A boosted version of Kia’s smaller capacity turbocharged four-cylinder engine and new connected services technology heads the list of late 2022 updates for Kia’s popular Seltos small SUV, which also benefits from a range of styling enhancements and feature upgrades.

The updated Smartstream 1.6 T-GDI engine is now available on Seltos Sport+ and GT-Line trims and comes exclusively with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). 

The updated four-pot’s outputs of 146kW/265Nm represents a 12% increase in power, while maintaining torque and improving fuel economy slightly, from a combined cycle average of 7.6L/100km to 7.4L/100km.

A new camshaft and valve control system, and integrated thermal management contribute to the engine’s incremental efficiency improvements, as does the addition of an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, in lieu of the previous seven-speed DCT.

The existing Atkinson cycle 2.0 MPI engine with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) carries over with its outputs unchanged at 110kW/180Nm and is available across all four trim levels, meaning S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line.

The updated Seltos becomes just the second model in Kia’s local range after the all-new Niro to feature the brand’s connected car service technology in Sport trim and above.

Offered complimentary for the duration of the Seltos’ seven-year warranty, Kia Connect provides a range of safety, security, convenience, connectivity and live services by using telematics to transfer real time data, such as weather and traffic information.

Using a smartphone app, owners can connect with their vehicle remotely, meaning drivers can sync their calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts.

The new six-variant Seltos line-up comprises four 2.0-litre MPI-powered models and two updated 1.6-litre T-GDIs, with recommended retail prices starting at $29,500 for the base model Seltos S 2.0-litre, rising to $44,900 for the GT-Line 1.6 Turbo.

Drive-away pricing is available on all variants, starting at $31,690 for the same entry-level S and rising to $47,690 GT-Line 1.6 Turbo.

Prices are up across all variants by between $2,010 and $2,410, although the 2.0-litre GT Line cops a hefty $2,710 increase, justified in part by its refreshed trim and more generous standard equipment.

New to GT-Line trim are power driver’s seat with two-position memory, power tailgate and a sporty D-cut steering wheel.

Other standard features of the top-spec model include heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, tilt and sliding sunroof, wireless phone charging, eight-speaker Bose premium audio, ambient interior lighting and a head-up display.

Stylistically, the updated range can be identified by a refreshed exterior design featuring a new front bumper and prominent skid plate garnish, plus side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

GT-Line models get new signature lighting treatment front and rear, including vertically arranged front fog lights and new LED tail lights with connecting lights stretching across the rear.

The tail lights on S, Sport and Sport+ variants are now also connected via a distinctive reflector trim. 

Other changes include the Seltos S trim now boasting styling 16-inch alloy wheels in lieu of the previous steel units, with the rest of the range featuring newly designed machine finished alloy wheels.

Interior technology has also been updated, with analogue gauges being replaced in favour of digital displays across the range.

The entry-level Seltos S gets a compact digital driver display, while Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line gain a dual 10.25-inch similar to that fund in the larger Sportage and EV6, along with a newly designed climate control panel.

Rear air vents and USB-C charging are also now standard across the range. 

Standard safety features of the Seltos includes front and rear parking sensors, intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.

The Kia Seltos competes in the small SUV class with October sales data showing it holds down a solid fifth place behind category leaders the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and its compact Korean cousin the Hyundai Kona.

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