Ground clearance (clearance) is one of those factors that worries any driver, especially in Russia, where directions have not yet become roads everywhere. And no wonder, the greater the height from the road to the lowest point of the car, the better the geometric cross-country ability, the more directions become roads.
In the case of Seltos, the designers were not greedy on ground clearance:
- 185 mm for versions with 16-inch wheels;
- 190 mm for richer trim levels, with 17- and 18-inch wheels.
Contrary to popular belief, the Korean's ground clearance does not depend on all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, but on the size of the wheels.
Body design and dimensions
The taillights partially extend onto the wings, and a small spoiler with brake lights is installed above the glass.
There is an attractive chrome logo bar at the center of the rear. Inside, the car also received many innovations. The interior trim is made of quality materials. The smooth lines of the interior elements are emphasized by lighting, which offers a choice of different colors.
Particularly pleasing is the convenient location of the multimedia system.
The instrument panel with a 3.5-inch screen is traditionally located behind the steering wheel. All technical potential is revealed using the 10-inch display of the media system.
It is worth noting that the seats have become more comfortable due to clearly defined lateral support.
As for the body dimensions, they are:
- length: 4370 mm;
- width: 1800 mm;
- height: 1615 mm;
- ground clearance: 185 mm (may vary depending on the type of wheels and tires);
- trunk volume: 468 l.
History of the Kia Ceed model
The Kia Sid SW series first appeared on the motor transport market in 2006. The presentation of the first vehicle took place at the Paris Motor Show. But before this, the modification went through the stage of production and assembly at the factory in Zilina.
Thanks to its good characteristics, the model quickly replaced the outdated Kia Cerato series and gained great popularity among users. It was this factor that caused the development of several more subsequent generations. The first classifications had an average price policy, but the series from the latest release differ slightly in cost due to improved equipment and changes in the interior.
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Road clearance estimate for Kia Seltos
As already noted, the factory ground clearance parameters of Koreans, depending on the assembly, type of drive and transmission, as well as the type of engines, range from 185 to 190 mm. It should be borne in mind that the actual ground clearance, for example, when after visiting your mother-in-law you have to return loaded with bags of potatoes, will be a couple of centimeters less, which can actually affect the vehicle’s cross-country ability on the way back.
As for the specific ground clearance values for certain specific configurations, they are shown in the table below:
There is no need to say that the maximum 19 centimeters of ground clearance is necessary and sufficient, in our brother’s opinion, ground clearance, as, by the way, to say that this is not enough is also somehow wrong. Because many competing models have approximately the same clearance parameters.
Interior dimensions
Description of interior parameters:
- distance from the first seats to the ceiling – 1022 mm;
- distance from the rear seats to the ceiling – 948 mm;
- space (foot) of the first row of seats – 1062 mm;
- space (foot) of the second row of seats – 846 mm;
- Front cabin width (shoulder level) – 1357 mm;
- Rear cabin width (shoulder level) – 1350 mm.
Objectively, the Kia Rio is quite compact. The first row of seats allows the driver and passenger to sit with a high level of comfort, regardless of their size. The rear seats will be uncomfortable for larger people. This isn't significant for short distance trips within city limits, but on longer trips it can be a big problem.
The hatchback has the ability to increase luggage space by folding the rear seat backrest.
Options
You can read about the configurations and prices of the Seltos in another article. The start of sales is expected in the spring of 2021. However, during this time, domestic car enthusiasts will be able to observe reviews from foreign owners and Russian auto bloggers and decide on a purchase.
The car will be equipped with 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. Additional options include the following:
- video cameras providing all-round visibility;
- ventilated and heated seats;
- blind spot monitoring;
- modern audio system;
- airbags installed in different places;
- adaptive cruise control.
Drive and suspension
The new crossover is equipped with disc brakes and electric power steering. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models will go on sale. All-wheel drive vehicles will have independent suspension. The single-wheel drive has a semi-independent suspension.
Rear-wheel drive on all-wheel drive models is controlled using an electro-hydraulic clutch, which can be forcibly disengaged if desired. When driving in difficult road conditions, the rear wheel drive is automatically switched on, and when accelerating over 40 km/h it is switched off.
Ways to increase road clearance
The following methods, let’s say, of increasing the cross-country ability of a car are not unique and in addition to a specific model, namely the Kia Seltos, they are also applicable to other passenger vehicles.
