Little things matter: Kia Seltos 1.4T SX

Mid-cycle refresh units usually do not contain ground-shaking updates and they usually come up with a bumped-up retail price. While it is the case most of the time, it does not mean that it is wrong to get the updated iteration instead of waiting for an all-new version.

Take the case of Kia Philippines. It introduced the spruced-up version of the Seltos last year (and its crème-dela-crème trim last January) some five years after the nameplate had its inception in 2019.

Recently, the Ayala-backed company conducted a day-long drive going to Lipa, Batangas to give members of the press a glimpse of the updated sport utility vehicle’s capabilities — designed to give its customers their money’s worth.

Here’s what Zigwheels Philippines discovered about the Kia Seltos 1.4T SX.

Dimensions

The new Kia Seltos continues to earn the attention of many as compared to the prior offering, the latest version is slightly bigger (4,385 millimeters [mm> long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall [1,635 mm with roof rail>).

Also, the spruced-up Kia Seltos has a 2,630 mm wheelbase, meaning that the upgraded form is not far from the pre-updated kind.

Exterior

Outside, the new Kia Seltos 1.4T SX wears minimal — yet noteworthy — updates that will surely earn a thumbs-up (or two) from customers.

Its revamped front grille seems to accept more air to the engine bay, cooling down the smaller engine (to be discussed later in the article) faster and better. Meanwhile, it continues to carry an all-LED illumination system.

Short overtakes on other members of the convoy (our car was positioned near the rearmost portion of the group) while on the way to our destination, gave me and car-mates an opportunity to appreciate the new Kia Seltos’ side and rear profile.

The flowing body lines (also seen on the previous Kia Seltos) gave the vehicle an elegant look. Its 17-inch alloy wheels and the blackened fenders, on the other hand, provided it a go-anywhere appeal.

Further, its modern-looking tail lamps that are connected to each other as well as the spoiler with third brake lamp and rear diffuser dished out an athletic-yet-posh charm. Add to that the Pluton Blue color option, and you have a vehicle that has a very youthful vibe.

Interior

Inside the cabin of the new Kia Seltos is a bevy of comforting features.

In between the 2,630 mm wheelbase are the plush leather-covered seats that guarantee cozy position.

Amid being a little over six feet, I got cozy on the driver seat, thanks to its electronically-powered chairs. The story was a little different when I transferred to the front passenger area that can only be adjusted manually.

Legroom for the second row bench was a little snug, but the bench that can be adjusted in multiple angles made it tolerable.

All occupants get to enjoy a cool journey all throughout, thanks to its dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system.

Powertrain

The top-of-the-line trim of the new Kia Seltos is powered by a 1.4-liter, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder, gasoline engine. On paper, the mill can give out 138 horses and 242 Newton-meters of pulling power.

Although it has lower power delivery compared to the previous version, the aggressive oomph made it ideal for both city and highway driving. Also, the smaller powertrain translates to better fuel efficiency when driven inside the metro.

The mill’s output is sent to the front wheels via the seven-speed dual clutch transmission that gives out a-little-over-normal jolts and slight lags.

Its motor-driven power steering wheel allows drivers to handle the vehicle when on the road— assuring easy maneuverability.

Technology

What most participants in the drive enjoyed with the new Kia Seltos was its tech-laden and driver-centric layout.

The dashboard is outfitted with a 10.25-inch multi-function digital display and a similarly-sized Android Auto- and Apple-Carplay ready infotainment system that is seemingly interlinked to each other, due to the panoramic display design.

In addition, the neatly-placed buttons within its tilt-and-telescopic leather steering wheel gave easier access to the infotainment system while driving.

Helping drivers reach the destination safely on board the new Kia Seltos 1.4T SX are the myriad of driver assistive features namely effective smart cruise control with stop-and-go feature, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, forward collision avoidance assist, parking distance warning, and rear camera display.

Moreover, the new Kia Seltos is supplied with an anti-brake lock system, electronic stability control, and hill start assist as standard safety features.

Pros/cons

While it faces strong competition against other subcompact crossovers, the new Kia Seltos 1.4T SX strong point would be its value-for-money proposition.

The combination of its small powertrain and overall sizing makes it an efficient daily driver that can easily course its way within and even outside metro. Additionally, its exterior aesthetics and interior layout can be matched against the more known nameplates in the market.

The new Kia Seltos offers room to people around many Asians, but it is certainly not for those who are big and tall.

Packaged with a five-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance, the new Kia Seltos 1.4T SX is priced at P1.688 million.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Here are the updated Kia Seltos’ 3 variants

Here are the possible alternatives to the Kia Seltos

Old vs. new: What are the upgrades on 2024 Kia Seltos?