Star, Huh? Detailed Test Of Kia Seltos

Keenly gazed at and recorded in absentia in hits, KiSeltos has already been in our comparative test against a pair of predators of the B-SUV segment - one young and one seasoned. And he resisted them as worthily as possible. It remains to figure out all the nuances of the character, design and equipment of the Korean crossover
Interior
Practicality
Technique and reliability
Riding
Equipment
Competitors
Output

Video: Star, Huh? Detailed Test Of Kia Seltos — Video: Взял Kia Seltos - полный турбо фарш, проверил трассой! 2023, February

Keenly gazed at and recorded in absentia in hits, KiSeltos has already been in our comparative test against a pair of predators of the B-SUV segment - one young and one seasoned. And he resisted them as worthily as possible. It remains to figure out all the nuances of the character, design and equipment of the Korean crossover

KiSeltos 1,387,000 - 1,754,000 ₽ Editor's Choice: Prestige, 1.6 AT 4WD, 121 HP for 1 589 900 ₽ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Pluses

Design
Advanced equipment
Interestingly tuned chassis

Minuses

Rigid interior plastic
Weak insulation
An unexpectedly high price tag

Ownership cost per year with a mileage of 17,500 km: OSAGO 12 145 ₽ CASCO 46 990 ₽ Maintenance for the year 17 600 ₽ Transport tax 5215 ₽ Fuel 74 473 ₽ Total 156 423 ₽

What is he, what is he eaten with and for what, in addition to beautiful eyes, will they appreciate? More precisely, they are already appreciated - according to recent data, Seltos entered the top 25 sales, ahead of, for example, Renault Kaptur. And since our last meeting, the crossover has managed to get a Russian registration at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad and expand the list of available trim levels.

We have on the test the most expensive, rich and in every sense bright all-wheel drive version of the Premium - with seat ventilation, a 149-horsepower engine and a widely discussed CVT transmission. In catalogs Ki such is evaluated in 1,829,900 rubles - 140 thousand more than the top cross-hatch Soul and at the level of the packed Sportage with all-wheel drive and a similar unit. Not weak, huh?

Interior

Even looking at the bright Seltos, we think that the most advanced Ki in design is … Soul. The beginner's gut is designed with less fiction and is more focused on the connoisseur of order than on the mod with a fine mental organization. At the same time, this interior cannot be called strict or boring (hello, Karoq!). Ergonomics - on the usual Korean five, the form without disputes gets along with the functionality, and only stylish-looking plastic saddens with ubiquitous rigidity. Even conditionally soft overlays with imitation of stitching do not save from the feeling of economy. But in terms of the length of the list of available options, the "Korean" not only competes with rivals (including the reference "Czech"), but also manages to beat them.

The Seltos offers a calibrated, raised crossover seating position and a good seat profile. Already in the base there is a height adjustment, and closer to the "top" there is a lumbar cushion setting and ventilation that is almost unique in the segment

Both the seats and the steering wheel have impressive adjustment ranges. Everyone will sit down

Moving away from the initial configurations, the Seltos steering wheel acquires leather trim and heating. The steering wheel icon on the right spoke is responsible for active cruise. And in order for the "warm" to go around the rim, you need to poke a button on the central tunnel

Analog "tidy" is an example of brevity and convenience. The case when live arrows and scales are better than fashionable graphics. In the initial versions, the flight computer will be modest, 3.5-inch, and the spaced dials will be a little closer

The top-of-the-range Seltos gets a head-up display with a retractable glass. There are no complaints about the graph, the type and accuracy of the displayed data can be adjusted through the media menu, but no matter how you sit down, the projection of the numbers will fall exactly on the edge of the hood

Soul, Ceed and, for example, Hyundai Sonata have already received a slab of 10.25-inch multimedia. The complex is perfectly tuned, soundly stuffed and logically arranged. But if you thoroughly immerse yourself in the menu - with setting up widgets and choosing dynamic backlighting - you can spend up to half an hour doing this

Bose's premium sound is a makeweight to the flagship media complex. Eight speakers adequately pump any composition - from "flat" Coin to bass hard rock. A separate like for the broken design of the decorative overlays. Refreshes

We take a close look at the climate control unit. Note that it is single-zone. Remember the price of 1.9 million. We are upset. Alas, two separate zones are not offered for this model

The seat ventilation buttons and the electronic handbrake are the surest signs of the most expensive Seltos Premium

To the left of the transmission selector washer for selecting driving modes. Unlike the keys, you can feel such a drum without looking

The armrest is the simplest: open and close. Yes, and the box under it does not amaze with the inner world: not a single USB socket is twisted there

All connect artillery is pulled together under the climate block. There is an outlet, connectors, and an optional shelf with wireless charging

The button for the retention system in the strip is a bright, albeit imperceptible to the eye, plastic proof of how advanced chips are actively penetrating the budget class

Practicality

The compact dimensions of Seltos do not mean that the living space is puny. The back row is comfortable for passengers of almost any height. The geometry of the doorways will not force them to bend before landing, and if there are suddenly three riders, the middle one does not risk being flattened: the width of the cabin and not the most humpbacked transmission tunnel make it possible to cope with a trip of five. The luggage compartment is also not a record by the standards of the class, but this Ki has been trained in some tricks.

