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Kia Seltos five things you need to know

Rob Fraser

2020 Kia Seltos Kia Seltos fills a gap in the Kia SUV line-up and sits in the smaller SUV segment. Currently populated by quality SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, Subaru XV, Audi Q2 and Toyota CH-R.

So what are the five things I need to know?

What vehicles are available at what price and when is it on sale?

Seltos is available in four specification levels S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line.

There are two engines, two transmissions and two drivetrains. More later

It is available for sale from October 25 and to be honest if you are interested I would turn up early as it will be popular and there are some supply limitations from the factory.

Starting from $25,990 drive away for the S through to $41,990 (D/A) for the GT Line. A $1000 safety pack will be available for the S and Sport models.

Pricing (drive away):

S                                  FWD                                                                                                           $25,990

Sport                          FWD                                                                                                           $29,490

Sport+                        FWD                                                                                                           $32,990

 

Sport+                        AWD                                                                                                          $36,490

GT Line                      AWD                                                                                                          $41,990

 

Safety Pack (available on S and Sport)                                                                                   $1000

Premium Paint                                                                                                                            $520

What comes with what model?

Like a lot of KIAs the Seltos is jam packed with features, even the entry level ‘S’ model for the price.

S Model includes as standard

The optional safety pack brings

Step up to Sport and the extra equipment includes

The option Safety Pack adds

For Sport+ there is the addition of

GT Line adds:

What is it like to drive?

Pretty good actually.

As mentioned there are a choice of two engines and matching drivetrains and transmissions.

S, Sport and Sport+ front-wheel drive versions are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson cycle engine producing 110kW and 180Nm coupled to the latest generation CVT.

Sport+ and GT Line all-wheel drive versions feature the 1.6T-GDI coupled to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission producing 130kW and 265Nm.

Seltos is equipped with a Drive Mode Select system that lets drivers adapt the car to their preferred style or the road conditions. Drivers can choose from ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ mode.

The Eco mode is tuned to maximize vehicle range by using fuel-saving measures, while Sport mode increases turn-in responses from the steering and electric motor to maximize the dynamic driving feel of the car. Normal mode provides a careful balance between the two.

All models for Australia have the bespoke local ride and handling package. On the launch the effectiveness was evident with a combination of freeway and back road driving.

Ironically the 2.0L 2WD versions, with higher profile tyres and different rear suspension seemed more composed on the rougher back roads and the 1.6. GT AWD version more composed on the freeway. That also has to do with the engine torque characteristics as well.

Also think of the AWD version as more a safety feature, rather than a vehicle for adventurous driving. With a ground clearance of only 177mm its best not to venture too far from formed roads.

What are the Owner Benefits?

Kia was for many years the only manufacturer offering a seven year warranty.

Owners benefit from a 7 year/ unlimited kilometre warranty. This is across the range, no matter when you buy the vehicle, unlike some limited time offers that pop up occasionally. The warranty is also transferrable to the new owner should you choose to sell your car.

This is coupled with 7 years of capped price service. Owners can simply go onto the Kia website and either type in their VIN or the model and get a price for their next service.

Kia offers up to 8 years of complimentary Roadside Assist, one year at a time. Owners can renew their Roadside Assistance package yearly, for up to 8 years, by simply returning their vehicle to a local Authorised Kia Dealer for its annual scheduled services.

What is it like outside and inside?

I have to say that the Seltos looks pretty good. It has an upright appeal with style that won’t offend yet with a bit of class about it. This is immediately noticeable from the front with slimline headlights that seem to frame the bonnet and grill.

As you walk around it you get the feeling of a slightly sporty appearance, a bit of a lean forward style, not overly angular nor boxy. It’s like all Kia’s, designed to appeal to a wide audience.

Inside the immediate impression is one of space. It feels big for its size. While the interior and comfort features obviously get better the more you pay, the base model still has a quality feel. There are a few plastic bits and where you rest your elbows is hard plastic in the ‘S’, but soft touch on higher spec models.

Front occupants are well looked after for space. Rear passengers again find themselves with adequate space and the boot area (with fold flat rear seats) is cavernous for the class of vehicle.

So what is the overall first impression?

The Seltos is set to shake up the small SUV segment. It is deliberately aimed at the urban market and the sales predictions show that 80% will be 2WD versions.

The pick of the range for me is the Sport+ in 2WD engine and drivetrain. It just feels the better balanced on road as well as possibly the best value.

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