Kia wants us to go off-road with Seltos X-Line concepts

Despite looking cool as they are, it is unlikely that Kia will build a production version of the X-Line Concepts.

Inside, Kia has focused on offering plenty of passenger and cargo space.

Kia kept us waiting on our toes as a mysterious model was set to be revealed at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.

There is no doubt in the fact that Kia Motors has captured the mid-size SUV segment in India with their first launch - the Seltos.

The modified Kia Seltos showcased officially are in two different forms. The US-spec model comes with a handful of changes to suit its target market and distinguish itself from the Indian model.

Visually, the US-spec Seltos looks familiar with identical design elements like the Tiger Nose grille, the elongated DRL strips, jewel-effect LED headlamps as well as the Ice Cube LED fog lamps. Even though the differences aren't huge, the Trail Attack definitely looks more rugged than the Urban. It also comes with a slightly tinkered rear bumper with a revised splitter.

Other highlights include a custom hood with integrated intake as in the Trail Attack Concept, four high-powered Hella auxiliary lights, fabricated roof rack, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and backup camera, etc. Features available to help the driver include blind spot collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and smart cruise control with stop and go. The assistance features are not available on the Indian-spec vehicle as it depends on radar, a technology which is banned on Indian roads.

Like the Urban, the Trail Attack packs the same 1.6-liter turbocharged lump, hooked up to the 7-speed transmission, and is equipped with all-wheel drive and a center differential lock that equally distributes the power between the two axles when engaged. The T-GDI engine develops 177PS and 265Nm while the NA unit puts out 150PS and 180Nm. The Seltos is selling like hot cakes in India, however, the unavailability of the AWD system has not gone down well with many off-road enthusiasts. It gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an AWD system and a 10-year warranty in the US market! It can also be had with an all-wheel-drive. All three engines are Euro6 (BS6) compliant and can be had in front-wheel drivetrain only. Well, after five months of the launch of the Seltos in India, it has entered the United States of America market officially and the manufacturer has showcased two different heavily modified versions of the Seltos that look outrageous! You have to bear in mind that Kia said the same for the GT and Telluride concepts too and the reality was different as they paved way for the Stinger and the flagship eight-seater Telluride SUV.