The 2021 Kia Seltos joins the crowded subcompact SUV segment with the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade in its sights. MotorTrend talked to Jenny Chang, program manager for the 2021 Kia Seltos, to learn more about the latest entry in the fast-growing segment. What did we find out? Expect more SUVs with rugged looks with capability to match.
Chang tells us that the Seltos’ boxy, muscular appearance distinguishes it from other subcompact SUVs through its practicality. Size in particular was a key point because Kia wanted to create an SUV that fits anywhere yet is still roomy enough. “A lot of the rejection reasons from entry-level SUV buyers were based on the size of the vehicle being too small,” said Chang. “They were also not happy with the fact that some subcompact SUVs didn’t come with all-wheel drive.”
Part of the reason the 2021 Kia Seltos’ design veers toward the rugged end of the spectrum is to ensure that the vehicle is aspirational. “Rather than just an A to B vehicle, we want Seltos buyers to be proud of owning the vehicle,” said Chang. The rugged, outdoorsy look will be a key differentiator in Kia SUVs from now on, but it won’t be just about the looks because each model will back up their appearance with the capability to match. The U.S.-spec 2021 Kia Seltos, for instance, has a different front bumper that improves approach angles, complementing its 7.2 inches of ground clearance. “We’re not just here for show and the design,” Chang said. “You can actually take these vehicles outdoors and [they] enable you to have an active lifestyle.”
When asked whether the Seltos can attract enthusiast types, Chang seemed pretty optimistic. “For folks that don’t need the size of a Sportage, they’re going to go for the Seltos, especially with the available 1.6-liter turbo-four,” she said. “We have that engine available in multiple trims, too; we made sure not to limit that.”
On the design front, Kia has strategically positioned its SUVs to take advantage of that active lifestyle image consumers crave. The 2021 Seltos is an example of that, but it will also have to battle segment staples including the Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Renegade, both of which come from brands with long established outdoorsy credentials. Based on our chat with Chang, expect Kia’s SUVs to get bolder and more rugged in design. The Telluride and Seltos are just the first salvo of Kia’s SUV offensive.
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Source: WORLD NEWS
