The KIA Seltos can be classified in the B-Class Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, complete with all the bells and whistles expected from a KIA.
Since KIA redesigned its logo in January 2021, the brand has also introduced a new look and feel, making the car more attractive.
The KIA Seltos 1.6L EX Auto, for one, does not fail to make the grade regarding looks, performance, comfort and economy.
The vehicle is available in various engine sizes, ranging from a 1.4l to a 1.6l engine, and is available with various transmissions, ranging from six- to seven-speed auto and manual gearboxes.
The car feels much larger inside than it looks from the outside.
With the entire frontal layout designed and built with drivers and co-drivers in mind, all the much-needed information, like speed, fuel and temperature, and gear is clearly on display at all times.
The car is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 175km/h and can reach 0-100 km/h in just over 11 seconds, which varies between the different models.
The maximum power is indicated as 90kW with a maximum torque of 151/4850rpm.
Even in the mountainous residential areas on the eastern outskirts of Windhoek the vehicle does not lack performance, as the automatic gearbox manages through the different gears with ease.
Darren Diergaardt, a sales executive at KIA, says: “When this car was launched in 2019, the manufacturers had small families in mind. It is a town car, but can also handle gravel roads with ease.”
The car’s ground clearance of 190mm makes it ideal for most of the gravel roads in the country.
The gearbox operates with oil pressure, which helps it select the correct gear, and directly enhances the power the car needs for optimum performance.
“On top of that, the car ‘learns’ how you drive, so when driving the same routes on a regular basis, it memorises when to change the gears,” Diergaardt says.
What makes this car stand out among other KIA models is its ‘tiger-nose’ grille.
This design has come a long way, Diergaardt says.
He says the KIA designers wanted to use a tiger as design guideline.
He says the designers’ love for the brand is also demonstrated in the soft lines and shapes of the car.
Even the speakers’ covers have their own unique grill.
The Seltos is fitted with a radio with a RDS (Radio Data System) and six speakers to ensure quality sound.
Just like most modern cars, this one is also fitted with both Apple and Android auto. It is also fitted with USB charging ports.
The multifunctional steering wheel houses most of the basic control buttons, including the conventional easy-to-operate cruise control.
Fuel consumption is calculated from 17l/km to 20,7l/km under normal driving conditions.
The vehicle is available in both petrol and diesel.
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