Kia Seltos was first launched in 2019 in the small SUV segment and go neck and neck with the best-selling Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai Kona. Thus, the three variants that have made its way into Australia’s top-selling small SUV line-up.
All Seltos variants will get dearer by $800 for 2021. The cost of business pressures and the general exchange rate, reason for the price hike, declares Kia. The good news is each Seltos variant gets some added kit as a compensation package to justify the price hike. For instance, the base ‘S’ gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system; however, it is the sole variant that gets it. The rest of the Seltos line-up retains the bigger the 10.25-inch unit, meaning they bond with wired smartphone mirroring.
The premium autonomous emergency braking system comes loaded with the Safety Pack, and Up-Spec GT-Line and Sport Plus models also get Junction-Assist for 2021. Whereas, the ‘S’ and Sport models get a cargo cover.
Safety
Kia Seltos underwent an ANCAP test in 2019 and bagged a rating of 5 stars. All variants bagged 85 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 83 per cent score for child occupant protection, 70 per cent score for safety assist and 61 per cent score for vulnerable road user protection.
All new 2021 Kia Seltos for sale variants come standard with safety features such as:
- Front and front side and curtain airbags
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning
The optional Safety Pack gets a more innovative the autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist detection and junction assist that is standard on the GT-Line and Sport Plus variants. These variants also grab:
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Lane-following assist (GT-Line only)
Engines
The Kia Seltos 2021 range comes in two engine options and six trim levels. All Seltos variants excluding the top of the range GT-Line comes with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that generates 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque. It is paired to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The premium GT-Line gets the all-wheel drive and uses a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine that generates 130kW of power and 265Nm of torque, and is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. This power-train is optional in Sport Plus trim.
Dimensions
The New Kia Seltos is 4370mm in length, 1615mm in height (including the roof rails) and 1800mm in width, and come with a 2630mm long wheelbase.
Luggage Space
The Seltos has luggage space of 433 litres, which stretches to 1393 litres when the rear seats are folded. The ‘S’ is the only variant that comes with a space-saver spare, which means its luggage space stretches to 468 litres and 1428 litres.
Towing Capacities
It comes with a braked towing capacity of 1100 kilograms in 2.0-litre variants and 1250 kilograms in 1.6-litre models. With both power-trains, unbraked towing capacity is 600 kilograms, and peak tow-ball the download is 130 kilograms.
Kia Servicing – A Step Up
Kia offers 7 years capped price servicing plus 7 years unlimited-kilometre warranty. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder equipped Seltos has an average service cost of $402. And 1.6-litre turbocharged Seltos variants have an average service cost of $459.
- The 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0-litre needs servicing after clocking 15,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever approaches first.
- The Kia Seltos 1.6T needs servicing after clocking 10,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever approaches first.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Kia Seltos equipped with the standard 2.0-litre, A 4-cylinder engine requires 6.8 litres/100 kilometres on the ADR (combined city and highway cycle). The turbocharged 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine uses 7.6 litres/100 kilometres on the ADR (combined city and highway cycle). Both engines get a 50 litres fuel tank and require only 91RON regular unleaded fuel. They can also run on E10.
Pricing
- 2021 Kia Seltos S: $26,300
- 2021 Kia Seltos S with Safety Pack: $27,300
- 2021 Kia Seltos Sport: $29,300
- 2021 Kia Seltos Sport with Safety Pack: $30,300
- 2021 Kia Seltos Sport Plus: $32,800
- 2021 Kia Seltos Sport Plus 1.6T AWD: $36,300
- 2021 Kia Seltos GT-Line AWD: $41,700
*All above-listed prices do not include on-road costs.
