Kia has introduced a new Seltos to the South African market with an updated exterior design, a significantly upgraded interior and a pair of upgraded powertrains. At the same time the Seltos range has also been revised and repositioned, to ensure that its established quality and reliability is enhanced by an even greater value proposition.
Updated exterior design
One of the most noticeable changes to the new Kia Seltos is to its exterior design which represents a striking evolution of the original design. Upfront the Seltos benefits from a number of aesthetic upgrades inspired by Kia’s award-winning Opposites United design philosophy. The headlights have been redesigned to align more closely with Kia’s Star Map lighting signature. The tiger nose grille has grown in size, the LED daytime running lights repositioned and the front bumper redesigned with a new layout for the foglamps all combining to create a vertically aligned visage that thoroughly updates the muscular front-end of the car.
Changes along the side are limited to updated mouldings at the bottom of the doorline. The new Seltos range also benefits from a set of redesigned alloy wheels, with the range now offering two 16-inch options as well as a new 18-inch design that is reserved for the range-topping GT-Line model.
At the rear the Seltos has been treated to a completely redesigned tailgate that incorporates redesigned taillights connected horizontally below the rear window, this allows Kia’s new Star Map lighting signature to be applied to the rear as well.
Future ready interior
Like its larger Sportage sibling, the interior of the Seltos is a state-of-the-art driver-orientated space. The most notable change to the interior of the Seltos is in the cockpit where a redesigned centre fascia and a beautifully sculpted, integrated curved display with a slim touchscreen pad and detailed air vents take pride of place. Depending on the model, a high-tech 10.25-inch screen acts as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs. However, the Seltos retains a number of physical buttons for a number of important functions.
Power and efficiency for all
The new Kia Seltos range continues to make use of the exceptionally frugal 1.5-litre CRDi engine, but now features two new petrol-powered options along with a new transmission option.
The Seltos CRDI is powered by Kia’s 1 493cc common-rail direct injection engine, which utilises a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver 85kW at 4 000rpm and 250Nm from 1 500rpm.
The first of two new petrol-powered options is the 1.5-litre normally aspirated engine that develops 84kW at 6 300rpm and 144Nm at 4 500rpm. This engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission or a new continuously variable transmission.
The new 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi engine is sure to appeal to those customers who prefer a sportier drive. This powerplant offers 118kW of power at 6 000rpm and 253Nm from 1 500rpm and is only available alongside a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Standard safety equipment
All Kia Seltos models are equipped with six airbags as standard as well as Isofix child seat anchors, ABS brakes with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, central locking and an immobiliser.
All models are also fitted with rear park distance control sensors and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, integrated into the touchscreen infotainment system. Mid and high-spec models also gain front parking sensors and Hill-start Assist control.
Repositioned range
The new Seltos LX takes all the best features of the outgoing Seltos EX to create a new high-value model as an entry point into the range. LX models are now fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, LED daytime running lights and automatic headlight control. Remote central locking, an alarm and immobiliser as well as keyless entry is also standard fare. The interior features black cloth upholstery and a leather clad steering wheel. Ahead of the driver is a 4.2-inch Supervision TFT cluster while an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard. The Seltos LX is available in petrol and diesel paired to either a six-speed manual or CVT on 1.5MPI models while the 1.5CRDI is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Seltos EX builds on the LX offering with the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside it boasts a central storage box with integrated armrest, artificial leather upholstery, an electronic parking brake and smart entry with push button start. The air-conditioning is upgraded to dual automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad is added, and the touchscreen infotainment system grows to a 10,25-inch screen. Drive mode select is also added. The Seltos EX is only available as a 1.5 CVT or 1.5 CRDi six-speed automatic.
The Seltos EX Plus take the specification offered 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 are upgraded to LED units, inclusive of sequential LED indicator lamps. The tiger nose grille is upgraded to high-gloss black with signature satin chrome detailing and the interior is completed by the addition of sporty 18-inch alloy wheels. The Seltos EX Plus is only available as a 1.5 CVT or 1.5 CRDi six-speed automatic.
The Seltos GT-Line not only benefits from an upgraded engine and performance, but also from a variety of specification upgrades. This includes GT-Line specific bumpers with colour-coded inserts, 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and a panoramic sunroof.
The interior is differentiated by sporty touches such as alloy pedals, paddle shifters and a head up display unit. The cruise control is upgraded to a smart cruise control system and includes a number of advanced driver assistance systems 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
All Seltos models are sold as standard with Kia’s industry-leading unlimited kilometre/five-year warranty, inclusive of roadside assistance. In addition a pre-paid five-year/90 000km service plan is included.
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
