SMALL SUV DELIVERS BIG ON PERFORMANCE, DESIGN
AUSTIN, TEXAS As the biggest snow storm of the season battered eastern Ontario — the perfect storm in which to test the all-wheel-drive capability of Kia’s new Seltos — we were instead frolicking about on summer tires in 18 C sunshine in Texas.
While drivers in Austin will likely never require AWD in their subcompact utility, it’s the precise vehicle many young and retired Canadians need and want. This Kia does so much so well, and for not a terrible sum of money.
Starting at $22,995 for the base LX FWD, the AWD requirement that most of us northerners want and need starts at $24,995 in the LX AWD. The Seltos’ AWD system even comes with a differential lock (up to 60 km/h) like those on more expensive SUVS that will split and hold the torque evenly between the front and rear wheels for maximum traction in snow. AWD is standard on the rest of the trim line that extends to the EX, EX Premium and SX Turbo.
So, yes, it might have an odd name, suggestive of something like an antacid, apparently derived from “Celtos,” the son of Hercules in Greek mythology, not to be confused with Mentos, the candy.
But there is no mistaking the fun this little compact delivers, especially in the SX Turbo, the most expensive of the models, at $32,595.
Stepping up to the 1.6-litre SX Turbo brings a huge gain in performance over the base 2.0-L engine found in lesser trims. With 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque on tap, driving all four wheels via a revised seven-speed twinclutch automatic, the turbo is an engaging partner for this compact. Upshifts and downshifts are seamless, almost unnoticeable in most driving situations. And sport mode will hold the shifts a little longer.
There is a small amount of turbo lag, but not enough to bother anyone who isn’t racing. The engine revs smoothly to redline, not quite as silky as a BMW four cylinder, but nothing to scoff at either. Passing is easy. Hills are a snap. Acceleration feels plenty brisk, and larger brakes on the SX, while somewhat sensitive and requiring a gentle foot, rein in speed with authority.
All models below the top-shelf SX Turbo get the 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 146 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a CVT transmission. This engine gets better fuel economy, at 8.8 L/100 km city and 7.6 highway in AWD form, but it’s far less smooth than the 1.6-L turbo that can achieve 9.4 city and 8.7 highway.
Not nearly as playful nor as quiet, the 2.0-L requires deliberate, full-on throttle to produce anything mimicking real performance. Oh, sure, it will get the job done and move the Seltos along admirably for most needs, but the CVT is, well, a CVT.
The real joy comes from the turbo’s sprightly display of torque and its marriage to the dual clutch. If cost isn’t the biggest consideration, the SX is, hands down, the model to get. That also means getting a headup display and Bose premium sound system. Fully loaded, the top SX price is pretty much where the AWD compact class begins.
The Seltos boasts impressive rear-seat leg and head room, as well as decent cargo space, at 752 litres. A six-foot-two adult will easily fit in the rear seats, which also recline slightly.
The Seltos won’t tow anything, but a small hitch can be added for a bike rack. Jewel-like LED headlights are not standard, but start with the $30,595 EX Premium that also brings an excellent 10.25-inch central control screen with built-in navigation, Kia’s UVO assistant with three years free, and wireless cellphone charging. The EX Premium also includes heated rear seats, cooled front seats and ambient lighting on top of the many features in the EX AWD, which, at $27,595, is likely to be the volume seller.
This model comes with a standard sunroof, auto (single zone) climate control, leather seats and a heated steering wheel. It also includes a host of safety gear, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keep and lane-follow assist and blind-spot collision and rear cross-traffic avoidance.
The interiors on most of the models deliver comfortable seats and good ergonomics, and the controls are easy to find, read and operate. In the SX, the interior feels far more upscale than the price would suggest, and will give other automakers something to compete against because the Seltos seriously raises the bar for interior quality, fit and finish.
Some road and tire noise was detectable, but it was no more than many of the top sellers in this segment, and nary a squeak or rattle was noticed.
Built in South Korea, the
2021 Kia Seltos can be ordered now, with deliveries set for mid March.