HABITUALLY, the Ayala group comes up with test drives for the media, which has some surprise fun factor in the end. The Kia Seltos “deep drive” to the heartland of Batangas, in a place only accessible by narrow roads and cars on a diet.
This test route that passed though the Tagaytay twisties, down into Canlubang into SLEX then STAR Tollway highlighted the Seltos’ remarkable traits in a fairly simple and straightforward test drive to that place called the “Old Grove Farmstead” which features a bright ochre-red Scandanavian-style barn beside a non-working Dutch windmill. The place is in Lipa, Batangas but can be seen while cruising Southbound along the Batangas highway.
Off the bat, the new Seltos (launched last November 2023) has a refreshed design (spiffier than the model it replaces), advanced features, and two engine options. During this speech, where he also challenged the industry to live up to the electrification challenge, AC Motors President Toti Zara said that the Kia Seltos was made to to make a strong impression in the B-segment market.
“Whether you prioritize style, technology, or performance, the Seltos has something to offer,” Zara emphasized.
The subcompact SUV segment is teeming with options. It is obese with options from almost every car making country in the world. So, making an impact, amidst the fierce competition determines the winner. After this test drive I am convinced the Kia Seltos has carved its niche–that’s the older millennials–aware of their duties to the environment but scared of the infrastructure (or the lack thereof) for electric vehicles. The kind of millennial who with a blend of style, practicality, and value set their own standards.
The first thing that grabs attention is the Seltos’ dynamic new exterior. The headlights have been completely redesigned for a sportier look, while the signature grille receives a sleeker makeover. LED daytime running lights, vertical LED fog lights (higher trims), and a revised front bumper with a skid plate further enhance the aggressive aesthetic.
The rear echoes the sporty theme with a new LED lightbar and sharper taillights. Similar to the front, the rear bumper gets a skid plate for added visual flair.
Step inside the Seltos, and you’re greeted by a well-designed and spacious cabin that belies its subcompact dimensions. The base and mid-range models sport a 4.2-inch multi-info display, while the top-of-the-line SX boasts a wide 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The aircon controls have been redesigned for a more modern feel, and depending on the variant, you can opt for cloth or leather upholstery. The SX even offers power-adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort.
The use of quality materials and soft-touch surfaces elevates the interior, while the layout prioritizes comfort and functionality. Ample legroom and headroom accommodate passengers of all sizes, making long journeys comfortable. The cargo space is generous, easily swallowing luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear, making it a versatile companion for everyday adventures.
The 2024 Seltos offers two engine choices. The familiar 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine generates 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For those seeking more power, the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 140 PS and a punchy 242 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with selectable drive modes.
The power delivery is felt in almost every road stage in this test drive designed (once again) by the Ramirez siblings and children. It wasn’t a difficult drive, even the stages with traffic were well thought off and managed. The was a 200-meter stretch that’s officially off-road (exiting from the Palace in the sky via Canlubang) and the drive down was speedy yet controlled. The Seltos has a hill descent control button that takes care of the downshifting and adds a lot of confidence in driving down a slope. Even a slippery slope.
Kia prioritizes safety in the Seltos, equipping it with an array of driver-assistance features. These include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and airbags, providing peace of mind on the road. Higher variants boast additional features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance, further bolstering your safety net.
The 2023 Kia Seltos emerges as a compelling contender in the Philippine subcompact SUV segment.
It offers a potent combination of performance, comfort, technology, safety, and style, all at a competitive price point. This latest model is a well-rounded and attractive option for Filipino car buyers in terms of price and content. A lot of competition out there though, coming from the equally adept but not necessarily, well stacked, Chinese brands.
The 2024 Kia Seltos is now available in three colors: Gravity Gray, Pluton Blue, and Snow White Pearl (with optional black roof). Pricing starts at P1.198 M for the 1.5 LX IVT, rising to P1.688M for the top-of-the-line SX DCT.
Mikko David, former motoring journalist and now the new brand and marketing chief at AC Motors said that he is confident that “with its blend of practicality, style, and value, the 2024 Kia Seltos is sure to appeal to the millennial crowd.” David who worked with Nissan, Mazda and now Kia and other AC Motors brands also said that the target market for the Seltos “might just be you.”
“The young professional navigating the city streets or a family seeking a versatile companion for weekend getaways, we will prove that the Seltos is definitely worth considering,” David concludes.
