A wide range of powertrains for the all-new Kia Seltos

In this context, the 1.6 GDi Style full-hybrid with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive, priced at 37,500, stands out both for its CO₂ emissions of 113 g/km (as per type-approval), which minimise the tax impact on employee benefits and improve the company’s sustainability performance, as well as for its equipment, offers features designed to optimise total cost of ownership (TCO).

The fuel economy figures for the full hybrid are impressive and are expected to be around 20 km/l – approximately 20 km/l (equivalent to around 5 l/100 km). The full hybrid variant is due to arrive in the coming weeks and is the most attractive option for fleets from a tax perspective; to assess the qualities of the new model, we tested the petrol version, which offers plenty of interior space, comfortable seats and a wide range of features. The dashboard is dominated by a dual display with satisfactory ergonomics (unlike many Chinese models), thanks in part to the inclusion of physical controls.

Furthermore, the boot capacity is impressive, despite the car’s modest dimensions. In fact, the boot capacity ranges from 536 litres to 1,494 litres when the seats are folded down. A volume that’s more than up to the task of an Ikea trip.

The minimalist style of the interior design prioritises both practicality – thanks to numerous storage compartments and USB sockets, including those at the rear – and ergonomics, as it keeps the physical controls for the dual-zone climate control, the vehicle’s functions, as well as the shortcuts on the 12.3-inch infotainment display. The latter, which forms the most comprehensive version of Kia’s widescreen display, is paired with the configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster via the 5-inch climate control display; it is based on Android Automotive and integrates a voice assistant with regenerative AI, the OTA protocol for updating the car’s software, wireless charging and connectivity for smartphones – which is also useful for mirroring navigation apps – and the Kia app’s functions for remotely managing many of the car’s features.

Although it is the mid-range trim level across all Seltos variants, the Style offers a higher-spec equipment package as it includes all the ADAS features for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, full LED headlights and – a feature that is rarely seen, if not entirely absent from price lists, and which has a positive impact on total cost of ownership – any body colour.