Kia is jockeying for position in the UAE's lucrative mini-SUV market with a seriously revamped version of its Seltos model. This 2020 car, which was unveiled in the Middle East and hit the streets of Abu Dhabi to showcase its new looks and capabilities, is available in 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engine sizes, with the smaller power plant given a little extra boost by the addition of a turbo charger. It is front-wheel drive, though, so you may not want to take it up a sand dune any time soon. Outside, the new Seltos has been properly smartened up – it has a more robust shoulder line, which tapers towards the rear of the car. It also has a rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, which the marketing people says lends the compact SUV "an air of understated sportiness". They say it is also instantly recognisable as a Kia, and that is certainly true. The inside is smart and classy and there's a range of safety tech and infotainment options. The Seltos will also be available in GT-Line specification, inspired by Kia’s GT performance models like the Stinger. You can't have one yet, though. The new Seltos should arrive in the UAE early next year, and the price should be in the region of Dh60,000, which appears decent value by any standards. Keep a look out for further developments as rumour has it Kia is developing an electric version of the vehicle due for release in the near future.
