transmission. The Kia Seltos can produce 147 hp with a torque of 179 Nm.
Available colors for the Kia Seltos 2025 Philippines are Starbright Yellow, Gravity Gray, Iron Gray, Dark Ocean Blue, Mars Orange, two-tone Starbright Yellow with Cherry Black, and two-tone Clear White with Cherry Black.
The Kia Seltos is a well-rounded subcompact crossover thanks to its various features. One can say that it has the best color package locally as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-3 and Geely Coolray.
Kia Seltos 2025 Price List
Let's check out the Kia Seltos 2025 price in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Kia Seltos 1.5 LX AT | ₱1,198,000 |
| Kia Seltos 1.5 EX AT | ₱1,288,000 |
| Kia Seltos 1.4 SX AT | ₱1,688,000 |
Kia Seltos Pros & Cons
Pros
- Well-integrated tiger nose grille
- A wide array of flashy color options
- Refined powertrain
Cons
- Only one engine option is brought locally
- Not many amenities are available for second-row passengers
- Interior is not as plush as exterior
Kia Seltos FAQs
1. How many seats does the Kia Seltos 2025 have?
The Kia Seltos 2025 provides a two-row vehicle with 5 seats.
2. What is a highlight of the Kia Seltos 2025?
One of the highlights of the Kia Seltos 2025 provides outstanding inside space and practicality for moving cargo for such a small, inexpensive SUV.
3. Is the Kia Seltos Philippines a reliable car?
Yes, the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.
4. Is the Seltos worth buying?
Yes, it absolutely is. Because the Seltos is definitely a good car. Expect safety, versatility, and overall excellent performance from this well-made automobile.
5. Is the Kia Seltos automatic?
Yes, all Kia Seltos variants come with automatic transmission.
6. What type of vehicle is the Kia Seltos 2025?
Type of the Seltos 2025 is SUV.
₱ 1,208,000 - ₱ 1,580,000
Explore
Recent posts
- [Leaked Video] Kia Seltos Spotted in the Wild Dec 21, 2020
- Top 11 Upcoming cars 2020 Philippines Apr 02, 2021
- Kia K2500 2019: Relaunched in the Philippines Nov 27, 2020
- [Spy shots] Let's take a first look at Kia Seltos! Nov 23, 2020
- All-new Kia Soul 2020 refreshed with aggressive design Nov 23, 2020
