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 Kia’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 Kia’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 Seltos’ appeal.

The dashboard has also changed appreciably from the original shape and now comes with a single panel containing key driver’s information and analog-style gauges. There’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 that’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 — which actually does feel sporty — 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 — or yaw control — 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 that’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 system’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 — aided by a generous 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance — 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. It’s a strategy that other automakers recently adopted with their similar offerings.

Points: Revised bodywork is a welcome improvement over the original design. • Updated interior keeps up with the competition. • Increased power for the optional turbocharged engine is a smart play. • There are no hybrid or EV versions to consider, at least not yet. • 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.

– written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

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