Kia Seltos 2020 Exterior - Looks, Prices, Mileage, Specs, Variants and Features

How sharp looking is the exterior design language of 2020 Kia Seltos?

This crossover from Kia is based on a new universal platform that is also shared with the second Gen Hyundai Creta. It is a modified version of the K2 platform that underpins the likes of Verna and Elantra. The car is solid and well built with a noticeable weight to all of its panels and can be specifically felt from the openable parts like the doors, bonnet and tailgate.

The front fascia is dominated by what Kia calls a tiger-nose grille. It is a common design cue used in many Kia offerings and surely looks like a tiger snarling at you! Very menacing. The unique headlamp design goes well with the grille and forms a single uninterrupted part. The base variants get projector headlights and as well go up, it gets transformed into a full-LED unit.

The most noticeable part of this headlamp setup is the LED DRL strip that flows almost to the centre of the grille giving it an unlikely stance, mostly at night. This strip is, however, present only in the GT Line variants. Kia calls its crazy headlamp set up a “crown jewel” LED cluster which is given a healthy dose of chrome treatment.

The front bumper has integrated skid plates which gives it a clean look and LED fog lamps are positioned vertically for a unique overall look. Branding is subtle as the “KIA” logo is positioned at the centre on the bottom end of the bonnet. Coming to the sides, it has a very western vibe to it. Black plastic claddings around the wheel arches and on the door bottom give it a muscular and rugged look.

The read end is subtle as compared to its very happening front end. Prominent creases on the tailgate and bumper give reciprocates with the overall, muscular design language. The most noticeable element is the thick chrome strip that runs across connecting both the tail lamps. A subtle yet chrome centric “Kia” logo is positioned at the centre of the chunky chrome strip.

Taillights are halogen for the base variants and as we move up the table, LED taillamps adds to its premium feel. The differentiating exterior features are listed below based on its variants. As Kia has overwhelmed us with 9 variants, we had to split it into two tables to make things simple. Take a look.

The lesser visible parts are given due importance as well as the fit and finish of the underbody protection is commendable and has been done well which helps drastically in our unpredictable roads. Other subtle let notable design cues include the prominent creases on the bonnet to give it a muscular look and usage of different patterns on the upper and lower front grilles to give it a polarizing look. The front and rear contrasting skid plates add to its ruggedness but Kia should have omitted with the fake dual exhaust cuts in the rear bumper.

The GT Line variants have subtle yet noteworthy changes which change its sporty vibe. The front grille has a neat “GT Line” logo and it looks killer with the contrasting black colour. The rear also gets a “GT Line” badging and prominent red accents are added on the front and rear bumpers. It also gets unique “crystal cut” 17-inch alloy wheels along with red calipers upfront.

Kia also provides a top lip spoiler and roof rails which adds to its SUV-ish appeal. Dimensionally, Kia Seltos is now very similar to that of its arch-nemesis, Hyundai Creta and is a compact offering despite its loud and bold outlook. It is 4,315 mm long and 1,800 mm wide which is ample to seat three occupants at the rear with ease while navigating through tight traffic situations. It has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm and height of 1,645 mm which adds to its sleek crossover look.

It is a well laid out package with minimal faults to look out for. There are no quality issues as it gets the same precision quality as its sister, Hyundai does and panel gaps are well controlled. A much competent value for money proposition that is sure to turn eyeballs for a long time forward.