Kia Seltos 2021 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market is intense. Consumers not only require economic efficiency for daily commuting but also highly value space and safety configurations for family outings. The 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX is designed to meet these demands. Its core selling points lie in its rich standard safety features, spacious interior, and balanced power performance. Through a static experience and dynamic test drive, we aim to determine whether it can stand out in its class and provide a high-value option for family users.

From the exterior, the 2021 Seltos 1.6EX retains Kia's family-style tiger-nose grille, paired with chrome trim and halogen headlights on both sides. The overall design is rugged and recognizable. The side of the vehicle features simple and smooth lines, with 215/60 R17 tire specifications and wheel-arch designs emphasizing the robust SUV positioning. The door's lower anti-scratch strips add practicality. At the rear, the horizontally aligned taillights are connected by chrome trim, enhancing the visual width, while the silver protective plate below the rear bumper further strengthens the SUV style. The overall design refrains from excessive flashy elements and instead adopts a durable and widely appealing aesthetic.

Entering the interior, the cabin adopts a predominantly dark color scheme, accented with silver trim for decoration, presenting a simple and clear layout. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touch screen, supporting basic multimedia functions with reasonable smoothness of operation. The multifunctional steering wheel comes standard with a HUD head-up display, enabling the driver to view information such as speed without looking down, enhancing driving convenience. In terms of materials, the top of the center console uses hard plastic, though the texture is not too coarse, while the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, consistent with the performance expected in this price range. Standard features like keyless entry, rear air conditioning vents, and a 6-speaker Sound Plus system ensure convenience for everyday use.

Space performance is one of the highlights of the Seltos 1.6EX. With a wheelbase of 2,610mm, the front row provides ample passenger space, with a 175cm tall occupant having about a fist's width of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear legroom is equally spacious, with approximately two fists of space between the knees and the front seat, ensuring no crowding even for three adult passengers. In terms of storage, the front central armrest box and door storage compartments offer considerable capacity. The standard trunk space easily accommodates daily family shopping or short trips, and the rear seats can fold down to further expand cargo space. The standard ISO FIX child seat anchors are also convenient for families with children.

In terms of dynamic performance, the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine provides a maximum horsepower of 123PS, paired with an AT gearbox for smooth and linear power delivery. The power response at start-up is not particularly rapid but is more than sufficient for daily commuting and city driving. During acceleration, the transmission shifts responsively without significant jerks. In normal driving mode, the power output is relatively moderate, suitable for the driving habits of family users. When overtaking is needed, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the gearbox to downshift and increase the RPM, providing sufficient power for most road conditions.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, the steering wheel has a moderate turning weight, and there is not much play in the steering. The daily driving experience feels light and agile. When tackling speed bumps or uneven roads in urban areas, the suspension can filter out most of the fine vibrations, maintaining the stability of the vehicle's posture. However, during rapid cornering, the body roll is somewhat noticeable, which is a common trait in SUVs of this segment. The braking system performs linearly, with a moderate brake pedal feel and evenly distributed braking force, providing sufficient confidence to the driver.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km, while the actual test drive showed about 8.5L/100km in urban conditions and around 7L on highways. Overall, its fuel efficiency meets expectations and ranks slightly above average in the same segment. In terms of noise control, the cabin remains reasonably quiet during low-speed driving, while at high speeds, wind and tire noise increase but remain within acceptable levels, not interfering with normal conversations. The seats offer good wrapping and support, ensuring that long drives do not lead to significant fatigue.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX lie in its spacious interior, rich safety configurations (including six airbags, forward collision warning, front and rear sensors, etc.), and balanced power performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, its standard features are more comprehensive, especially in terms of safety, as the more affordable 1.6EX version comes equipped with six airbags—a feature often only available in higher trims of other models in the same segment. However, its interior materials and power performance are not particularly outstanding, making it a well-rounded and practical choice.

This vehicle is suitable for family users who prioritize space, safety features, and value for money, especially those who need a car for daily commuting while also accommodating family trips. It does not boast overly aggressive designs or performance but fulfills the practical and reliable needs of most families. If you are looking for an affordable and well-equipped B-segment SUV, the 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6EX is worth considering.