Launched in 2019, Kia’s Seltos has established itself as one of Australia’s most popular small SUVs.

Sales figures for June 2023 confirm it sits in fourth place in its category, snapping hard at the heels of the Haval Jolion and Mazda CX-30.

Despite solid sales, this trio are convincingly outsold by the sharply priced Chinese-manufactured MG ZS, which includes the relatively affordable MG ZS EV in its range.

In late 2022 the Seltos was given some additional appeal via model year ’23 enhancements to its powertrain, design, and technology.

There’s also additional safety, comfort and convenience features across the restyled range.

The updated Seltos is available in four trim levels – S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line – with two powertrains giving buyers a choice of six variants.

Available in all trim levels is a carry-over Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre MPI engine and CVT auto combination with unchanged outputs of 110kW/180Nm.

The other engine, an updated Smartstream 1.6-litre T-GDI, is fitted exclusively to the Sport+ and GT-Line models which are also AWD.

The entry-level 2.0-litre S FWD starts the range with a recommended retail of $29,500, rising to $41,500 for the top-spec GT-Line with the same powertrain.

If the additional performance of a turbo engine and AWD grip tickle your fancy, then the Sport + lists at $39,300 and the GT-Line at $44,900.

Kia offers driveaway deals on the Seltos range with the two models we sampled – the Sport+ 2.0-litre and the GT-Line 1.6 Turbo AWD – available for $38,490 and $47,690, respectively.

MY23 prices are up across the range by between $2,010 and $2,410, although 2.0-litre GT-Line buyers cop a $2,710 slug, which is justified in part by that model’s refreshed trim and more generous standard equipment.

This includes features that are new to the GT-Line, including a powered driver’s seat with two-position memory, power tailgate, additional technology and a sporty D-cut steering wheel.

The risk for Kia in hiking the prices of its high-grade Seltos models is that it might encourage buyers to look harder at the 23 other rivals in this hotly contested segment, or even step up in price and size to the medium SUV segment.

Seltos rivals available in FWD and AWD include the Mazda CX-30 ($30,210-$45,310) and Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross 1.5-litre turbo ($31,490-$42,990).

Subaru’s AWD-only Crosstrek is priced from $34,990 to $41,490, while FWD- only rivals include the impressive new Nissan Qashqai ($33,890 to $47,390), and the best-selling MG ZS and ZST twins with driveaway pricing of $23,990 to $34,990.

Hyundai’s closely related Kona, with the same 2.0-litre or 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines and the option of FWD or AWD, is priced from $26,900 to $43,200.

As it stands, Seltos GT-Line pricing pushes perilously close to the feisty 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbo Hyundai Kona N ($49,200), and the driveaway pricing of the fully electric MG ZS EV also undercuts it.

As is tradition with a model refresh, Kia’s stylists have given the exterior a few tweaks.

At the front there’s a new front bumper and prominent skid plate garnish, and at the rear there’s a subtle redesign of the bumper.

GT-Line models get new signature lighting treatment front and rear, including vertically arranged front foglamps, and new LED taillights with a connecting LED-strip.

Other model grades feature a piece of reflector trim in lieu of the LED strip.

Side mirrors with integrated turn signals are now standard on all models, while Seltos S features a new 16-inch alloy wheel (previously steel), with other models wearing redesigned machine finish alloys – 17-inch on Sport and Sport+, and 18-inch on GT Line.

The revised turbo engine outputs now run to 146kW @ 6000 rpm, a 12% bump in power, with maximum torque unchanged at 265Nm between 1,600-4,500rpm.

A new camshaft and valve control system, and integrated thermal management contribute to the incremental gains, which also improve fuel efficiency.

Arguably a bigger change is the fact the turbo engine now mates to Kia’s slick eight-speed torque convertor, in lieu of the previous seven-speed DCT, delivering a smoother and more efficient drive.

The revised engine and new gearbox are happy bedfellows, the ’box sliding easily though the ratios and keeping the force-fed four-pot on song.

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As with the CVT-equipped versions, there’s a sports and manual mode for the gearbox, but no paddle shifters with either transmission.

The 2.0-litre engine and CVT combo is mostly unobtrusive in operation and gets the job done effectively enough, providing an acceptable level of performance.