Our Seltos holds 433 liters - 69 more than the Soul and 58 less than the Sportage. But in comparison with the closest competitors, the result is so-so. A pair of large suitcases fit under a hard shelf without a stock, for smaller things - no space, no separate niches, no straps. Here you are not Skoda …

The folded backs will increase the volume to 1393 liters, and most importantly - they will give an absolutely flat floor. SkodKaroq or Nissan Qashqai in this regard sin with inconvenient "steps"

The more expensive versions are equipped with a full-size spare wheel, its width makes it difficult to turn the focus with the floor shifting to the lower position. Just keep in mind: the possibility of such a transformation (with a gain of 35 liters) is here

The electric drive of the fifth door is the prerogative of KiSportage, but Seltos, even in the "top", will make you wield your hands. The same Karoq, by the way, is not only equipped with a closer, but also allows you to open / close the trunk with a swing of your foot

Despite the modest wheelbase of 2,630 millimeters, Seltos pleasantly surprises with the spaciousness in the back row. There are no losers even in the “tall driver plus tall passenger” combination. In addition, the split backs of the sofa have two tilt options: 26 and 32 degrees

The folding armrest is equipped with cup holders, the sofa cushion is equipped with two-stage heating, the back of the passenger seat is equipped with a pocket, and the console between the front seats is equipped with air ducts, an outlet and a niche for a smartphone. The central Seltos tunnel will slightly restrict the average passenger, and the seat sled will force you to spread your feet in search of a comfortable position

Technique and reliability

Technically, the Seltos, built on the K2 platform, is close to the fashionable Soul, but turned out to be more serious - the beginner has the opportunity to order the version with four drive wheels. In the rear suspension of mono-drive versions, a semi-independent beam is used, and all-wheel drive vehicles drive with a multi-link. The front McPherson is the same for all Seltos, and the range of engines and transmissions includes almost all available options: atmospheric (1.6 and 2 liters) and "turbo", with a variator, "handle", "automatic" or robot, all-wheel drive or budget "mono".

As for the reliability of naturally aspirated engines, there is really nothing to worry about: the older two-liter unit survived the revision long before Seltos and therefore is able to serve up to 300,000 kilometers without problems. And the compact "one-and-six" of the Gamm family with two phase shifters is completely successful from birth: it has no defects, and only the timing drive and the regularity of changing the oil will periodically require dealer attention. The same goes for the familiar automatic transmissions: classic with a modernized torque converter and robotic, designed exclusively for the turbo engine. Both Koreans produce on their own and are not going to blush for one.Is that a "robot" with a pair of dry clutches, by definition, a slightly more gentle creature, not fond of nervous driving and abrupt starts.

A bunch of a supercharged 1.6 T-GDI engine with a preselective gearbox can be considered the most incendiary. At one time, this tandem decently revived the Soul, and now (in a format derated to 177 forces) it allows Seltos to accelerate to a hundred in 8.4 seconds.

The Russian adaptation provided the crossover with original shock absorbers, springs and a front stabilizer, but retained a "global" ground clearance of 19 centimeters.

Variable speed drive? We know what you think of him when you hit the hype wave, but let me point out two things. First of all, the Korean box uses a durable chain instead of a belt, and for greater reliability in the Russian version, the lubrication system has been modified. In early spring we managed to drive this Seltos out into the mud and put a lot of stress on the drivetrain. Looking back, let's say that nothing broke, and the four-wheel drive with the rear wheel clutch continued to remain full until the last.

From the point of view of a resource, a stepless unit is promised a decent long life of 150-200 thousand kilometers with proper care and gentle operation. That is, without forays into a serious off-road, for which Seltos, in an amicable way, was not created. Whether it is true or not, we will be able to find out about a year after the start of sales. Let's wait with conclusions?

