I don’t think you even need to read this review to know that I will be praising the Kia Seltos. It is pretty obvious by now that I am a huge Kia fan. I need to stop droning on about it, but guys, it is quite difficult when Kia continues to produce such excellent quality. The updated Kia Seltos is yet another example of this.
The Seltos hit our shores in 2019 and so was due an update before we see an all new model arrive. Looking at it from the outside, you will notice a few tiny tweaks here and there, especially to the front and the rear. Such as a new headlamp design, a new iteration of Kia’s “Tiger nose” grille, and redesigned daytime running lights. The tailgate has been completely redesigned and incorporates Kia’s “star map” lighting signature. There are new alloy wheel designs and a new colour with the unfortunate name of Pewter Olive.
But inside is where we see the biggest change. The entire centre facia has been redesigned which now aligns with one of my favs, the Sportage. The higher spec models get a 10.25-inch curved touchscreen display. Everything just works in this cabin. From the quality feel to the graphics to the tech. It is all seamless and makes for a really pleasant place to be. Kia asked its current Seltos customers what stands out about this compact SUV and it came down to looks and space. It is certainly nailing it on those fronts.
It is also nailing it in terms of engine options. This is the only compact SUV in the segment that is offered with a turbodiesel engine. And this makes me love Kia even more. They are sticking to their guns and providing what their customers are after. Even though there are two new petrol options for the Seltos, it’s still the 1.5-litre diesel engine that does it for me. It whips out 85 kW and 250 Nm and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption readings are often under 5l/100 km, which means that any of you coming at me with a hybrid rival can be put in your place.
There is obviously the flagship GT-Line with its new 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, which puts out 118 kW and 253 Nm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. And sure, it comes with all the bells and whistles, but it is the most costly of the line-up and I don’t think one needs to stretch their budget to this derivative when you have the likes of the EX and EX Plus guises with a diesel motor. The Seltos is comprehensibly specced, regardless of trim level, so save a buck or two and opt for one of the diesels I mention above.
If you’re after a rival, there are so many. This segment is probably the most complicated of any. One can compare compact SUVs on price, size, and spec and the results would be endless. You can look at a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or a Hyundai Creta to a Volkswagen T-Roc to a Chery Tiggo Pro 7 or even 8 and also the Haval Jolion. I mean, the list is quite literally endless.
But what the Seltos offers is exceptional quality. Sure, the Chinese brands offer incredible value for money, and in the market we currently find ourselves in, this cannot be ignored and is probably the biggest drawcard. But if you want a product that is well-specced and refined, look no further than the Seltos.
PRICING OF THE KIA SELTOS
All Seltos models come standard with Kia’s industry-leading unlimited km/five-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance, as well as a five-year/90,000 km service plan.
- Kia Seltos 1.5 LX Manual: R 467,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 LX CVT: R 492,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi LX Auto: R 521,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 EX CVT: R 532,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Auto: R 561,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R 570,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Plus Auto: R 599,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line DCT: R 626,995
