Kia Seltos GT LINE: Not Your Average Grocery Getter
Now, I typically wouldn't be caught dead in a small SUV. But the good people at Kia offered up their latest hotshot, the 2024 Seltos GT LINE, and colour me intrigued. On paper, it boasts a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a suite of tech features that would make a Tesla blush. So, I took it out for a spin, ready to be underwhelmed by a jacked-up shopping cart. Let's just say, the Seltos GT LINE surprised the living daylights out of me.
Under the Hood: A Tiger in Sheep's Clothing
First things first, let's address the elephant in the showroom, or rather, the tiger in the engine bay. The Seltos GT LINE ditches the usual lackluster offerings of the small SUV segment, opting instead for a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little beast pumps out a healthy 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, which, for reference, is more than a base Porsche Macan. Now, we're not talking about supercar territory here, but for a pint-sized SUV, it's enough to get your heart racing.
Mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is fantastic. Gone are the days of sluggish acceleration that plagues many SUVs in this class. The Seltos GT LINE scoots off the line with surprising eagerness, urging you to find an empty stretch of road. And speaking of roads, the all-wheel-drive system ensures you get all that power to the ground, regardless of the conditions. Whether you're carving up canyon corners or tackling a snowy driveway, the Seltos GT LINE inspires confidence.
Taming the Beast: Handling and Performance
Now, throwing a powerful engine in a car doesn't necessarily translate to a good driving experience. Thankfully, Kia's engineers haven't ignored the handling. The Seltos GT LINE corners surprisingly flat, with minimal body roll despite its higher center of gravity. The steering is nicely weighted, offering a good balance between responsiveness and comfort. It won't win any awards for being the sharpest tool in the shed, but it's confidence-inspiring and predictable, exactly what you want in a daily driver. Of course, it's not all about speed and handling. The Seltos GT LINE manages to deliver a comfortable ride, even with the larger 18-inch wheels. It absorbs bumps and imperfections with aplomb, making it a great companion for long commutes or weekend getaways.
Tech Savvy and Packed with Features
Kia has always been known for offering a lot of car for the money, and the Seltos GT LINE is no exception. The cabin is awash with tech features, including a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bose eight-speaker sound system delivers crisp audio, perfect for blasting your tunes on a road trip. Safety features are abundant as well, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control all included as standard.
The interior itself is a pleasant surprise. While some small SUVs feel cramped and plasticky, the Seltos GT LINE offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials. The seats are supportive and well-bolstered, keeping you comfortable on long journeys. There's ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for small families or groups of friends.
The Verdict: A Small SUV That Packs a Punch
Look, I came into this review expecting a boring grocery getter masquerading as a sporty SUV. But the 2024 Kia Seltos GT LINE left me genuinely impressed. It's a small SUV that punches well above its weight in terms of performance, handling, and features. The turbocharged engine provides surprising pep, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures you have all-weather capability.
Sure, it might not be the most hardcore performance machine, but for those seeking a fun and practical everyday driver with a touch of excitement, the Seltos GT LINE is a compelling option. Kia has managed to create a small SUV that's not only practical but also downright enjoyable to drive. And that, in my book, is a win.
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