Kia Seltos test bench | Continue the momentum

A relatively affordable brand, Kia set out to create models capable of defining themselves differently. From the ephemeral Stinger to the eccentric Soul and the sculptural EV-6, these Kias harbor no complexes. Neither does the Seltos! Despite its commercial launch in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Seltos was able to find a (very) good place in a segment that was said to be crowded.

The Seltos 2024 has been hitting the streets for months now. So, have you noticed that the grille now widens towards more complex, more sparkling headlights? Did the more muscular front bumper profile catch your attention? And the sculpture of the rims? “Not bad,” you say, but the rejuvenated lights at the rear have more of an effect on you, don’t they? There is something to see everywhere, but seriously, the alterations made to the style of this Kia are reduced to their simplest expression. You will undoubtedly notice the new exterior colors more, including Pluto blue which colors the Seltos which illustrates our report.

Behind this exercise full of restraint, however, we should be careful not to imagine a questioning of the audacity, claimed with sometimes very uneven results (Carnival and Niro, for example) by the South Korean manufacturer. In the automotive business, as elsewhere, taking risks only applies when you have nothing to lose or everything to gain. If it is a question of consolidating hard-won positions, it is better to play for continuity. And the Seltos makes this principle its mantra.

Soundproofing problem

Inside, roominess remains one of the strong points of this model. Access and exit are easy. All seats offer appreciable clearance. On the other hand, all of them lack a little softness and support to make long hikes comfortable. But there’s worse: the soundproofing of the cabin. This appeared to be deficient, particularly on expressways and when passing over expansion joints. As for the trunk, it offers one of the best volumes in the category and now includes a function that allows it to be opened or closed remotely.

Easy to consult, the fully digital instrumentation embedded in the dashboard can be easily configured to meet expectations. As for the infotainment screen, it has the good taste of not sequestering all the controls (air conditioning, steering wheel and heated seats) which practically all have a button or a switch. The size of the central screen immediately lets you know whether you have opted for an entry-level (8 in.) or high-end (10.25 in.) livery.

In terms of security (both active and passive) however, the Seltos makes no distinction regarding the thickness of your wallet. Regardless of the version chosen, everyone is entitled to essential devices, such as blind spot sensors and various assistance systems, including that, very popular during this busy period in shopping center parking lots, which avoids rear transverse collisions. Some motorists will consider these guardian angels futile as the Seltos offers excellent peripheral visibility.

Should we put the turbo on?

With the 2.0L four-cylinder, the Seltos still has that relaxed complicity that appeals so much to those for whom a vehicle is not an end in itself.

This distinct personality almost makes us forget that this Kia also offers a livelier, more eager 1.6L turbocharged engine. It must be said that this mechanism benefits from 20 additional hp. Let those excited about the pedal calm down, that doesn’t make the Seltos a land missile.

On the other hand, this 1.6 L allows this utility vehicle to escape from its static position in a good mood and with more ease.

For once, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which accompanies the 2 L is not really the cause. Instead, point out the low torque value of this motor and the rotational speed it must achieve to produce it. The 1.6 L, for its part, divorces from the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fast, certainly, this somewhat gruff transmission also required ongoing and more expensive maintenance. More conventional, the one that replaces it suits the Seltos much better.

In summary, it is true that the 1.6 L is desirable, but it is important to remember that it consumes almost 1 L/100 km more than the 2 L. To be considered before making your choice.

In terms of driving, the Seltos turns short and well. The parameters intended to modify the level of steering assistance or even put the gearbox ratios at full speed are only an illusion. Just like the off-road pretensions (purely cosmetic) of the X-Line version, whose ground clearance limits it to crushing small stones, not to crossing large ones. On the other hand, the driving aids are not too intrusive, even if the electronic stability corrector manifests itself quite early.

Firmly suspended, the Seltos is not a model of comfort, but not an ass-kicker either. The slightly excessive noise level (rolling noise in particular) further disturbs the peace and quiet on board. Therefore, it is not certain that the timid modifications made to this Kia will allow it to calmly weather the three or four years that will pass before a new generation sees the light of day.

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The Press will soon publish the test of the following vehicles: Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Porsche Cayenne e-hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Tacoma. If you own one of these vehicles or are awaiting delivery, we would love to hear from you.