Kia Seltos 2020 Review

In Malaysia's B-SUV market, consumer demands for models have become increasingly diverse—they want the tough appearance of an SUV without sacrificing the comfort of urban commuting. At the same time, configurations and cost-performance are key to their decision-making. As a member of this segment, the 2020 Kia Seltos public has consistently been a consideration for many family users, thanks to its balanced design, practical space, and flexible powertrain. This time, we got a test drive vehicle, and the main goal is to verify whether its performance in everyday scenarios truly meets the needs of Malaysian consumers, focusing especially on space, fuel efficiency, and driving quality.

At first glance, the 2020 Kia Seltos public exudes a balanced design between youthfulness and stability. The front features Kia's signature "Tiger Nose" grille, filled with a black honeycomb structure, complemented by angular LED headlight clusters on each side, giving the front end high recognizability. The body side profile is sleek, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, adding a sense of dimension. The 17-inch alloy wheels have a simple design, with a tire specification of 215/60 R17 that balances both comfort and off-road capability. At the rear, the split tail light design is one of the highlights; the upper part blends with the edge of the rear windshield, while the lower part is vertically arranged on both sides of the rear, creating a striking visual effect when lit. The silver skid plates under the rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout (decorative only) add a touch of sportiness to the rear. On the whole, the exterior of the Seltos public is neither ostentatious nor dull, meeting the aesthetic preferences of most family SUV users.

Stepping inside, the interior design of the 2020 Kia Seltos public leans towards practicality. The dashboard features a symmetrical design, with the upper layer covered in soft-touch materials that feel decent. While it doesn't exude much luxury, the attention to detail is commendable. The central screen measures 8 inches, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its operation is fairly smooth, with physical buttons and knobs retained below the screen for ease of blind operation while driving. The instrument cluster consists of traditional mechanical dials combined with a 4.2-inch LCD screen, displaying basic information such as fuel consumption, speed, and range clearly. The seats are wrapped in fabric material, and the front row seats support manual adjustment. The cushions and backrests are relatively thick, making long rides more comfortable. In terms of features, it comes with standard automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, USB charging ports (two in the front row and one in the rear), and a reverse camera. These functions are practical for daily use; while there aren't many flashy features, the basic needs are well met.

The dimensions of the 2020 Kia Seltos public are 4315mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2630mm. The front row space is average; a passenger with a height of 175cm has about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear space is a highlight. A passenger of the same height sitting in the back enjoys around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. Even with three people seated, the horizontal space doesn't feel too cramped. In terms of storage, the door armrest compartments, central console cup holders, and glove box are all quite practical. The rear central armrest also comes with cup holders. The trunk has a standard volume of 433L, which can be expanded to 1393L by folding down the rear seats. It can easily fit a stroller, suitcases, and other large items, fulfilling the needs of family outings.

The 2020 Kia Seltos public we test drove is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 90kW (123PS) and a maximum torque of 151N·m, paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission. The power parameters are at a mid-level among models of the same class. During actual driving, the power output is relatively smooth at the start, making it suitable for congested urban conditions. When the speed exceeds 60km/h, pressing the accelerator deeply makes the engine respond more positively, and ample distance needs to be reserved for overtaking. There are two driving modes: normal and economic. In economic mode, the throttle response becomes gentler, which is suitable for daily commuting. The smoothness of the transmission is excellent, with almost no noticeable shift jolts, matching the characteristics of a CVT transmission.

In terms of handling, the 2020 Kia Seltos public's steering wheel has a moderate force and clear directionality, with no significant play, making daily driving relatively easy. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension is able to filter out most minor vibrations, and the chassis does not experience noticeable bouncing. However, during sharp cornering at high speeds, the body lean is relatively pronounced, which is common for SUVs in this class, as family users prioritize comfort over handling performance. The feel of the brake pedal is linear, with moderate braking intensity, making it easy to control during daily driving.

We conducted a fuel consumption test for the 2020 Kia Seltos public. The test route included congested urban sections and highways, with a total mileage of approximately 200km. The final measured fuel consumption was 7.2L/100km, making it slightly above average for 1.6L SUVs, meeting the fuel efficiency requirements of family users. In terms of noise control, engine noise and tire noise are relatively low at city driving speeds; however, when the speed exceeds 100km/h, wind noise becomes more pronounced, especially around the A-pillars and mirrors. Nevertheless, it remains within acceptable limits and does not affect normal conversations inside the car.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2020 Kia Seltos public lie in its practical space, balanced fuel consumption performance, and completeness of basic features. Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the Seltos public offers a larger rear seat space and is more fuel-efficient. Although it falls slightly short in brand premium and interior luxury, it offers higher value for money. From a user suitability perspective, it is highly suitable for family users who prioritize space and practicality — such as those who need to frequently pick up children or take family trips on weekends, or young couples with limited budgets looking for a reliable SUV.

Overall, the 2020 Kia Seltos public is not a model that will make a strong impression at first glance, but it meets all key needs with "adequacy and practicality." If you're looking for an SUV with no obvious weaknesses that can meet the daily needs of a family, the Seltos public is worth considering adding to your shortlist.