The Ins and Outs of the 2023 Kia Seltos’ 1.6L Turbo Motor

If you’re going to be a subcompact crossover like the Kia Seltos, you need to be efficient. That’s a given but the challenge when it comes to these vehicles is that many buyers also want to have some fun while they’re at it, and they want a little more power and styling to go with their CUV’s capabilities.

That’s where turbo power comes in, as it does well to provide good, punchy power without punching owners too hard in the wallet.

The Seltos SX Turbo gets a 1.6-litre turbo engine that cranks out a healthy 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which are figures normally reserved for performance hatchbacks or smaller sports cars. Or, if you want to be really generous, the kind of power normally associated with bigger, thirstier V6 engines.

It’s not just about the power, either, but how it’s made. This motor comes equipped with a technology called carriable valve duration, which is an expansion on the variable valve timing (VTT) tech that has become commonplace in cars today. This “plus” version of VVT allows intake valves to be open for shorter or longer spans, which constantly alters how much air is allowed to enter the combustion chamber and make the most of it.

In addition, this motor uses a higher pressure injection system to optimize efficiency at lower speeds – perfect for when stuck in stop-and-go rush hour traffic – and you also get a longer stroke on the engine for more efficiency still, and more smoothness.

It all adds up to a compact, efficient turbo motor that is the perfect fit for a vehicle like the Seltos, and it contributes to bake the Seltos one of the coolest-looking, efficient and fun-to-drive subcompact crossovers available on the market toiday.