The KIA Seltos is designed with the driver’s comfort in mind. This is apparent from the time you climb into the SUV, offering ample space and comfort. The space is particularly appealing since the Seltos is considered a compact SUV. Added to this, the SUV has a fair amount of power to offer its drivers.
The drive
The KIA Seltos has a smooth but punchy drive. The performance and handling is confident and powerful in the majority of instances. It did struggle slightly up steeper inclines but with if you anticipate what is to come, this is easily managed, Overall, I was very impressed with performance of the SUV.
The 1.6L multi-point injection engine provides a power output of 90 kW while the torque is set at 151 Nm. The tested vehicle had a 6-speed automatic transmission. A manual is also available. KIA sets the fuel consumption at 7.2L/100km but my consumption was closer to 9.2L/100km. This is quite high compared to other compact SUVs.
The design
KIA aimed for a sporty and sophisticated design with sporty features, the use of chrome colouring and sharp lines. This is successfully achieved and I expected the car to come in at a much higher price from the exterior alone.
The interior
As mentioned, the spaciousness of the interior is a big draw card. KIA’s aim was to make it one of the largest and practical SUVs available. The designers ensured that the exterior size is echoed in the interior. Despite this, on most occasions, you do not feel the size when driving and it is easy to manoeuvre.
My first thought, along with everyone else that travelled with me, was that the interior prioritises the comfort of all passengers. For the driver’s comfort in the tested vehicle, the KIA Seltos EX+, you can pull out the top of the middle cubby as an armrest. The seats have been upgraded to leather along with leather trim on the door handles.
Rear passengers have not been forgotten either. An armrest can be pulled down between the two passengers and they also have cupholders in them. The rear also has its own USB point at the back along with and a compartment in which to rest your phone while it charges.
The boot has a protective covering that makes it easy to clean and will protect the area from general wear-and-tear well. There is a high-quality interior overall. The only distraction is the unnecessarily large dash that draws too much attention.
Safety features
The safety of passengers is ensured through the vehicle’s safety shell design produced with a high proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). The underbody is designed to absorb and disperse impact energy, while hot stamping technology creates a high torsional rigidity and low body weight that enhances safety and reduces road vibrations.
There is also a McPherson strut at the front, torsion beam setup at the rear, six airbags as standard, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), rear park distance control sensors and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, central locking and an immobiliser. The tested vehicle also had Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
KIA spent money in the right places, making a SUV with the ultimate comfort inside while still keeping the vehicle affordable, especially for what you get.
Good to know
The specs of the KIA Selios EX+
Engine: 1.6L Multi-point injection engine
Transmission: 6-speed, automatic
Power: 90 kW
Torque: 151 Nm
Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km
Price: starting from R389 995
Warranties and service plan: unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), and also includes a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
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