Kia has given its Seltos SUV an update with enhancements to its styling, tech
equipment and powertrain.
Seltos is one of four SUVs in the Kia range, smaller than the Sorento and Sportage
but larger than the Stonic. It has been on sale here since late 2019 and competes
strongly against vehicles such as the MG ZS, Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai Kona in
the crowded small SUV market segment.
As before the new Kia Seltos comes with the choice of four variants: S, Sport, Sport+
and GT-Line. Likewise, there are two powertrains, a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre
Atkinson cycle unit and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol Smartstream.
The latter engine has been upgraded with a 12% boost in power to 146 kW as well
as a new eight- torque converter automatic transmission replacing the previous
seven-speed DCT.
The 2.0 MPI engine retains the previous CVT transmission.
Styling changes are minor with a new front bumper and more prominent skid plate.
Other changes vary according to the model.
Standard safety features include Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Intelligent Speed
Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear-Cross Traffic Collision
Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA).
Inside MY23 Seltos has been refreshed with analogue gauges now replaced by
digital displays across the range. Seltos S features a compact digital driver display,
while Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line trims gain a dual 10.25″ display similar to the
award-winning all-new Sportage and EV6, along with a newly designed Climate
Control Panel.
Seltos Sport and above also get the new Kia Connect system providing benefits in
safety, security, convenience, connectivity, and LIVE services by using telematics
systems to transfer real time data, such as weather and traffic information.
The Kia Connect smartphone app allows users to connect with their vehicle
remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and
access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts.
Valet Mode protects the owner’s personal information when being driven by a third
party, by disabling control. Vehicle Information created during Valet mode can be
viewed from the Kia Connect App.
As with all Kia vehicles Seltos gets a seven-year, unlimited kilometre standard
warranty.
We’ll be testing the new Kia Seltos early in the new year and will report our findings
then.
MODEL RANGE
Seltos S 2.0 MPI: $29,500 (RRP), $31,690 (driveaway)
Seltos Sport 2.0 MPI: $32,700 (RRP), $35,390 (driveaway)
Seltos Sport+ 2.0 MPI: $35,800 (RRP), $38,490 (driveaway)
Seltos GT-Line 2.0 MPI: $41,500 (RRP), $44,590 (driveaway)
Seltos Sport+ 1.6 T-GTI: $39,300 (RRP), $41,990 (driveaway)
Seltos GT-Line 1.6 T-GTI: $44,900 (RRP), $47,690 (driveaway)
