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The 2021 Seltos SX Turbo AWD is Kia’s top-end model with a 1.6-liter turbo that produces 175 horsepower.
All that muscle doesn’t go quietly into that good night. It’s got a rowdy identity with 195 pounds-feet of torque. That brash feel comes in part from its two-tone exterior, which includes a black top roof. The Sofino leatherette seats feel comfortable and snug, as well as durable and easy to clean, which is a vital necessity if you have kids.
Even better — the rear suspension turns rough roads into easy-peasy Sunday rides. That is good news because often small crossovers are like the Princess and the Pea, with any little bump in the road turned into big drama. No drama with the price either, which for the crossover starts at around $29,000.
This smart car gets 25 mpg In the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The 2021 Seltos boasts a driver’s smart mode, which makes the shifting of the transmission mirror my driving habits, turning it into mini-Grant. I like that, but let me make it simple — I like to go fast.
So, how does it look inside? My eyes like the buffet of bells and whistles. It starts with a display that is 8 inches in size, which makes controlling it a breeze from the driver’s seat.
And we can’t forget the 7-inch LCD color instrument cluster.
Fog and LED headlights come as standard on this model.
Kia is in tune with my likes when it comes to the concert feel in the cabin, which includes a Bose Premium Audio system with eight speakers. The system sounded good to me whether it was playing Jimmy Buffet, Little Richard, Led Zeppelin or Prince’s homage to Batman called Batdance. It gave me joy in the soul all the way from Coral Gables to Miami Beach. I also can play anything from my deep trove of music using standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth Audio Streaming. Technology is a wonderful thing.
As usual, Kia doesn’t skimp on the safety features that include the all important pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warnings, forward collision avoidance, high beam assist and smart cruise Control. UVO link with navigation also comes standard, so you won’t have any trouble finding everything from Arbetter Hot Dogs for lunch or the Redfish restaurant for dinner.
For me, this is a great crossover that is fun to drive and gets you there with a smile on your face.
