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2020 Kia Seltos Reviews

12545 Views 38 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  conwelpic


Since Kia announced the Seltos, it has created a buzz in the South Korean and Indian car markets as a breath of fresh air for the global compact SUV segment.

Many reviewers in India have been up close to the Seltos and have shared their initial thoughts on it. So far the Seltos has made a strong impression in India and is being held in high regard.

When the Seltos was revealed in June, Autocar India fell in love with the Seltos’ design that makes it appear larger that is it with its ‘tiger nose grille,’ flat hood, and its wheelbase.


Autoportal’s review of the Seltos during its June reveal focused a lot on its build quality and the variety of features that will be available for customers in India.



In Car India’s review of the Seltos, one of the big things they noticed was its interior space and seating. “One of the reasons mid-sized SUVs are so popular in India is that they provide uncompromised rear seat comfort. The Kia Seltos is no exception to this virtue. Rear-seat passengers are driven in good comfort with ample knee-room and a relaxed sitting position. The rear seat can be inclined a couple of notches to catch a nap on longer drives. There’s no visible cost-cutting as the Kia Seltos offers rear a-c vents, centre arm-rest and segment-first features such as 60:40 split seats and adjustable centre head-rest. It’s Kia’s first car model for India and, clearly, they’re leaving no stones unturned.”

Overdrive noted in its first impressions review that with the Seltos, Kia has “created one of the best examples of platform sharing and ensuring that it doesn't feel like a cost-saving badge-engineered product.” The Seltos shares a platform with the Hyundai Creta, its sister car in India.

CarDekho made the explains how the Seltos stacks up to its competitors in India.

“Kia seems ready to disrupt the compact SUV segment with the Seltos as it promises to offer some segment topping equipment in the same price bracket as the Hyundai Creta. It will feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 7-inch screen for the instrument cluster, 8-speaker Bose audio system, built-in air purifier with air monitor, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat, head-up display and an eSIM powered UVO connected technology similar to the Hyundai Venue and Hector.

It will get two petrol and one diesel engine that will comply with BS6 norms from day one. Not convincing enough? Well, Kia will be offering three different automatic options- CVT, 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DCT with the Seltos making it the only car in the mass market to offer these many options.

India is one of the world’s largest markets and if the Seltos can succeed there, it’ll be a promising sign for its success worldwide.
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Originally I was hoping for sportier design like the new XCeed but the Seltos' design is slowly winning me over.
June 21 - conversation in India with President & CEO of Kia Motors
Crazy to see that level of commitment to India. Wont be too long before other automakers follow.
Here's a review from South Korea:

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Here's a review from South Korea:

The Venue gets a 1.6L engine, U.S. Seltos versions will get it too.
It should be out before the Seltos and I MIGHT just test drive one
The Kia Seltos up against the Mazda CX-30 will be a really interesting comparison. Dimensionally they are very similar (under 4.4 metres length, under 2.7 metre wheelbase). Think the Kia will have the price and warranty advantage whereas the Mazda will have the interior and upmarket feel advantage.
The Venue gets a 1.6L engine, U.S. Seltos versions will get it too.
It should be out before the Seltos and I MIGHT just test drive one
don't expect that, the US version will more than likely come standard with the 2.0L MPI engine that it is in the 2020 Soul and Forte. The 1.6L engine used in the upcoming Venue is too under powered, if the Seltos gets a 1.6L engine, I predict it will be the turbo version, again the same as what is used in the Soul & Forte.

The Venue should be coming shortly as they have been projecting for some time now that it will arrive this Fall and we are well into that part of the year now. I would also be interested in checking it out.
Actually that's a good point and definitely more likely to happen.

What do you think the chances are of us getting a hybrid powertrain in the Seltos?
Actually that's a good point and definitely more likely to happen.

What do you think the chances are of us getting a hybrid powertrain in the Seltos?
I think that would be left to the Niro at this stage which is a dedicated platform from the ground up to initially be a hybrid/PEV/EV - but even that is coming out in stages. If it ever came to Seltos I think that would be in the future perhaps in the G2 version or perhaps a mid-cycle refresh stage.
I think that would be left to the Niro at this stage which is a dedicated platform from the ground up to initially be a hybrid/PEV/EV - but even that is coming out in stages. If it ever came to Seltos I think that would be in the future perhaps in the G2 version or perhaps a mid-cycle refresh stage.
I agree, I don't see the Seltos coming to North America with a hybrid version right off the bat. It will depend on the initial sales whether or not a hybrid version makes sense.
Oct 17 - CarsGuide video review from Australia

Oct 17 - CarAdvice video review from Australia

Here's another good review that I found from CarDekho in India.

Nice options available for Indian but does anyone here think we'll eventually see a PHEV version? It will be one of the easier "green" moves for Kia.
Oct 20 - from one of my favourite reviewers from Australia

Oct 20 - from one of my favourite reviewers from Australia

This was definitely one of the best Seltos reviews I've seen or read. I'm pleasantly surprised how comfortable he found the ride to be on Australian roads.

It was also very funny hearing him go on about the Seltos' name. Who knew I'd be getting a mythology lesson. :ROFLMAO:
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Oct 20 - from one of my favourite reviewers from Australia

This was a great find! I really enjoyed watching it, thanks for sharing it.
Here's another Australian review of the Seltos from Carsales.

Nov 20, first look

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