Seltos is a Kiс variator, unusual for Russia. However, historically, the box is already experiencing its third birth. In its modern incarnation, the Smartstream CVT has a wedge-chain drive capable of withstanding high torque, as well as an advanced lubrication system with reflector plates. Thanks to the modifications, it was possible to reduce noise and achieve better efficiency in comparison with "automatic machines"

The ability to crawl through mud and snow is provided by a multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive. You just need to forcibly block it - with a button on the central tunnel, on the passenger side

Under the hood of the test crossover there is a two-liter 149-horsepower "atmospheric" of the Nu family - the same one that is put on Cerato, Soul or Optima.Its design was recently modernized, and now, they say, the problem with scuffing in cylinders is not as acute as before. But despite the permission to use 92nd gasoline, you still need to be careful when choosing where to refuel

The adaptation of Seltos to our market took place without lifting the suspension. Under the apron of the front bumper there are 20 centimeters of the measuring ladder, and then they meet the plastic protection and the passport clearance of 190 millimeters

Rear parking - no problem at all. There are no protruding elements underneath and the overhang is pleasantly short

Riding

The surprise was the way the Seltos drives. Not in a grocery way, it is cold and prudent - exactly from point A to point B, at which everything experienced is reset to zero, but on the contrary, with mood and even with unusual liveliness.

Although, in theory, pleasant surprises might not have happened: the Korean settings were initially distinguished by composure and even rigidity, and the Russian bet on high energy intensity could harm a well-knocked down chassis. But the crossover adapted to our market has not lost its road grip and is controlled with a kind of spark.

Yes, the Seltos rolls decently on bends, but does not lose track of the trajectory, and the sharp steering wheel, despite the tasteless synthetic effort, remains clear in the reactions. On wet surfaces, it is easy to slip the front wheels, but the car will almost always return to the trajectory under the throttle release - it will respond and play along with the rear axle.

The suspension, in the rhythm of the city, tries to work for comfort: it actively swallows medium irregularities and extinguishes the longitudinal wave without swaying. Seltos is not afraid of rigid joints and pits, but for some reason it remains susceptible to road micro-profile. And your companion on the road will be not only vibration, but also a sound background: first, tires "penetrate" into the cabin, and over a hundred are added aerodynamic whistle and a motor. Noise isolation is far from outstanding.

During acceleration, the atmospheric humming loudly - the further, the stronger, and in his voice you can recognize the trademark monotony of Kia. But the variator, on the contrary, is well done: touch the gas, and it will respond without delay. Press harder - start imitating gear changes. We also met such settings "for automatic" at Renault, and in general, the imitation of steps in a continuously variable transmission became a sign of good form. First of all, as a concern for acoustic comfort, despite the fact that the mission of variators is to be a more economical and cheaper alternative to the traditional “automatic”. It is clear why most of our Seltos are sold with them: there is still little trust in the new node. But, having ridden a lot in the city and beyond, we did not find any reason to dislike the "stepless" crossover. Moreover, he likes it.

Yes, acceleration to a hundred in 10.4 seconds on paper is not impressive: the 150-horsepower Karoq with a turbo engine is 1.5 seconds faster. But the perceived dynamics of the two-liter Seltos is enough almost everywhere. And you can always add some spice to the sporty Drive Mode. The responses will become sharper, and the switches will become more frequent.

And in general, as our comparative test shows, the bouquets of driving sensations that Seltos and Karoq give are different, but more or less equal. Skoda is more boring, but more comfortable, while Seltos is vice versa.But if you remember the older and more expensive Sportage, then the "budget" crossover looks even more interesting acquisition. By the way, about the budget …

Equipment

It all starts with a number 1 119 900 ₽ and the realization of the fact that a crossover a little larger than Crete and with a motor from Crete costs 150 thousand more than it at once. True, the "poorest" of the Seltos in the version Classic not so poor: four airbags, ESC stabilization with braking and starting assist on an incline, steering wheel adjustment for height and reach, sofa with adjustable backrests, immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring, electric windows, heated mirrors and an audio system with six speakers … Do you want, say, an automatic instead of a six-speed "handle"? Pay 40 thousand rubles in addition.

The version opens a little more possibilities Comfort per 1 189 900 ₽, which has access to all-wheel drive (for an additional 70,000 rubles), and along with it come cruise control, Bluetooth and a small part of the "Warm Options" package in the form of heated front seats and steering wheel. In addition, this version offers a Drive Mode selection washer.

Above is in every sense the optimal package Luxe, which brings a whole bunch of options: foglights, rear parking sensors and a camera, curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels instead of steel ones, a light sensor, climate control, an automatic driver's glass adjuster, an eight-inch media complex with Apple / Android support, USB connectors - and that's it. it's starting from 1 339 900 ₽… The choice of motors is reduced to three, the same number of items will be in the gearbox menu. But you will not get a combination of a 149-horsepower "aspirated", CVT and all-wheel drive in the Luxe version - you need to rise one level higher for it.

It is called Style and taking into account 18-inch wheels, LED lights (headlights remain halogen) and a full-size spare wheel, it is estimated at 1 379 900 ₽ for 1.6 liters and "automatic". A two-liter engine with a variator and four-wheel drive will be 110 thousand more expensive.

