Kia Philippines has two entries in the subcompact crossover race. But while the Seltos arrived almost a year earlier, it feels like the Stonic has been the more visible between the two in the Korean carmaker’s stable.
It may not look like it, but the Kia Seltos shares its bones with the Hyundai Kona
Much of it likely has to do with the Stonic’s more youthful styling and lower price tag, but that’s not saying that the Seltos doesn’t have its merits. For one thing, at least the latter is still very much alive in South Korea, while the Stonic has been discontinued in its home market on account of low sales. Seltos units sold in the Philippines are based on the SP2 version marketed in South Korea, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Kona.
Let’s find out how much you’ll need to save up if you’re looking to get the keys to your very own Kia Seltos.
Kia Seltos LX 2.0 AT
The base Seltos variant already packs a decent amount of kit, spearheaded by the trademark tiger nose grille up front surrounded by projector-type halogen headlamps with automatic light control. Front and rear skid plates reflect the crossover’s sporty aspirations, while the black beltline molding gives the greenhouse a sleek look. The spoiler-mounted LED stop lamp complements the standard rear combination lamps.
The trademark tiger nose grille is the first thing you'll see
Up to five occupants can fit in the cabin seated on cloth upholstery, with the driver and front passenger getting vanity mirrors on the visor. The 3-spoke polyurethane steering wheel can be adjusted for reach and rake, incorporating audio controls. Rear seats can be split-fold 60:40 for easier access to the rear cargo area.
Under the engine bay sits a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing that’s standard across the range, good for 147 hp and 179 Nm of torque. This is mated to an intelligent variable transmission supplying power to the front wheels. Dual airbags, seatbelts, ISOFix anchors, and anti-lock brakes are part of the default safety features.
Retailing for Php 1,098,000, the entry-level Seltos is payable in 36 monthly installments of Php 30,709 if you shell out a downpayment of 20 percent or Php 219,600. Doubling the downpayment to 40 percent or Php 439,200 lowers the monthly to Php 23,032, while going for a 48-month payment term at the same rate will only require a recurring bill of Php 18,536.
Kia Seltos EX 2.0 AT
The midrange trim level offers LED daytime running lights along with halogen fog lamps for increased illumination. Turn signal indicators are mounted on the body-color exterior mirrors, which feature power adjustment. The cabin now offers cloth and leatherette seat material, as well as increased storage by way of a front passenger seat pocket and a console box between the front seats.
If you're carrying more cargo than company, the rear seats fold flat
The gray dashboard with silver accent plays host to an 8-inch touchscreen with radio receiver, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, pumping out the tunes through a 6-speaker setup. Cruise control is standard, along with a reverse camera offering a rear-view driving function.
Pricing for the Seltos EX AT stands at Php 1,198,000, with a 30 percent downpayment or Php 359,000 returning 48 monthly payments of Php 23,595. If you extend the contract to 60 months and increase the downpayment to 50 percent or Php 599,000, the monthly only amounts to Php Php 14,440.
Kia Seltos SX 2.0 AT
The range-topping Seltos offers the most complete array of features in the range, from LED headlamps and LED fog lamps to roof rails and LED taillights. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels completes the stance. Smart keyless entry allows ingress to the cabin, where a standard instrument panel featuring analog gauges sits just beyond the leather steering wheel.
The 2.0-liter gasoline inline-4 is standard across the range
The console box now comes with a sliding armrest, and occupants benefit from automatic climate control. A push-start button ignites the engine, while dual power outlets in front let you allow for charging your mobile devices on the go. Apart from the standard safety features on the lower trims, the Seltos SX also offers six airbags, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, and hill-start assist.
The Seltos SX carries a price tag of Php 1,505,000, with a monthly rate of Php 42,092 for 36 months with a 20 percent downpayment or Php 301,000. Doubling this to 40 percent or Php 602,000 and extending the contract to 48 months brings down the amortization to Php 25,407, or even lower at Php 21,768 on a 60-month term.
As always, these are all estimates, exclusive of other costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and registration at the end of the first three years of ownership. Your nearest Kia dealer will be able to give you a more accurate computation based on your current budget.
Find more tips that add up to a great car ownership experience at Philkotse.com.