Features to love in the range-topping Kia Seltos SX

The Seltos is the more superior of Kia’s subcompact crossovers in the country. It slots right above the Stonic and its top trim goes for P1.505 million, which is right about the same range as its premium counterparts.

Kia Philippines sources the Seltos units they sell here straight from South Korea instead of getting the low-cost versions of the nameplate made and sold in Indian and Chinese market, respectively.

Based on the SP Signature concept that was on display at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show in March, the Seltos immediately went into production and was launched locally just eight months after with no less than Kia Motors Asia Pacific president Ted Lee gracing the event.

If you’re attracted to its façade, especially the SX trim, but just can’t seem to figure out why, it’s probably because of three-dimensional effect formed by the radiator grille and headlamp matchup and the “Crown Jewel” LED headlights.

Well, that’s not all you get from the Seltos’ best trim. Read on as we run down some of the best features of the SX AT.

Engine

While this isn’t an SX exclusive, it has technology that makes the engine worth noting.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine with D-CVVT (Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing), which is the improved version of the old 2.0-liter MPi (multi-point injection) engine.

The Atkinson cycle is a kind of internal combustion engine that provides better fuel efficiency and power delivery, while the D-CVVT improves engine performance by reducing pumping loss, internal EGR effect improvement of combustion stability, improvement of volumetric efficiency, and increase of expansion work.

Transmission

Similar to a CVT (continuously variable transmission), the IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) makes constant changes to provide superior efficiency over automatic transmissions.

This is possible by modulating the pressure of the pulley system in the transmission and adjusting pressure based on the input of the driver and driving conditions.

Its pulley system has a wide ratio that leads to an increase in fuel efficiency at the higher gear ratios while also improving performance on the lower end.

What sets the IVT apart is the fact that it can simulate gear shifts like an automatic transmission, so it feels like you’re still driving something with a six-speed AT (automatic transmission).

It uses a chain belt instead of the more common push belt, which is a first in the subcompact crossover segment globally, to help improve fuel efficiency and comes with a new Shift Control Strategy technology to lineup driver input, vehicle behavior, and acceleration. This leads to better response and enhanced driving experience.

LED lighting

This one is a no-brainer. Better lights mean higher visibility and increased efficiency, and you get that in the Seltos’ LED (light-emitting diode) lighting system.

LEDs are more efficient as it retains the majority of its charge so it can be converted into light and consumes 85% less electricity compared to halogen bulbs.

With less heat LEDs can also stay on much longer than halogens. How much longer? Some automakers say at least more than 20,000 hours.

Finally, LEDs cast a brighter and much wider pattern, allowing the driver to see much farther, which increases the safety level of each drive.

Premium cabin

You’ll love climbing into the Seltos 2.0L SX AT, too.

First of all, it’s the only model that comes with a smart entry system. You can forget about whipping out the key before getting in the vehicle. Just have it in your pocket or bag and when you reach for the door handle, voila, it automatically unlocks.

It comes with a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free telephony, and cruise controls.

There’s the leather gear shift knob as well, the illuminated push-to-start button (so there’s no more manual key-in ignition), plus it comes with an automatic climate control system. Forget about having to constantly adjust the temp to cooler or warmer. Just set the temp once and forget about it – the Seltos takes care of the rest.

Safety features

It, of course, comes with the standard stuff like driver and front passenger airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), a rear camera display with rearview driving function, two three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seatbelts with dual pretensioners in front, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the rear (two with pretensioners and one static), an Isofix child anchor, and a child lock system. The only advantage of the EX is it has an immobilizer and cruise control.

But, wait there’s more.

It also comes with side and curtain airbags, rear sensors, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill start assist, and immobilizer, and an anti-theft system.

Color options

Last but not the least, you want to stand out in your new SX and what better way to do it than to a two-tone color scheme that no other Seltos trim has.

The SX comes with a Cherry Black top as standard but you can choose between two body colors, Starbright Yellow or a Clear White to complete that unique look you’ve always wanted.

Photos from Kia