Finally, two top versions: Prestige for 1 539 900 ₽ - This is heated rear seats, full LED light, interior lighting, heated windshield, 10.25-inch multimedia with Bose music, a seven-inch screen in the tidy and a rear armrest.

Premium for 1 829 900 ₽ adds to the above a rain sensor, ventilation and eight-range seat adjustment, intelligent cruise control with lane hold and autobraking, a set of electronic assistants (including reversing out of parking and fatigue monitoring), an electromechanical handbrake and a head-up screen with navigation prompts. The packed crossover in this version - though with a 177-horsepower turbo engine and a robotic gearbox - is approaching the psychological ceiling of two million rubles. Expensive? Some competitors are not much cheaper …

Competitors

SkodKaroq

Тот случай, когда чешский кроссовер выступает не объективным мерилом, а прямым и равносильным соперником для корейской машины. У Карока есть свои минусы, и поначалу не было версий с полным приводом, что дало Селтосу шанс ударить первым. Но в остальном это - вполне типичная, вместительная и продуманная до мелочей Шкода, подходящая всем, почти на любой случай. Только сравнительно дорогая: от 1 387 000 рублей при не самом достойном базовом оснащении до тех же 1,8–1,9 миллиона за полный привод и стопку дополнительных опций" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Nissan Qashqai

Европейский рынок вскоре увидит новое поколение Кашкая, а в России пока остаётся Кашкай нынешний. Электронная начинка у него уже заметно устаревшая, поведение на дороге - скучное, а грузовые возможности как были, так и остаются средненькими. При этом скидку на возраст японцы особо не делают: цена от 1 319 000 ₽ за передний привод, «механику» и почти пустое оснащение до 1 902 000 ₽ за связку двухлитрового атмосферного мотора, вариатора и полного привода в топовой комплектации" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Renault Arkana

«Русский француз» с купеобразным кузовом разделяет ту же, что и Seltos, идеологию бюджетного кроссовера новой формации: меньше акцентов на отделке, больше - на эргономике и качестве езды. Arkan- вершина возможностей простенькой бюджетной платформы B0; она находится на полступеньки выше, чем Duster и Kaptur, и, соответственно, стоит дороже. От миллиона с хвостиком за стартовую 114-сильную версию с передним приводом до 1 605 000 ₽ - за 150-сильный турбомотор «от Mercedes-Benz», вариатор и четыре ведущих" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Renault Arkan "Russian Frenchman" with a coupe-like body shares the same ideology as Seltos, the ideology of a budget crossover of a new formation: less emphasis on trim, more on ergonomics and ride quality. Arkan - the pinnacle of the capabilities of the unpretentious budget platform B0; it is half a step higher than the Duster and Kaptur, and therefore more expensive. From a million plus for a starting 114-horsepower version with front-wheel drive to RUB 1,605,000 for a 150-horsepower Mercedes-Benz turbo engine, a CVT and four leading

Geely Coolray

Малыш от Geely с корнями (и деталями) Volvo настолько современный и качественный, что по совокупности плюсов способен конкурировать с Селтосом. Coolray гармонично нарисован, достойно оснащён и вполне хорош на асфальте. Полный привод ему не положен конструктивно, зато цена далеко не космос: от миллиона с небольшим за «базу» до полутора - за «полный фарш», сопоставимый с конкурентами" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Hyundai Creta

Более простая Cretне пытается прыгнуть выше головы, а прекрасно щемит соперников и склоняет аудиторию в привычном бюджет-сегменте. В сравнимых (насколько это возможно) комплектациях она выходит ощутимо дешевле Селтоса, не так ярко выглядит и держит заметно большую дистанцию в общении с продвинутой аудиторией, но своё дело знает. Моторы? Их два: 1,6 и 2,0 литра. Полный привод? Только доплатите. Цена? От 975 тысяч до полутора миллионов, если очень сильно захотеть" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Hyundai Cret Simpler Cret does not try to jump over its head, but perfectly pinches its rivals and inclines the audience in the usual budget segment. In comparable (as far as possible) trim levels, it comes out significantly cheaper than Seltos, does not look so bright and keeps a noticeably greater distance in communicating with an advanced audience, but it knows its business. Motors? There are two of them: 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Four-wheel drive? Just pay extra. Price? From 975 thousand to one and a half million, if you really want to

Output

KiSeltos is a strong player with a special economy class perspective. Sitting between the overtly pontorez Soul and the weighted average Sportage, it is older than the former and stronger than the latter. Ki is inferior to its direct rivals in details, but skillfully exploits their weakness, offering better equipment for similar money or a similar set of options, but cheaper. Technology - and above all the variator - does not show noticeable weaknesses in everyday life, and for skeptics there are proven solutions, like a classic machine gun. And only an unusual price ceiling of two million for a small crossover can sow doubts about the choice. Still, a car for that kind of money in Russia is used to seeing a larger one.