Kia’s compact Seltos SUV arrived in 2019 and made somewhat of a hit, now a
popular choice with small families, the nine-model range recently upgraded with
some added features. The pricing also rose but the entry Seltos S at $29,500 still
very much the value package in the range. Powered by a 2.0-litre naturally
aspirated four-cylinder engine with 110kW of power, 180Nm of torque. Whilst it
doesn’t set the world on fire and gets a little raucous on a heavy throttle, with the
CVT or continuously variable automatic it offers a workmanlike performance with
three available drive modes, Normal, Sport and Eco and with good economy on
91 grade petrol – the 1.6 litre turbo engines in the higher Sport+ and GT-Line
grades offers more exhilarating performance, but I could easily live with this non-
turbo 2.0-litre engine and I managed 7.4L/100 with mainly around town motoring.
The CVT automatic picks up nicely with a good degree of slip and overall the
Seltos S is very satisfying and light SUV to drive – as I said, great for small
family’s with above average interior room and a sharp entry price – backed by a
7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, however service costs $1,134 over three
years a little high for the segment.

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