Named after a king, the Kia Seltos looks able to handle the rough stuff, but in daily motoring is where it reigns.The Seltos is a small sport utility vehicle , but Kia's designers have pulled every trick in the book to make it loom large in the eye.The Seltos is a small sport utility vehicle , but Kia's designers have pulled every trick in the book to make it loom large in the eye.
The version driven here is the range-topping GT Line, which sprinkles red highlights on the brake calipers, wheels and front end for a little more spice. Inside, there's a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, along with racy aluminium pedals. Yet, going boxy is a plus because it reaps plenty of dividends in practical terms. As expected of an SUV, the Seltos has a high seating position, while the tall windows, sunroof, and extra height of the car maximise your view, aside from giving the impression of greater space throughout the cabin.
Convenience doesn't just spring from generous space, but also in the measure of how much you have to do behind the wheel. Thankfully the Seltos gives you less to do with your hands and eyes. The wipers, lights, and mirror dimming are all automatic, there's a 7.0-inch driver's instrument display for clear info readouts and - a rarity at this price level - a head-up display.
One way the Seltos partially lives up to its fictional progenitor is under the bonnet. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine makes 140 horsepower, which means it's one of the more powerful cars in the segment. On the road that means it is decently quick on its feet and has better than average acceleration for a mainstream SUV.