Kia Seltos Long Term Review, April 2024 Report

This month we had to part ways with our long-term Kia Seltos. I spent nearly six months living with the fully-loaded 1.5 turbo-petrol DCT version. After spending so much time with the Seltos, I now fully understand why there are scores of it on our roads and what makes it so popular.

First and foremost, it’s the appeal of the Seltos as a product. Sure, there are thousands of these plying on our country’s roads, but it’s still a handsome looker, and one that draws attention and commands respect everywhere you go. I also believe that the likes of Seltos and Hyundai Creta have become a status symbol for the aspirational middle-class of the country. If you have one in your garage, it’s proof that you are doing well at work and in life.

More than the onlookers, it’s how special you and your family feel while travelling in the Seltos. Like I mentioned previously, I used the top-spec version during the test, meaning it had all the premium bells and whistles that you can expect in this segment. The massive touchscreen, Bose audio system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and what have you! The Seltos spoils the occupants with its creature comforts. I must add that it’s quite spacious and practical as well. For a family of four, it’s near perfect – whether I was going for a family function locally or heading for a road trip, the Seltos was always up for the task. However, speaking of long drives, I have an axe to grind with the Seltos. And that would be its fuel efficiency.

The new 158bhp/253Nm producing 1.5-turbo is a mighty performer, no doubt. But all that performance comes at the expense of this precious liquid called petrol. In city driving, I struggled to get the Seltos anywhere close to 11km/l, while on the highway, it increased marginally to 13, or at best 14 on some occasions. Considering my daily commute is over 45km, it was quite a costly affair. For someone with my kind of running, I believe the diesel AT version of the Seltos would make a lot more sense. Another issue, rather minor, that I faced with the turbo-petrol engine is that turbo lag and then the sudden acceleration once the turbo kicks in. I also think the DCT gearbox tends to be jerky at low speeds/bumper-to-bumper traffic. The other area where I feel the Seltos can improve is the ride quality as its quite firm as compared to the rivals.

Overall, to sum up the experience, the Seltos was a wonderful companion, and I will definitely miss driving it.

Also Read: Kia Seltos Long Term Review, March 2024 Report

Also Read: Kia Seltos Long Term Review, February 2024 Report