One of the most noticeable changes to the new Kia Seltos is its exterior design, which represents an evolution of the original design while incorporating elements of Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language. With generous dimensions, the Seltos not only looks much bigger than its closest competitors thanks to a long bonnet, the strong character line on the front bumper and the sharp lines pressed into the bodywork, but it is easily one of the largest and most practical compact SUVs available in SA today.
The headlights of the Seltos have been redesigned to align more closely with Kia’s new ‘Star Map’ lighting signature. The Seltos now features a larger tiger nose grille, repositioned LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper with new layout for the front foglamps.
The Seltos has been significantly updated at the rear where it now features a completely redesigned tailgate that incorporates redesigned taillights connected horizontally below the rear window, replacing the chrome garnish used previously and making way for Kia’s new Star Map lighting signature to be applied to the rear too.
The new Seltos range rides on redesigned alloy wheels, with two 16-inch options as a well as a new 18-inch design that is reserved for the range topping GT-Line model.
As part of the refresh, a variety of colours are also available with Pewter Olive joining favourites such as Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver metallic, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic and Intense Red. There are also two available two-tone options, which combine either Glacier White Pearl or Intense Red with a black roof.
New engine and transmission options across the range
The updated Kia Seltos range retains the powerful and exceptionally frugal 1.5-litre CRDi engine and is joined by two new petrol-powered engines as well as a new transmission option. The Seltos CRDi is powered by the 1 493cc UII common-rail direct injection engine that utilises a variable geometry turbocharger to offer 85kW at 4 000rpm and 250Nm from 1 500rpm. The engine is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Seltos will now be available with a second-generation version of Kia’s Gamma 1.5-litre normally aspirated engine. This 1 497cc engine develops 84kW at 6 300rpm and 144Nm at 4 500rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is completed in 12,3 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 170km/h. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Customers who prefer turbocharged performance will enjoy the new Kappa 1.5-litre T-GDi unit fitted to the GT-Line derivative. This 1 482cc turbocharged engine delivers 118kW at 6 000rpm and 253Nm from 1 500rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 8,9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 195km/h. This engine is only available alongside the seven-speed dual clutch transmission, which ensures maximum performance, fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Safety comes standard As with all Kia vehicles, the safety shell design of the Seltos is inherent to the excellent safety credentials of the vehicle. All models are also fitted with six airbags, Isofix child seat anchors, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), central locking and an immobiliser. All models also come standard with rear park distance control sensors and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, integrated into the vehicle’s touchscreen infotainment system. Mid and high spec models gain front parking sensors and Hill-start Assist Control.
Revised model line up Kia has repositioned the entire Seltos range in line with its approach to offer customers maximum choice across a compact range without compromising on standard specification or value for money.
Seltos LX
The Seltos LX is a high-value model that represents the entry point into the range. The higher specification level is a direct result of the rigorous competitor analysis and extensive research amongst existing customers as well as target customers in the segment.
LX models are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and side mirror trim, LED daytime running lights and automatic headlight control. The interior features black cloth upholstery with height adjustment for the driver’s seat. The leather clad steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, and the second-row seatbacks split in a 60:40 fashion to free up additional cargo space as required. Driver’s benefit from a 4,2-inch Supervision TFT cluster, automatic light control, electric windows all round, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, manual air-conditioning and cruise control. An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard and incorporates Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six-speakers are standard as are USB ports front and rear. The Seltos LX is available in petrol and diesel models, with a choice between six-speed manual or CVT on the 1.5MPI. The 1.5 CRDi is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Seltos EX
The Seltos builds on the LX offering with the addition of a new 17-inch alloy wheel. Inside, a storage box with integrated armrest is added between the front seats, which now feature artificial leather upholstery. Drivers gain the convenience of an electronic parking brake and Smart Entry with push-button start. The air-conditioning system is upgraded to dual automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad is added, and the touchscreen infotainment system is upgraded to a 10,25-inch screen. The addition of Drive Mode Select allows the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart modes. The Seltos EX is only available in 1.5 CVT or 1.5 CRDi six-speed automatic guise.
Seltos EX Plus
The Seltos EX takes the interior specification one step further with a 10.25-inch fully digital cluster and the addition of mood lighting. On the outside, the headlights, front fog lamps as well as taillights have been upgraded to LED units which include sequential LED indicator lamps, while the tiger nose grille has been upgraded to feature a high-gloss black finish along with satin chrome detailing. The Seltos EX Plus rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. The Seltos EX Plus is only available as a 1.5 CVT or 1.5 CRDi derivative in conjunction with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Seltos GT-Line
The Seltos GT-Line benefits from upgraded engine and performance as well as a variety of additional specification. On the exterior this includes GT-Line specific bumpers with colour coded inserts, new 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers. Exclusive to the GT-Line model is a panoramic sunroof.
The interior gains sporty touches such as alloy pedals, paddle shifters and a head-up display unit. The cruise control system is upgraded to a Smart Cruise Control system and a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems have been added, including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. The Seltos GT-Line is only available as a 1.5 T-GDi with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Model range and pricing
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX Manual: R467 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX CVT: R492 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi LX Auto: R521 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX CVT: R532 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Auto: R561 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R570 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Plus Auto: R599 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line DCT: R626 995
All Kia Seltos models are sold with an Unlimited Kilometre/five-year warranty, inclusive of roadside assistance as well as a pre-paid 5 year / 90 000km service plan.
