Kia Seltos Sport+ 2024 Review

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD (front-wheel drive) is priced competitively against similarly equipped competitors, coming in at $36,080 plus on-road costs. The all-wheel drive version adds $3500.

Finding like-for-like spec with segment rivals is tough, but given the parts sharing you can’t get much closer than the Hyundai Kona N Line at $36,000 plus ORCs.

If you’re on a budget, the MG ZST represents a bargain from just $25,490 drive-away, thanks to discounts just announced by MG Australia, while the major Japanese brands all have solid contenders in class, including the Toyota Corolla Cross (from $33,980 plus ORCs), Nissan QASHQAI (from $33,890 plus ORCs), Honda HR-V (from $36,700 drive-away), Mazda CX-30 (from $33,140 plus ORCs) and Subaru Crosstrek (from $34,990 plus ORCs).

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ treads the middle ground in terms of standard kit. There’s a lot to like here, especially the 10.25-inch touch-screen for the infotainment, nabbed from higher grades in the 2023 update.

There’s also sat-nav, a digital instrument cluster, a ‘premium’ multi-function steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 17-inch alloys. Despite being halogen, the headlights do receive auto-dipping as well as LED daytime running lights.

On the flipside, the Sport+ FWD misses out on luxuries such as leather seats (it’s a combo of artificial leather and cloth), while the front pews also lack heating and electric operation. Forget about soft-touch materials and only the driver scores an auto up-down window function – which is a bit harsh.

Kia’s warranty, although no longer being unique or outright class-leading, is still a big deal. Seven years and unlimited kilometres is hard to beat when it comes to peace of mind.

Servicing comes up every 12 months or 12,000km, with prices averaging about $430 per annum across the first seven years.

The 2024 Kia Seltos range comes under the five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded back in 2019.

Safety equipment highlights include six airbags, high- and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist avoidance, junction turning assist, lane keep assist with semi-autonomous lane following assist, and blind spot monitoring (with active assist).

There’s also front and rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring and a rear-view camera.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD comes with Kia Connect, which offers app-based remote start/stop, vehicle tracking, weather reports and so on – with seven years of complimentary support.

Additionally, there are USB-A and USB-C charge points as well as a 12V power outlet. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB digital radio and a six-speaker audio system also feature.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD is powered by the ubiquitous Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carried over from other Hyundai/Kia models.

Its outputs are rather mediocre for the small SUV class, with 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque.

As you’d imagine given the ‘FWD’ model designation, drive is sent to the front axle only via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The towing capacity – not of great importance at this end of the SUV market – is quoted at 1100kg.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD has a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.9L/100km, while emitting 157g/km of CO2.

During our week of testing, we recorded 7.0L/100km on average. That’s pretty much spot-on with what could be expected in the real world.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD benefits from local tuning carried out for the ride and handling.

From behind the wheel, the dynamics are accurate, while passengers appreciate the well-tuned bump absorption and general NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression.

Although the front-drive Sport+ is suspended by a torsion beam rear axle rather than the more controlled and absorbent independent multi-link configuration used in AWD variants, there’s no obvious compromise in most driving conditions.

MacPherson struts are used up front on all Seltos grades.

The Kia Seltos Sport+ gains 17-inch alloys wrapped in 215/55 tyres. And although the grip and responsiveness levels aren’t elevated to the same point as the Seltos GT-Line, with its 18-inch wheels and low-profile 235/45 rubber, the Sport+ is predictable and assured enough.

The sharp steering swings from lock to lock in 2.5 turns for a tight 10.6-metre turning circle and the brakes are well suited to the small SUV’s capabilities, despite only having solid discs at the rear.

We’ve covered the fact that the acceleration is tardier than some of its key rivals, but the CVT does its darndest to mitigate that.

There is a constant, slightly unsettling rise and fall of revs when cruising on the open road as the adaptive cruise control goes about its business, though.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD certainly looks a lot more contemporary inside with the addition of a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen and digital dash.

Okay, it might be less visually interesting than the Sportage and a little older than the Hyundai Kona, but it’s a nice place to be. If you’re after a mix of considered style and ergonomic simplicity, then the Seltos Sport+ FWD excels.

Dimensionally the cabin is something of a surprise for the small SUV class. There’s enough space in the back seat to qualify the Seltos as a family hauler, especially when you consider the fact there’s 433 litres of cargo capacity – which expands to a whopping 1393 litres with the 60/40-split rear seats stowed.

Thankfully, rear air vents are standard, so the kids don’t bake or freeze depending on the season.

The upgraded screen really transforms the ambience within the mid-spec Seltos. You can shift the mood via the driving modes, too, with Eco, Normal and Sport offering differing hues throughout the cabin.

The steering wheel is an ergonomic win with intuitive, touch-friendly controls for items such as the sound system and radar cruise control.

The manual-adjust driver’s seat brings no complaints in terms of comfort or support and the softly padded centre console bin opens to reveal a relatively deep storage cubby.

There’s also a welcome fold-down centre arm rest in the rear.

The 2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD has plenty of charm and broad appeal to remain on the consideration set of prospective buyers, despite intensifying competition in the small SUV segment.

It offers benefits in terms of size, practicality and dynamics while being tied to a badge with increasing brand cachet. And you can’t forget that Kia offers a formidable seven-year warranty.

While the game is moving on with new and improved rivals, it certainly isn’t game, set and match yet for the Kia Seltos.

2024 Kia Seltos Sport+ FWD at a glance:
Price: $36,080 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 110kW/180Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 6.9/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 157g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)