The 2024 Kia Seltos is more than just an update – Drive Feature
I have never driven the Kia Seltos, even when it was first launched a few years ago. Despite all the glowing reviews it received and international acclaim, it was a moderate seller and only a few ply our roads.
Over the years it has been reduced to a minor footnote in a very competitive and ever-changing crossover/SUV segment. To address this, Kia PH launched a refreshed version and allowed us to sample the Seltos with a quick media getaway to Batangas.
2024 Kia Seltos Drive
Table of Contents
Our drive would begin bright and early in the AC Motors dealership in BGC, after a drive briefing and breakfast we were ushered to the parking area where the vehicles waited. For the first part of the trip, we would be in the top-of-the-line SX variant with the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
Upon closer inspection of the Seltos, I noticed that the brand stayed true to the current design language without compromising the already established Seltos looks. They did a good job of updating the look, and some of the new design touches make the Seltos look more like higher models like the Sorento and Telluride. It’s a looker in an understated way which is a plus for most people.
Inside is where the Seltos gets a boatload of updates including a new integrated digital instrument cluster and head unit that of course has most of the connectivity features anyone needs. It has soft touch and premium-feeling materials everywhere and the fit and finish are more than decent for its class. I also really liked the space the Seltos provides, there is enough for 4 full-sized adults and a decent helping of cargo at the back.
We set off and made our way south towards Lipa Batangas and I settled into the backseat first and allowed myself to relish being a passenger for once. I immediately noticed that the Seltos provides a very decent ride experience just the right amount of firmness without being uncomfortable.
It was when I took driving duties for a double stint did I feel just how good the Seltos is to drive. I took over during the twisty roads and put the vehicle in sports mode. The combination of the torquey 1.4-liter turbo and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission gave the Seltos some sporting tendencies, it felt responsive and “quick” to pick up speed. What was notable though was the steering, it was responsive and direct for something tall and boxy, I was overall impressed and enjoyed myself behind the wheel of the Seltos.
Lunch Stop Farm Style
After an hour behind the wheel, we reached our destination in Batangas, a farmstead events place complete with a big red barn and farm animals. Apart from the sumptuous lunch that awaited us, Kia executives were there and relayed some important information to us. The brand is now very keen to tell the market that the Seltos serves a specific and important role in the overall success of Kia in the Philippines.
It slots in a perfect price range for most of the vehicles found in the segment and is filled with enough features to (sort of) justify the price. Apart from the well-adorned interior, it comes with a complete ADAS system that is of course something not normally found in this class and price range.
Homebound
For the drive back to Manila we switched cars and sat in the entry-level variant of the Seltos, which despite the variant downgrade is still pretty well equipped. The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine makes a decent 115 Hp and is paired to the IVT (or CVT), we found the IVT was tuned so well that it made the smaller power figure essentially seem more, it wasn’t slow by any means and keeping up with the pack was easy enough.
I honestly think the entry-level is decent for the price if all you’re looking for in a vehicle is ground clearance and space, it’s not bare by any means which shouldn’t put anybody off at all.
Final Thoughts
I honestly came to the drive not expecting much from the Kia Seltos, I was of the opinion that this was just another mild update before an all-new model comes along soon. I couldn’t have been more wrong, what Kia has done with the 2024 Seltos is make it feel new enough to justify another multi-year existence in the market.
I could tell that the 2024 Kia Seltos is a product that was well planned and thought out, every single update leads to something worthwhile and useful as opposed to just being a gimmick.
