The smooth 1.6 turbo, rated at 195 HP, is hooked up to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is very smooth and is generally very well matched to the automatic. This power combination is smoother and quieter than it is in the related Hyundai Kona. The 1.6 turbo engine does not have a stop-start system, which is appreciated by some drivers as it doesn’t have to be turned off each time the car is started. The steering is nicely weighted, quick, holds its line well on the highway but is not the last word in road feel. Braking is strong, with good pedal feel and no lost motion. The ride-handling balance on our X-Line trim is a result of careful development.

The 2L four the EX all-wheel drive model performs well and is very refined, except when pushed hard, when it becomes raucous. The CVT is very well matched to the engine and many drivers would easily be convinced that the transmission is a conventional hydraulic device. The Seltos exhibits a good balance of ride and handling, but is not the last word in precision. Steering is nicely weighted and precise but, like the handling, is lacks road feel. Unless really pushed hard, when it loses its composure, the Seltos feels like a remarkably refined and well-sorted car for the price.

The updated cabin is dominated buy a wide and shallow computer tablet that takes up the left two-thirds of the dashboard. Driving functions are displayed in the from of the driver and infotainment readouts are shown over the dash centre stack. Several gauge themes can be chosen from, including a “Blue Sky” choice that overlays information over a horizon. The audio system is controlled by conventional knobs for on-off-volume and tuning. The dash centre stack-mounted climate controls include buttons for fan speed, distribution and temperature. The radio speaker grilles bear an odd   landscape of triangulated shapes. It looks like a lot of effort was expended to create a visually disconcerting effect, effort than could have been spent on improving the mediocre sound of the audio equipment. Buttons controlling the heated and cooled seats, steering wheel heat, brake hold, hand brake and a few others, are neatly arrayed on the centre console. The conventional PRNDL shifter works with an expensive-feeling precision. The front seats are substantial, grip the driver well and are comfortable. The seats are clad in an attractive vinyl upholstery. There are a lot of matte-finished hard plastic surfaces on the dashboard and door tops, which is disappointing for the expensive X-Line trim driven by the APA. The rear seat is comfortable and has good room for adults. Cargo space is shallow below the window line.

The base engine for the Seltos is a 146 horsepower 2L four, with a 195 horsepower 1.6L turbo four found under the hood of the top X-Line and SX trims. The 2L is hooked up to a CVT, with an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission mated to the turbo.

A comprehensive active safety suite with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keeping system and blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings are standard equipment. All-wheel drive is priced at $2000 for the LX and $1900 for the EX. Buyers need to step up to the EX to get leather seating and the EX AWD is the avenue to a sunroof. Navigation, a power tailgate and power front seats are part of the EX Premium model. The SX trim is powered by a 1.6L turbo four hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and adds a head-up display system and a Bose-branded audio system. The X-Line is essentially a Black Out trim variant that looks overpriced.

Not rated, insufficient data. The Seltos should exhibit average reliability during the warranty period. Failures reported for the 2L four after the powertrain warranty expires.