Playing host to all the right updates as part of its mid-cycle facelift, including extra performance from a slightly larger engine make the range-topping Seltos a force to be reckoned with.
Image: Peet Mocke
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When it comes to automotive design, it sometimes pays dividends when a manufacturer to bide its time a little before committing. All too often, we’ve seen companies steal a march on their rivals when it comes to launching a product, only for said model to date prematurely; sometimes necessitating a considerable do-over, come mid-cycle facelift time. The Kia Seltos falls into the former category. Despite being five years old by the time the model has been updated, the original pre-facelift versions on our roads still appear quite modern next to its contemporaries. Although some of its interior elements required revision, in all other aspects the Seltos remained right up there with some of the segment’s best.
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Which brings us to the model on the following pages, the newly facelifted Kia Seltos. Externally, the updates are subtle but well considered; starting with a broader and taller take on the signature “Tiger Nose” grille flanked by revised headlamps that feature a new driving light pattern, and a new front bumper with larger foglamp recesses.
Taking in the profile, there’s little to separate the facelifted GT Line from its predecessor, save for the alloys that are one size up from 17- to 18-inches, and feature a slightly swept-back spoke design. But around the back, the revisions include a significant rework of the taillamps, with lighting elements that stretch across the tailgate from the KIA lettering in the middle, and new dual tailpipe exits more centrally located in a faux diffuser. Inside, the facelift includes such features as slimmer HVAC vents and the incorporation of the instrument panels and central infotainment screen (measuring 10.25-inches) into a single panel that sits on top of the facia. Our test unit featured contrasting white stitching on the seats and shifter boot, as well as white inserts on the seats and armrests to offset what’s otherwise a wealth of dark cabin finishes.
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Whereas we’d previously voiced some concern over the omission of certain features we’d seen on vehicles in this price bracket, such as a climate control and automatic wipers, these are now standard fitment items on this model. Other niceties such as a panoramic glass roof and head-up display are also present, but the safety specification has also received a shot in the arm with the inclusion of front parking sensors to supplement those at the rear, a reverse camera, and hill start assist function to help with pull away on an incline. The newly fitted adaptive cruise control also forms part of the Kia’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which includes lane-keeping assist and a blind spot collision avoidance function.
Under the bonnet, Kia’s dropped the 1.4-litre turbopetrol from the previous range-topper to make way for a new 1.5-litre T-GDI turbopetrol four-cylinder. This larger engine retains the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but ushers in an additional 15 kW, with its peak power output chiming in 500 r/min sooner than in the outgoing unit. There’s also an extra 11 N.m of torque on tap, while peak torque is spread over a broader swathe of the rev range.
Image: Peet Mocke
Despite tipping our scales at 96 kg more than its predecessor, the new GT Line cracks the 0-100 km/h sprint 1.12 seconds quicker than its forebear. Overtaking acceleration, has also improved, with 80-120 km/h taking just 5.49 seconds, instead of the 6.85 recorded previously. Thankfully, these palpable improvements in performance haven’t come at the expense of emissions or fuel economy. It emits 2 g/km less CO2 than before, and our CAR fuel index has also been lowered by 0.2 L/100 km.
Despite the lower-profile tyres fitted to the larger alloy wheels on this model, the ride is similarly compliant to that of the car it replaces, and the stiffer setup lends this Seltos a sportier feel compared with the rest of the range.
The Seltos was very well received by the CAR team when we initially tested the then 1.4T GDI GT Line model for the March 2020 issue, as well as its 1.6 EX+ sibling and our subsequent six-month experience with a 1.5 CRDi EX+. Although looks are subjective, we feel that the facelift is a successful one and new safety and comfort features are welcome additions.
Find the full feature in the October 2024 issue of CAR Magazine.
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The post Road Test: Kia Seltos 1.5-GDI GT Line appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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