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TEST DRIVE Tweener 2021 Seltos SX Turbo AWD

DAN LYONS | text Special to the Times Union

eltos is the newest member of the Kia lineup. The subcompact joins Soul, Niro, SSportage, Sorento and Telluride in the company’s stable of SUV’s/Crossovers. Seltos is also the first vehicle I’ve seen that’s calling itself a 2021 model.

Size-wise, the new Kia is something of a tweener; part PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURER subcompact, part compact. On balance, you’d most likely put it in the former segment, where it competes with the likes of the Honda HR-V, , Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Renegade and its Kia line mate, Soul, among others. A brief comparison of those two, showroom siblings starts with a sharp contrast in styling: Soul’s funky shape vs. Seltos’ modern, mainstream look. Another big difference lies beneath the sheet metal. Soul is only offered with front wheel drive, while four of Seltos five trim levels feature standard AWD. Their cargo capacities are basically a wash (Selto’s max is 62.8 cubic-feet, Soul checks in with 62.1). Two engines are offered in Seltos. Standard issue on LX, S and EX is a 2.0L four cylinder. Making 146 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is something of a tweener; part subcompact, part compact. horsepower@ 6,200 r.p.m. and 132 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,500 r.p.m., it’s linked to a Continuously Variable for easy passing and merging. It sounds coarse at wide restful arrangement over the long haul. Switching back . The FWD version is expected to return 29 open throttle, but as you gather speed, the sound fades to the Normal or Smart modes allows for comfortably miles per gallon in city driving, 34 on the highway and into the wash of wind and road noise. Slight pauses quiet driving. Fuel economy is respectable: l recorded 31 combined . AWD versions with the 2.0L are predicted between throttle squeeze and response were common, 26 mpg’s during my week behind the wheel. and sometimes, the transition from braking to back on Some noticeable body lean crops up in hard 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD the gas coaxed a slightly delayed response. This seemed cornering, but overall, Seltos handles competently. Ride MSRP: $21,990 (base Seltos) As Tested: $29,485 to be more a matter of transmission than turbo, but in quality is good, with the exception of impact harshness any event, they were minor nits. Switching the driving on pot holes and choppy pavement. All Wheel Drive to return 27/31/29. S Turbo and SX Turbo trims are mode selector to “Sport” changes things appreciably. doesn’t transform Seltos into a trail basher, but light fitted, as you might surmise, with a turbocharged four off-roading is well within its capabilities. More to the cylinder engine. The 1.6L four is rated at 175 h.p. @ point, here in the northeast, AWD takes a lot of the 6,000 r.p.m. and 195 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,500 r.p.m. ...a snappy performer, stress out of winter travel. The turbo engine is paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch with enough on tap for easy The interior looks good; the quality of materials is Transmission, and EPA says you can expect 25 mpg’s consistent with its price range. Kia’s infotainment city, 30 highway and 27 combined. My top trim SX passing and merging. system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and was turbo equipped, and I’ve seen 0-60 times from Android Auto, and accessible via 8” or available 10.3” credible sources posted in the mid-six-second range. Engine and transmission response tightens up, throttle touchscreen. Controls for system adjustments are better That compares favorably with most in this segment. response is sharper, steering heft and shift point spacing than average in terms of access and ease of use. I found The engine is a snappy performer, with enough on tap increase. Sport mode is good fun, but not the most the front seats to be comfortable, though I’m six feet Continued on next page

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