So, it is possible to increase the ground clearance:
- Installing higher tires. For example, if instead of R16 tires you put R17 or even more (if the size of the wheel arches allows), then it is possible to raise the same Seltos by one and a half to two extra centimeters. However, there are real threats here: firstly, a decrease in the longitudinal stability of the car and, secondly, increased wheel sizes will affect the dynamic and traction characteristics of the car. In this case, the dynamics of the model will increase, but the thrust, on the contrary, will decrease. As a result, as a rule, this leads to a decrease in the economic performance of the car due to increased fuel consumption.
- Installation of special rubber inserts. This is perhaps the simplest, most accessible and cheapest way to increase the height of the car by placing rubber mounts under the shock absorbers. They say that you can increase the road clearance by almost 4 cm in this way. Again, every positive innovation has a downside, namely a negative side, in this case, as with the first method, safety parameters deteriorate in the form of a decrease in the stability of the car , and, therefore, controllability.
- By installing both shock absorbers and springs with increased sizes. It doesn’t cost our garage innovators anything to put almost “KAMAZ” parts and components into the design of the Kia Seltos hitch. But again, all this will reduce security. And therefore, you need to think a hundred times before deciding to endanger both your life and the lives of your loved ones for the sake of a few centimeters of increasing the road clearance.
- Using so-called autobuffers. This is nothing more than rubber inserts in the coils of springs, which do not allow them to compress to the maximum. The negative consequences of such garage modernization are that in addition to reduced safety, increased suspension rigidity is added, up to the effect of crushing teeth when driving on sections of roads in ancient cities with paving stones.
Geometry
The ground clearance of the KIA Seltos is not the only argument of the crossover for off-road use. Equally important is geometric cross-country ability, namely body overhangs. The fact is that if you have massive and far protruding bumpers, even serious ground clearance will not save you, since these same bumpers will constantly cling to various swells, bumps and other irregularities.
Kia Seltos overhangs:
- Front overhang – 865 mm;
- Rear overhang – 875 mm.
In this regard, the hero of our story is in complete order, and therefore you can safely drive it onto the dirt road.
Specifications table
The main parameters of the car are described in the table below. For the first batch in 2021, the vehicle characteristics are as follows:
| Body | Station wagon |
| Number of passenger seats | 5 |
| engine's type | Petrol |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Power, hp | 121-177 |
| Torque, Nm | 148-265 |
| Drive unit | Front or full |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic, CVT or manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated disc |
| Rear brakes | Disk |
| Front suspension | Independent, spring, McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, spring and independent, spring, for all-wheel drive models |
| Dimensions, mm | 4370x1800x1615 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 185 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1325 and 1485 for all-wheel drive |
| Tank capacity, l | 50 |
| Luggage compartment capacity, l | 468 |
| Tires | 205/60 R16 - 235/45 R18 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 194 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, sec. | 8,4-12,2 |
| Fuel consumption, l | 7,3-8,0 |
Disadvantages of Kia Rio X-Line 2017-2018
All the disadvantages of KIA Rio X-Line 2017-2018
➖ No front parking sensors➖ Noise insulation of wheel arches
pros
➕ Automatic transmission➕ Spacious trunk➕ Ground clearance➕ Economical
The advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Rio X-Line 2017-2018 were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the KIA Rio X-Line 1.4 and 1.6 with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
There is practically no sound insulation, and the tires are noisy (studless Roadstone Winguard Ice). In principle, this doesn’t bother me too much, since I knew what I was getting into, and in terms of noise, I didn’t count on a miracle. For this money, I would also like front parking sensors and better lights (I wouldn’t say that they are bad, but I would be more happy with xenon).
Appearance, of course, is different for everyone, but I think he is very good! Cute from the front, but really handsome from the back! The trunk is 390 liters, the floor has a curtain, and the curtain is removable. I've already stuffed a lot of suitcases into it, everything fits perfectly. For a hatch, I think the trunk is excellent.
I would also like to note the interior, everything is conveniently located in it, no unnecessary squeaks, pleasant in appearance and in general this is one of the main advantages of this car.
There is nothing to write about its off-road capabilities, since there is none. Still, 17 cm of ground clearance and a plastic body kit do not make it a crossover. Although, of course, the body kit and +1 cm of clearance (compared to the sedan) are definitely not superfluous.
Victor, review of the Kia Rio X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) automatic, 2017.
