Is The Kia Seltos SUV The Carmaker's Mystery Reveal For The 2019 LA Auto Show?

• Teaser image reveals a front end similar to the India-spec Seltos.
• If launched in the US, it could get a different set of powertrain options.
• The India-spec Seltos is priced from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom India).
• Kia could also showcase the Optima sedan and Futuron all-electric SUV at the auto show.

While the 2019 LA Auto Show kicks off tonight, Kia Motors will only commence its gig on November 20. Kia is gearing up to reveal a mystery model but has been tight-lipped about what it could be. Now, however, the Korean carmaker has finally released a teaser image, giving us a clue as to what it could be. The main talking point of the image is that the model teased looks similar to the Kia Seltos. The Seltos was launched in India nearly two months ago with prices starting from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom India). It is offered in HT Line and GT Line trims with a total of eight variants, three BS6-compliant engines and four transmission options. 

 

The similarities come in the form of Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, futuristic-looking LED headlamps and vertical LED fog lamps like the Seltos. Another exterior feature that is similar to the Seltos is the slim LED DRL strip on the top of the headlamp that extends all the way to the centre of the grille. The image also shows a hint of the alloy wheels which resemble the ones on the Seltos GT Line. 

The India-spec Seltos packs a variety of  features like a head-up display, 8-speaker Bose sound system. Kia Sound Mood Lighting as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If Kia’s mystery model is indeed the US-spec Seltos, expect it to be equipped with the same features as its Indian sibling along with a few additions.

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Under the hood, the India-spec Seltos is offered with two petrol engines and one diesel unit. The petrol options consist of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) unit that produces 115PS/144Nm and a 1.4-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol unit developing 140PS and 242Nm. While both share the same 6-speed manual gearbox, they get different automatic options. While the 1.5-litre petrol-automatic comes with a CVT, the T-GDI unit gets a 7-speed DCT. The diesel mill is a 1.5-litre unit that develops 115PS and 250Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter unit. Expect Kia Motors to offer a revised set of powertrains for the US-spec Seltos.

The other model that Kia could possibly showcase at the 2019 LA Auto Show is the all-new K5, better known as the Optima sedan. It could also showcase the recently revealed Futuron all-electric SUV coupe concept that gave us a glimpse into Kia’s future designs. However, it would be great if Kia surprises us with a new model at the auto show. All will be revealed when Kia Motors kicks off its LA Auto Show gig on November 20.

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