The refreshed Kia Seltos subcompact crossover received much needed updates for 2024. Our North American Kia Seltos SX 1.6T AWD test unit came in Snow White Pearl exterior with the unique synthetic Green SynTex seat interior trim. The new high quality synthetic materials promise to be exceedingly more durable than leather without compromising livestock and the environment. The front end has as a restyled more prominent grille with updated full-LED lighting elements that accentuate the unique embossed aluminum trim, has redesigned front and rear bumpers, new alloy designs, and heavily updated interior, while the signature rear light bar connects the taillights that complete the new look on the new powered rear trunk.
The windshield is now acoustic glass to aid dampening road noise further combined with the new dashboard that uses a pair of sharp 10.25-inch panoramic displays in a singular bezel that replaces the old instruments and small 8-inch infotainment system. Our test unit also had the heated/ventilated front seats, the excellent 400-watt 8-speaker Bose premium audio system with ambient mood lighting, wireless smartphone charger, sport steering wheel, and moonroof, which all contributed to a very favorable driving and passenger experience.
The North American market Seltos SX test unit had intelligent AWD that can be locked to a 50/50 torque split up to 60 km/h. Additional bonuses of opting for the AWD system are fully independent rear suspension instead of a torsion beam and larger disc brakes on both ends to manage the considerable increase of power from the revised 1.6-liter direct injection intercooled turbo engine that also uses Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology that Hyundai/Kia claim that the independent timing and lift produces a 4% increase in performance, 5% increase in efficiency, and a 12% decrease in tailpipe emissions as it powers through a smooth and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the old 7-speed dual-clutch system. The amazing thing is that all the improvements to the top-spec Seltos SX only added less than 30 pounds of weight, so it drives with the spunk of a hot hatch but in a relaxed demeanor. 0-100 km/h happens in a brisk 7.1 seconds with a 210 km/h top speed.
Packaged the way our test unit was kitted in the US (with nice 18-inch alloys wrapped with 235/45R18 94V Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 tires, fully independent suspension, intelligent Dynamax™ All-Wheel Drive, 195 bhp @ 6000 rpm / 195 lb-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm powering through a slick 8-speed automatic with 7.4 L/100 kms. overall fuel economy), I would love to have it as is for our market which would also justify its fairly steep price in the Philippines with significantly less standard equipment and vastly less power. I like that despite the brilliant new dual screens that the basic functions like climate control and infotainment have physical controls for easy and instant access.
The cleverly refreshed Kia Seltos is a good-looking, versatile, and very well-built everyday crossover that is now even more appealing. All the improvements, from the small switch gear and material surface changes to the profound mechanical upgrades collectively make the practical new Kia Seltos one of the very best affordable sub compact crossovers in the entire automotive landscape. This is the very best grade of the Kia Seltos; it is very healthy and athletic, very well appointed, has the awesome Bose audio, all-weather ability, adaptive cruise control, very practical and efficient teaming with a comprehensive active and passive safety suite.