Kia Problems

There are many SUVs that would fit within your budget. I would suggest you try a Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Isuzu MU-X, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The question of whether the Kia is too small compared to the Subaru or Toyota really comes down to your individual situation, Greg. However, while the Seltos is marketed as a competitor for the Mazda CX-3 or Hyundai Kona it is much larger than both those compact cross-overs, measuring up only 40mm shorter than its larger Sportage sibling! It is a great-looking machine but I’d go for an all-wheel-drive model to avoid the 2WD’s antiquated torsion-beam rear-end.

In short, no, there is no software upgrade available. The head unit was changed for the 2019 model, and it is the new unit that has the capability of Apple and Android compatibility.

Service costs won’t be affected, but some people might be put off because it’s no longer on sale. Parts will still be readily available through Kia for a long time to come.

You can get a good feel for a car’s quality simply by looking at things like the paint finish, the panel fit, the feel of the doors as they open and shut, the touch of the trim and plastics in the cabin. Kia’s quality is generally good; I can’t see any reason why you should be disappointed with the Cerato.

Kia told us that the tow bar is available for all current Cerato models, except the GT. Due to late changes in the rear design of the GT it was necessary to restart the design and validation process for that car well after the other models. It is in development and it’s hoped it will be available by the first month or so of next year.

It wouldn’t hurt to change the fluid, but it’s more likely to be in the valve body.

The Kia Rio only requires 91RON unleaded. The engine is tuned for that octane rating, so you won’t gain anything, apart from more space in your wallet, by switching to 95 or 98RON fuel. Despite every premium petrol marketing campaign suggesting otherwise, running on more expensive fuel won’t gain you any performance or greater fuel economy, so stick with 91.  

I assume it’s with AM reception. It’s usually put down to the antenna. The most likely reason they’re ignoring it is that there is little they can do about it. You could take it to a car radio specialist and see what they might be able to do about the problem.

It’s rated to tow 1700 kg with a trailer equipped with brakes, and 750 kg if the trailer has no brakes. Fitting a towbar won’t affect the warranty.