It never feels underdone, but there’s no doubt the turbo engine feels more committed, responsive and refined.

Both engines are tuned to accept standard ULP with official combined cycle fuel consumption for the naturally aspirated and turbo engines of 6.9 and 7.4 litres/100km, respectively.

Helpfully, Kia has also fitted slightly larger diameter brake discs to the front and rear of the turbo models, to rein in the extra performance.

Interior technology has been updated with digital displays replacing analogue gauges across the range.

All bar the entry-level Seltos S feature a dual 10.25-inch display like what’s found in the Kia Sportage and EV6, and a new climate control panel.

The S grade gets a smaller digital driver display.

All Seltos variants now have air vents and USB-C charging for added rear occupant comfort and convenience.

The GT-Line also gets heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, sunroof, wireless device charging, eight-speaker Bose premium audio, interior mood lighting, and a head-up display.

Additionally, all models from Seltos Sport and above feature Kia Connect, the brand’s new connected car technology, which was previously only available on the Niro SUV.

The technology is complimentary for the first seven years of ownership and uses telematics to transmit real-time data such as weather and traffic information, plus a range of safety, security, convenience and connectivity benefits.

With Kia Connect, owners can connect with their Seltos remotely by using a Smartphone app that allows syncing of calendars, journey planning, and more.

A valet mode protects the owner’s personal information while being driven by a third party, and vehicle information while in valet mode can also be viewed through the app.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, although only the base model provides wireless connection.

Voice recognition is also standard, allowing occupants to make voice activated phone calls and to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.

Range-wide safety features includes six airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features across the range.

Additional tech on the Sport+ and GT-Line include lead vehicle departure alert, the addition of cyclist avoidance to the AEB and forward collision warning systems, and an electro-chromatic auto dim interior mirror.

Smart cruise control is also fitted to the Sport+ and GT-Line, but only the latter gets rain-sensing wipers.

There’s no multi-view camera system available even on the GT-Line, but all variants score a reversing camera with guide lines and park sensors at both ends, and the Seltos’ compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.

All models above the entry-level Seltos S are equipped with a matching full-size alloy spare wheel, with the base model making do with a less practical space-saver spare. A tyre pressure monitoring system is standard across the board.

The Seltos offers more interior occupant space than some rival small SUVs, with a usefully-sized load area that expands courtesy of 60:40 split flat-folding rear seat.

Models with a full-size spare afford 433 litres of load space and 1393 litres (both VDA) with the rear seat folded.

The S model’s space-saver spare liberates an additional 35 litres of cargo volume in either configuration.

The interior is neatly finished and put together.

Cloth seat trim is used on the S and Sport grades while the Sport+ features cloth and artificial leather.

Moving up to the GT-Line brings ‘premium’ artificial leather.

The generously deployed hard looking plastics of the dash and cabin furnishings are softened slightly by a mix of soft-touch trims, moulded stitch details, and gloss black inserts.

On the road, the refreshed Seltos delivers an easy and pleasing drive experience.

The steering is nicely weighted and accurate with a suitable level of road feel, and the handling feels secure and confidently nimble through twists and turns.

The ride quality is a nicely balanced trade-off between taut, comfortable and composed.

Kia’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a capped-price servicing program adds further to the appealing Seltos package.

The first seven services for the 2.0-litre model total $3,040 with scheduled services at 12-month/15,000km intervals, while turbo models require servicing at 12-month/10,000km intervals with the first seven services costing $3,479.

Company ads for Seltos target cool young hipsters, but brand execs say the model has been tailored for a wide range of lifestyles, and that it has proven appeal with singles, couples and families.

As such, this latest evolution of Kia’s compact SUV is an improved and undeniably impressive package, but the accompanying price increases may dent its popularity in fiscally challenging times.

Key stats

• PRICE: $44,900 (MLP)
• ENGINE: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: 5 stars (2019)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION combined cycle: 7.4L/100km (175 g/km CO₂)
• FOR: Spacious for small SUV, additional oomph of updated turbo engine, long warranty, generous standard features, full-size spare wheel, new connected car technology.
• AGAINST: More expensive than some key competitors, hard interior plastic trims, no multi-view camera available.