Kia Seltos 2020 review: S snapshot

The entry-point to the Kia Seltos 2020 model range is the S variant, which has an attractive price point of just $25,990 drive-away.

This variant is solely available with the entry level engine - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘Atkinson cycle’ petrol engine producing 110kW of power (at 6200rpm) and 180Nm of torque (at 4500rpm). It comes paired to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic, and is exclusively offered in front-wheel drive. 

Claimed combined cycle fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and its towing capacity is pegged at 600kg for an unbraked trailer and 1100kg for a braked trailer.

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Explore the 2020 Kia Seltos Range

Kia Seltos 2022 review: S Kia Seltos 2021 review: Sport with Safety Pack Kia Seltos 2020 review: GT Line Kia Seltos 2020 review: S Kia Seltos 2020 review: Sport+ AWD Kia Seltos 2020 review: GT Line snapshot Kia Seltos 2020 review: Sport+ snapshot Kia Seltos 2020 review: Sport snapshot Kia Seltos 2020 review: S snapshot

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Standard equipment for the S variant includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen media unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input, a six-speaker sound system, auto headlights, halogen headlights and daytime running lights, cruise control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels with covers, and has a space-saver spare (which allows it additional boot space - 498 litres as opposed to 433L in the models above), and if that’s not enough there are roof rails to attach a roof rack to.

Things the S misses out on? Sat nav, a rear cargo cover, rear storage options and alloy wheels, among other items - including some safety stuff.

Entry level models (S and Sport) come with a form of camera-based low-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) with car and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning and six airbags. But under today’s criteria, that won’t score it a five-star ANCAP rating - though at the time of writing, the car hasn’t yet been tested. 

However, buyers can option additional safety equipment for $1000. That grants the S an upgraded AEB system (high speed with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection), as well as adaptive cruise control, Driver Attention Alert+ (with forward vehicle move-away alert), an electronic parking brake, electric folding mirrors, auto up and down driver’s window and 15-inch rear disc brakes (to accommodate the electronic park brake).