[Test Drive] Kia Seltos, a Compact SUV Perfect for 'First Cars to Family Cars'

Kia Seltos (Photo by Kia)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] If you were to name the hottest market in South Korea recently, it would undoubtedly be the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) market. Just a few years ago, there were only one or two options available, but now it has become a core segment where every automaker offers two or more models. As the market has become 'hot,' competition has intensified. Even this year, new car launches continue one after another, and there is a model that has maintained the number one sales position for nearly a year since its debut. That model is the Kia Seltos.

The Seltos sold a total of 18,009 units through April this year. This figure surpasses the relatively recently launched Renault Samsung XM3 (11,914 units), which benefits from the new car effect, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer (5,552 units). There are even reports that a waiting period of around eight weeks after contract signing is still unavoidable. On the 23rd, we confirmed the secret behind the Seltos' popularity through a test drive. The model tested was the 1.6 turbo gasoline version.

The first impression upon seeing the parked Seltos was that it is not small in size. Although it is a compact SUV, it appears similar in size to the next class up, the Sportage. Compared to competitors in the same class, the vehicle length is longer, and the front end gives a wide impression due to the design that actively uses lines extending broadly left and right.

The body dimensions are 4,375 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, reflecting the recent trend of increasing vehicle size. Thanks to this, it can be used as a family car despite being a compact SUV. The second row of the Seltos offers enough space for an adult male to sit comfortably without much inconvenience. Heated seats and USB charging ports are applied to the rear seats, and the reclining (angle adjustment) feature enhances its appeal as a family car.

Seltos interior space (Photo by Kia Motors)

The 10.25-inch display on the center fascia makes navigation and various system operations easy. Overall, the combination of touch and button controls is well balanced, so there was no inconvenience in operating climate control and other functions while driving. The BOSE audio system also delivers decent sound quality.

In terms of driving performance, the Seltos' initial torque exceeded expectations. However, acceleration performance was somewhat disappointing. When the speed exceeds 100 km/h, it does not accelerate as quickly as expected. While it was not difficult to overtake or change lanes on the highway, a slight sluggishness was felt. The Seltos has a maximum output of 177 horsepower and a peak torque of 27 kgf·m.

The combined fuel efficiency is 12.7 km/L. During the test drive from Seoul to Paju, fuel efficiency dropped to about 9 km/L in stop-and-go urban traffic, but it rose to 15.8 km/L on highway sections.

However, there are shortcomings in terms of quietness. Noise is not well blocked during high-speed driving, making conversations with passengers in the front seat somewhat uncomfortable. When driving over uneven road surfaces, noticeable shocks were felt, leading to thoughts about the 'limits of an SUV.' While individual experiences may vary, one should not expect the same level of quietness as a sedan.

Seltos (Photo by Kia Motors)

In summary, the test drive impression of the Seltos is that it is a 'car with hardly any major flaws.' It is not a model that shows overwhelming uniqueness in any particular aspect, but it has a good balance that performs above average in all areas. The Seltos seems to be a safe choice for first-time car buyers as well as drivers considering a family car that is not too large.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.