2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX Review

The B-Segment SUV market has been increasingly popular locally in recent years. Consumers want the off-road capability and spaciousness of an SUV but do not want to bear a heavy budget burden—this is the demand that the Kia Seltos is targeting. The 2021 1.6EX variant we tested is priced at RM 115,888, and includes features such as six airbags, a head-up display (HUD), and keyless entry as standard at this price point, which shows considerable sincerity. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to see whether its static experience and dynamic performance can match the "on-paper" advantages of this feature list, and how practical it is in daily use.

Starting with the exterior, the design of the Seltos is relatively distinctive in its class. The front features the family-style tiger-nose grille, with chrome accents around and within the grille, making it visually less monotonous. The body lines take on a rugged design, with some raised contour lines on the hood and doors, and a clearly defined waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, paired with 17-inch alloy wheels that make its overall stance appear quite spirited. The tail lights are vertically arranged; although they use halogen light sources, they still have decent recognition when lit up. However, the headlights are also halogen, and the nighttime illumination is mediocre, which is a minor drawback.

Stepping inside, the first thing you notice is that the interior materials and craftsmanship are fairly solid. Most areas of the dashboard are covered with soft-touch plastic, so the surfaces you can touch do not feel too rigid. The dashboard layout is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned centrally, of a suitable size and easy to operate. The air-conditioning controls below retain physical buttons, so you don't have to look down at the screen while driving to adjust the temperature or airflow, which is very convenient. In terms of features, this 1.6EX version is indeed generously equipped: the HUD displays speed and navigation information, meaning you don’t need to frequently glance at the instrument panel; keyless entry and start features make everyday driving hassle-free; rear air-conditioning vents and a USB port are also available, considering the comfort of rear passengers. The seats are made of fabric, with decent support, although it may feel a bit stuffy in the summer.

Space performance is a significant concern for B-SUV users, and the Seltos has a 2,610mm wheelbase, which is slightly above average in its class. With the front seat adjusted to a comfortable driving position, there are about two fist-widths of legroom in the rear, ensuring that a 175cm adult won't feel cramped. Thanks to the tall SUV body, there is ample headroom in both the front and rear rows. In terms of storage, the storage pockets on the front and rear doors can each fit two bottles of water, the depth of the center armrest box is sufficient, and the space in the glove compartment on the passenger side is average. The trunk's standard capacity isn't particularly large, but the rear seats support split folding, which creates a relatively flat space when folded down, making it capable of handling larger items.

As for performance, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power output of 123PS and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Judged by its specifications, it fits the typical level for a family car, and its actual performance aligns with expectations. The power output is relatively smooth during starts, without being overly aggressive, making it suitable for daily commuting. At low to medium speeds, the transmission's shift logic is very clear, with gear changes happening promptly and keeping the revs generally below 2,000 rpm, ensuring fuel efficiency. However, when driving at highway speeds and attempting to overtake, the engine needs to be revved above 3,500 rpm to deliver more noticeable power, which also increases noise levels. There are three selectable driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, but the overall power reserve is still geared towards daily driving, so don't expect too much in terms of driving excitement.

The handling and chassis performance are overall tuned for comfort. The steering wheel is relatively light, so even women won't feel tired driving it. The steering precision is decent, and it handles daily curves and lane changes flexibly. The suspension consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam, which is a common setup in this class. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most minor bumps, making it feel less jarring, but passengers in the rear will feel noticeable vibrations when encountering larger potholes. The body roll when cornering is not severe, and the chassis support is sufficient, so daily driving won't feel "floaty."

As for fuel consumption, the test drive mainly covered urban roads and a small section of the highway. The comprehensive fuel consumption was about 8L per 100 km, which is slightly higher than the official figure of 7.6L. Considering urban traffic conditions, this performance is reasonable. The braking performance is fairly linear. The initial braking force is relatively gentle, while pressing harder significantly increases the stopping power, making it easy to control during daily driving.

The on-road comfort performance is quite good. In terms of noise control, tire noise and wind noise are minimal at low speeds, but as the speed exceeds 80 km/h, the wind noise becomes more apparent—still within an acceptable range. The seat comfort, as mentioned earlier, offers good support and doesn't cause much fatigue during long drives. However, the breathability of the fabric seats is average, and sitting for a long time in summer may lead to slight sweating.

In general, the core advantage of the 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX is its "high configuration"—in the RM 115,888 price range, it's rare to find competitors that come standard with features like 6 airbags, a head-up display (HUD), and keyless entry. Compared to similar-level rivals, it has obvious advantages in terms of its feature list. While its dynamic performance might not be particularly exciting, it stands out for its smooth and stable ride, which is suitable for daily family use. That said, the power output of the 1.6L engine is indeed not very strong, so overtaking on highways requires planning ahead. Those seeking more power might need to consider other versions.

This car is more suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and features. It can handle daily commuting and short weekend family trips with ease. If you don't have high demands for power and prefer a "fully equipped" configuration, the Seltos 1.6EX is a practical choice.

To sum up: the 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX is a family SUV that prioritizes "features first." With a generous list of standard features, ample space, and satisfying comfort, its smooth and stable dynamic performance meets family needs. While its power and lighting are minor shortcomings, its overall value for money stands out in its class.