2021 Kia Seltos 1.6GT-LINE Review

In Malaysia's B-segment SUV market, cost-effectiveness and practical features have always been the core demands of consumers when choosing a car. Many users want a compact body to navigate city streets easily while expecting ample space and intelligent configurations to meet family needs. The 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6 GT-LINE, as a popular option in this segment, stands out with standard features like 6 airbags and HUD head-up display as its selling points. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to verify whether its dynamic performance matches its configuration advantages and assess its practicality for daily use.

At first glance, the Seltos 1.6 GT-LINE's overall exterior design is youthful but not exaggerated. The front features Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, surrounded by chrome trim and paired with a lower cross-style air intake, offering decent recognizability. The side profile has sleek lines, with a waistline extending from the front wing to the rear, avoiding monotony. The 17-inch tire size is well-proportioned with the body, without an abrupt "small wheels" feel. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally aligned taillights connected in the middle by a thin chrome strip. When lit, the taillight effect is standard. The lower part of the rear bumper features black plastic cladding, adding a bit of ruggedness to the SUV's appeal. In terms of the lighting system, the headlights use halogen bulbs, with automatic headlights and daytime running lights as standard. Front fog lights are also included, providing sufficient functionality for daily use.

Sitting inside, the interior design uses predominantly dark tones, with a clear and easy-to-understand dashboard layout. The upper part of the dashboard uses hard plastic material, but the seam treatments are fairly consistent. The central part is equipped with a 7-inch touch infotainment screen. While the screen response speed is average, it supports the Sound Plus feature. Combined with six speakers, the audio quality is sufficient for everyday music playback. The configuration highlights are outstanding: the standard HUD head-up display shows information like vehicle speed without having to look down, enhancing driving convenience. The keyless entry and start functions are frequently used in daily life, eliminating the hassle of taking out a key. The driver's seat offers 8-way electric adjustment and 2-way lumbar support; once adjusted to a comfortable position, long drives become much less fatiguing. The front row features single-zone automatic air conditioning, while rear air vents are also standard, ensuring a degree of comfort for rear passengers.

The space performance matches the positioning of a B-segment SUV, with the dimensions of 4315mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1645mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2610mm. The front row offers ample space, and for a 175cm-tall person adjusting the seating position, there is a headroom remaining of a fist and two fingers' width. The rear space is sufficient for family users, with the same person seated in the rear having a legroom of a fist's distance and headroom of about a fist. The rear floor features a slight hump but does not significantly affect short-term seating for a middle passenger. In terms of storage capabilities, the front door panels can fit two bottles of mineral water, while a storage compartment below the center console offers space for a phone. The center armrest box provides decent depth. The trunk capacity in its standard form is not specified, but it can visibly fit two 20-inch suitcases without issue. The rear seats can be folded down to accommodate larger items. The rear also comes equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors, which are convenient for families with children.

Powertrain: The Seltos 1.6 GT-LINE is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 123 PS and peak torque at 4850 rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During daily driving, the start is relatively smooth without noticeable jerks, making it suitable for congested urban conditions. During acceleration, the power delivery below 3000 rpm is more gentle, requiring a heavy press on the accelerator for overtaking. The transmission takes about 1 second to downshift, after which the power significantly improves. When accelerating from 100km/h to 120km/h on the highway, the power reserves are not abundant, but it is sufficient for daily commuting. There is only a normal driving mode available, with no sport or eco modes to choose from, which is a slight drawback regarding mode options.

Handling: The steering wheel is light, making it very agile at low speeds and easy to maneuver in parking lots or when making U-turns. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes slightly heavier, and stability is commendable. The suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension. It performs well in filtering minor bumps on city roads, but when encountering speed bumps or large potholes, the rear seats feel more pronounced vibrations. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, but the support is average.

Dynamic Testing: We specifically tested fuel consumption during this review. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km. Most of this test drive was conducted on urban roads, including congested rush hour segments, and the actual measured fuel consumption was around 8.2L/100km, placing it at an average level among 1.6L naturally aspirated SUVs in the same class. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal feels linear, with no play in the initial phase. The vehicle maintains stability during sudden braking with no significant nose-dive effect, providing sufficient confidence for daily driving. Noise control performance is average. Above 80km/h, wind noise and road noise are noticeably transmitted into the cabin, affecting rear seat conversations. However, when driving at low speeds in the city, the cabin remains relatively quiet.

In conclusion, the core advantages of the 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6 GT-LINE are clear: standard equipment includes 6 airbags, HUD head-up display, keyless entry, and other features, making it stand out in terms of cost performance in its class. The space is adequate for daily family use. Compared to the Honda HR-V of the same segment, it offers richer configurations but slightly weaker performance. Compared to the Toyota C-HR, it is more practical in terms of space and comes at a more affordable price. This model is ideal for family users who prioritize cost-effective configurations. It can handle daily city commutes and short weekend family trips. If you're looking for strong performance or ultimate handling, this may not be the best choice. However, if your priority is configuration and practicality, the Seltos 1.6 GT-LINE is worth considering.