Rear Seat Revelations
The Seltos truly shines when it comes to rear-passenger comfort, making it a standout choice for families. Ample headroom and generous legroom are provided,
defying its sub-4-meter classification. Passengers benefit from thoughtfully integrated amenities such as adjustable cup/bottle holders with a satisfying push-release mechanism. Further enhancing the rear experience are roller sun blinds that effectively block out sunlight without leaving awkward gaps, an in-cabin air purifier for cleaner air, and a comfortable armrest complete with cupholders. Dual rear AC vents ensure consistent climate control, while two Type-C USB ports, accompanied by a convenient phone holder, keep devices charged and accessible. The panoramic sunroof, coupled with light-colored upholstery, contributes to an airy and spacious cabin ambiance. The seats themselves are a highlight, offering sliding and reclining functions, and even cooled surfaces on the base, which, though limited, proves effective in warmer conditions and significantly elevates the rear-seat journey.
Cabin Comfort & Controls
Moving to the front of the cabin, the Seltos continues to impress with a high-quality environment that contrasts with its exterior's divisive styling. The interior design is more universally appealing, featuring a unique squircle steering wheel and a distinctive off-center Kia logo. Despite its unconventional appearance, the steering wheel is both functional and intuitive to use, with well-placed buttons and scroll wheels for easy access to various functions. A particularly appreciated feature is the drive mode button located directly on the steering wheel, allowing for quick adjustments without diverting attention from the road. The dual-screen setup presents a modern look, and the Harman/Kardon audio system delivers an impressive sound quality. The youthful interior color scheme, accented with lively offset colors, proved popular. A minor point of contention, noted by younger passengers, involves the exterior door handles. While designed to be flush, they require a firmer push to deploy than expected, adding a slight, albeit minor, inconvenience to the daily operation of opening the doors.
Powertrain and Ride Quality
The Seltos is equipped with a spirited 1.0 T-GDi engine, producing 120hp and 172Nm of torque, paired with a smooth DCT automatic gearbox. This combination allows for brisk acceleration, with a 0-100kph time of 11.63 seconds recorded in Sport mode. Despite its capable performance, the overall driving posture and the car's demeanor tend to encourage a more relaxed driving style. However, a significant aspect of the driving experience is the car's firm ride. The suspension is tuned quite stiffly, a necessary compromise to manage the vehicle's tall stance and maintain stability. This results in a less plush experience than might be expected from its non-sporty body style, meaning that road imperfections and undulations are more noticeable within the cabin. Fuel efficiency is noted as a less strong suit, with an average of 9.2kpl achieved predominantly in city driving conditions over the months of testing. While the powertrain is competent, the fuel economy figures suggest it is not its primary strength.
Overall Impression and Value
The Kia Seltos can be described as an overstyled yet fundamentally underrated vehicle. It is a car that might be initially overlooked due to its polarizing exterior design, but upon closer inspection and extended use, it reveals a host of impressive qualities that win over its occupants. This sentiment has been echoed within the Autocar India office, where initial reservations have consistently given way to appreciation after experiencing the car firsthand. While not always the first choice for daily driving among staff, those who have utilized the Seltos have consistently reported being highly impressed. Ironically, as the long-term test concludes and the car prepares to depart, there's a newfound desire among many to take it home, exemplifying the adage, 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone.' The Seltos proves to be a capable and comfortable companion, offering a compelling package of style, space, features, and performance, making it a noteworthy contender in the premium compact SUV segment.
