A series of subtle, but meaningful updates have turned the Kia Seltos into a smoother, peppier and more stylish compact utility vehicle for 2024.

The Seltos is one of four compact utility vehicles in Kiasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s lineup: For the 2021 model year, it joined the gasoline-powered Niro, Soul and Sportage.

Although the Seltos shares platforms with the Hyundai Kona (Kia is a division of Hyundai), the two models follow separate paths in terms of styling. The updated-and-enlarged 2024 Kona and the Seltos both have about the same cargo capacity, whether their rear seats are upright or folded flat.

The Kiasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s most noticeable change is the redesigned grille and restyled headlights that combine to create a sharper, more aggressive look. The fog lights have been integrated with the daytime running lights resulting in less clutter.

The chrome strip that connected the taillights has been replaced with a light bar extending across the liftgate, and there are new wheel designs. The end result is an eye-catching shape that enhances the Seltossa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™ appeal.

The dashboard has also changed appreciably from the original shape and now comes with a single panel containing key driversa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s information and analog-style gauges. Theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s an available 10.25-inch infotainment display with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Although attractive enough, much of the dashboard and door trim are made of hard plastic as opposed to soft-touch materials. A traditional floor shifter carries over unaltered from the original Seltos.

The split-folding rear seat reclines, and the cargo floor can be lowered somewhat to accommodate taller objects.

Powertrain choices for 2024 consist of a carry-over 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is standard with LX and EX trims and is rated at 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Standard with premium SX and X-Line versions is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s rated at 195 horsepower (up 20) and 195 pound-feet.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is linked to the 2.0, while the turbo engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic, which is one more gear than the 2023 version had.

For both, selectable settings include Normal, Smart (Eco) and Sport sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” which actually does feel sporty sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” and alter the engine, transmission and steering performance.

Fuel consumption of the front-wheel-drive 2.0 is rated at 8.3 l/100 km in the city, 6.8 on the highway and 7.6 combined. The turbo engine with AWD is rated at 9.4/8.7/9.1.

The available on-demand AWD comes with a centre-locking differential that, when engaged, splits the torque equally between the front and rear wheels, providing more traction for off-road use.

Torque vectoring sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” or yaw control sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” another AWD inclusion, applies light braking force to the inner-radius wheels when turning, a function that Kia says increases vehicle control.

AWD-equipped models also get independent rear suspensions, while the FWD Seltos has a less-sophisticated torsion-beam rear axle.

At a starting price of $27,800 including destination charges, the FWD LX is equipped with the basics, including most driver-assist technologies such as pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and forward-collision avoidance. Absent, however, is blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s standard with all other trims.

The Seltos X-Line test vehicle was equipped with a navigation system, power sunroof, protective off-road skid plates and premium seat coverings. The Bose-brand audio package has a mood-lighting feature; six different colours that change with the beat from the systemsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s eight speakers.

The energetic turbocharged engine and smooth-shifting automatic transmission are a pleasant surprise and propelled the Seltos smartly, whether from a standing start or in highway-passing situations.

The fact that the Seltos is capable of heading off-pavement when called upon sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” aided by a generous 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” makes it a multi-purposes compact utility vehicle deserving of at least a look-see for utility shoppers.

What you should know: 2024 Kia Seltos

Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle

Engines (h.p.): 2.0-litre I-4 (146); 1.6-litre I-4, turbocharged (195)

Transmissions: Continuously variable (2.0); eight-speed automatic (1.6 turbo)

Market position: The updated Seltos continues to demonstrate its ability to provide style and comfort along with available better-than-average performance on- or off-road. Itsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s a strategy that other automakers recently adopted with their similar offerings.

Points: Revised bodywork is a welcome improvement over the original design. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Updated interior keeps up with the competition. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Increased power for the optional turbocharged engine is a smart play. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ There are no hybrid or EV versions to consider, at least not yet. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Adding an off-road-capable trim level is an image-enhancing move.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (std.); front emergency braking (std.); driver-attention alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.); rear-occupant alert (std.)

L/100 km (city/hwy): 8.3/6.8 (FWD)

Base price (incl. destination): $27,800

BY COMPARISON

Mazda CX-30

• Base price: $30,900
• Standard AWD, good looks, available 250-h.p. turbo four-cylinder.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

• Base price: $31,000
• Standard AWD, 152-h.p. turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder.

Volkswagen Taos

• Base price: $30,000
• Compact utility vehicle, 158-h.p. four-cylinder, optional AWD.

sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

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