[CountryRoads]

CarAdvice.com in Australia published their review today of the Kia Seltos and they have some interesting stuff to say, giving it a score of 8.1.

The Seltos's new design stands apart from its stablemates, for better and worse. It's square-edged with short overhangs, and a wide grille design with tactile diamond-pattern framing and nifty LED daytime running lights spanning almost the entire width. The light show includes ‘3D’ indicators and fog lights that resemble ice cubes.

To some eyes in the office, mine included, it looks a little busy and fussy. However I found it much more resolved and aesthetic in the metal, and the right colour. It comes in eight hues and with the option of a black or white contrasting roof.

This is good since market research shows the target demographic for small SUVs demand bold offerings.

The interior is step up for the company, particularly in terms of tech. The top-of-the-range model we drove this week in Korea had a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with a new user interface that shows three sub-menus at once, a flip-up head-up display showing navigation, and a 7.0-inch TFT colour trip computer.

This array is superior to any Kia currently on sale, and the usability and processing times based on our quick spin were first-rate. We suspect many people may cross-shop the Honda or Nissan with the Seltos and opt for the latter based on the cabin tech alone.

We won’t give you our definitive verdict on the Seltos until the Q4 Australian launch, but based on indicative pricing, the outstanding interior technologies, back seat and boot space closer to bigger and pricier competitors, a punchy engine option, local suspension tuning and funky design, it has all the makings of a class leader.

 

[kiariot]

Never knew Australia was getting these in Q4. It could signal to availability to other markets post-Q4

 

[CJames56]

the author of the article, Mike Costello, also talked about the Seltos on the CarAdvice Podcast. It starts at the 23:05 mark.
- at 29:40 they compare the Australian version to the Indian version which is interesting to listen to.

CarAdvice podcast 163: Discussing the 2020 Kia Seltos

PLUS: Q3 Sportback revealed, HiAce review, The Shortlist, and Alpina CEO

www.caradvice.com.au

 

[conwelpic]

Dec 17 - Sport FWD from Australia

 

[bicepeak]

Dec 17 - Sport FWD from Australia

Thanks! I think it gives a good idea what the fog lights and headlights will be like in the US on lower trim cars.