With incredible models like the wonderful small vehicle Cee’d, the extraordinary SUVs Sorento and Sportage, and the opulent minivan Carnival, Kia Motors has definitely experienced a golden age in recent years all over the world. And with the release of the all-new Seltos, a subcompact crossover SUV, the Korean manufacturer has made a mark once more.
For the Philippine market on the other hand, it fills the space between the much bigger Sorento and the mini-SUV Stonic.
Already since its first launch in 2019, this Seltos was well received in the United States where it accounted for 37 percent of Kia USA’s sales as of October 2022, and was ranked as the 4th best subcompact SUV with a score of 8.2 out of 10.
Furthermore, this is Kia’s best-selling model in India, where it accounts for 60% of all sales for the company.
So why else wouldn’t it be a huge success?
The Seltos is an excellent car to look at, ride in, and drive. “It does everything you expect it to do wonderfully, Inside and out”, according to a Kia Manila representative.
It features a bold futuristic appearance on the outside, which is aided by the lines going down the front and back, with LED daytime running lights available for their mid- to top-range variants.
With a leather-wrapped steering wheel and soft-touch plastics throughout, the Seltos almost gives the impression that it is a European automobile. The extremely supportive seats, the well-insulated cabin, and the excellent all-around view all contribute to lessening the driver’s stress on the congested highways of Metro Manila. In addition, large families can appreciate a roomy interior and a vast trunk space that can fit all the necessary balikbayan boxes and groceries.
To add some entertainment for the occupants, the Seltos boasts of an 8” touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an amazing sound system, and a great rear view camera with predictive steering making parking simple.
The Seltos has three driving modes that may be switched between: Sport, Normal, and Eco.
The 2.0-liter 149-bhp Dual CVVT Atkinson Cycle Engine and Kia’s recently developed six-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) both contribute to the Seltos’ very athletic and quick acceleration while Sport Mode is in use. The Seltos also handles around corners with a planted feeling. Not to mention its light, sharp steering that, despite its size, makes it feel like a small performance hatchback.
Anybody who sees the data for The Seltos’ fuel economy will be impressed. It achieved an average of 20.8 km/l while on Normal mode, with 23.4 km/l whilst on Eco mode, and 16.5 km/l whilst on Sport.
In summary, this SUV performs all of its functions effectively and affordably, and with its SRP ranging from PHP1,205,000 to PHP1,260,000, it is a very wise and practical choice for every Filipino.
With the Seltos adding to its arsenal, I think we can all agree that Kia’s heydays will continue for a very long time.