Video review
Briefly about the car - 1.6, 123 hp, 6 AT, equipment - Comfort. I was crazy about the lack of noise on the hood, and I also kind of thought that there should be a cover on the engine too... It’s the 21st century, but KIA has its own views on such nuances...
Modest, but everything necessary for comfortable movement within the city for a wife from point A to point B is available in this car; rare family trips in this car are also possible. Well, the main thing is that both she and I like him.
The first trip home (15 km around the city with some traffic jams in the pre-New Year bustle) did not bring anything unusual. All sensations and expectations were justified, moderate taxiing, no beats, creaks or other unnecessary sounds appeared... The stove coped with its task more than adequately.
Review of KIA Rio X-Line Comfort 1.6 AT 2021
In comparison with Tussan, I would not say that the X-line is better or worse, the car is just different. The noise insulation is similar, the spikes, however, are more audible in the cabin (maybe they will get used later), but you can’t hear the engine - only the tachometer needle gives it away.
The automatic transmission shifts imperceptibly, holds speeds up to 2 thousand, while driving in traffic, and the stabilization system seems to work as it should. At a speed of 100 km/h, the revs are around 2,200 on the tachometer.
Now we have covered 600 km, in the city the consumption is 7.8-8 liters, on the highway 6.2-6.7, I don’t let it exceed 100 km/h, I run it in.
Review of KIA Rio X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) automatic 2017
New Kia Rio X-Line 2021: photos, configurations and prices
In general, we bought it, drove it and “Cascanuli”. So far I like everything, running-in is underway, mileage is 1,000 km. Nevertheless, a lot is already clear, and after the purchase, I personally (and my wife too) like the car even more.
Pros:
1. In the city, 170 mm of clearance is enough, I personally didn’t hit anything during the week, although not much, but I tried. As a conclusion, the car is excellent for use in Russia - not enough for the north, but normal for the middle zone.
2. On sixteenth rims, the car is on fire along the highway, I haven’t accelerated more than 120 km/h, and it’s only been 120 km/h a couple of times, but there’s a reserve. The ride is very stable and pleasant! The box is simply magnificent!!! It shifts gears very smoothly and imperceptibly, and the six speeds are ideal for this volume.
3. The presence of only two maximum configurations of rear disc brakes for me personally is the most important factor in discarding all the simpler versions. The drums are not the same, but with disc brakes the car stands rooted to the spot.
4. Consumption during the run-in is 7.5 liters, and ninety-second, I expected more. True, it’s mostly on the highway, but it’s already clear that if you need to do it economically, the car can do it. We'll see in the future, so far it's good.
5. Four of my own size sixteen summer wheels fit into the trunk without any problem, and I did not fold the rear seats. This is why I personally love hatches compared to sedans.
Of the minuses:
1. I would like parking sensors in front.
2. No cruise!!!! I only found out after the purchase; I didn’t even expect such a catch. Having studied the specialized forums, I realized that this is the machinations of marketers, the treatment is by ordering buttons for 2,000 rubles from Ali and activation, either by yourself according to the instructions, or for 3,000 rubles from a dealer and again... The cruise works!
3. There is noise, but they apparently forgot about the wheel arches. It is the rubber from the arches that makes noise when driving, very loudly. On the Cordiant from the dealer it’s like the plane is taking off, but on the Nordman it’s still tolerable.
Review of the new KIA Rio X-Line 1.6 (123 hp) automatic transmission 2021
roadres.com
Transmission and engines
The Indian variant includes both diesel and petrol models. Only a one and a half liter engine with a capacity of 115 horsepower runs on diesel fuel. This engine is equipped with six-speed automatic transmission and manual transmission. There are 2 options for petrol:
- atmospheric, 1.5 liters and 115 l. With. with manual transmission or CVT;
- turbocharged 1.4 liters and 140 hp. with a manual transmission or seven-speed robot.
In Korea, the Kia Seltos is sold with other engine types. The following units are presented here:
- turbo diesel, 136 hp. With. and volume 1.6 l.;
- gasoline, 150 hp. With. and volume 2 l.;
- turbocharged petrol, 177 hp. With. and volume 1.6 l.
The following will be presented on the Russian market:
- 1.6 liter engine (121 hp and 148 Nm) with a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission;
- 2.0 liter engine (149 hp and 180 Nm) with CVT;
- 1.6 liter turbo engine (177 hp and 265 Nm) with a 7-speed DCT preselective robot with two clutches.
