First impression: NEW Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi X-Line
Behold the all-new, very attractive Kia Seltos. The Korean brand calls South Africa a key market in its global growth strategy, and that’s not just…
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Behold the all-new, very attractive Kia Seltos. The Korean brand calls South Africa a key market in its global growth strategy, and that’s not just launch-day flattery. The marque is backing South African operations with real infrastructure investment. Dealer numbers have grown from 66 to 82 in just two years.
Likewise, local sales climbed 53% over the same stretch. In fact, Kia is the fastest-growing non-Chinese manufacturer locally, which is saying a lot. And the Kia Seltos carries real weight in the story, too. Pound for pound, it’s the most valuable model in Kia’s compact SUV range at the moment.
The B-SUV class is South Africa’s most contested segment. Globally, it commands 17% share across emerging markets. That makes it the most popular segment of all. But Kia South Africa reckons one nameplate can’t cover such huge demand alone. Hence the Sonet, Seltos, Sportage and, to a lesser extent, new Carens. Moreover, within the new Kia Seltos offering, you have three engines and five spec derivatives. Everyone catered for.
Built on the corporation’s K3 platform, the new Kia Seltos borrows sexy Telluride styling cues. The outgoing model, which we loved, sold two million units globally since 2019. Kia isn’t messing with a winning formula here. Therefore, it is adopting an ‘opposites unite’ design philosophy. Square and tough on the outside, smooth and inviting on the inside. Flush-fitting door handles clean up the profile nicely. And you’ve got to admit it is quite the looker now …
Inside, two landscape screens merge into one seamless display for driver and passenger. Standard safety features from the base LS model include six airbags. Higher grades add all sorts, like fully automated driver assistance system (ADAS), wireless charge pad, heated/cooled seats and premium BOSE sound. 563 litres of boot space has grown by 103 litres from the outgoing model. A full 80 mm extra wheelbase benefits rear passenger leg room. The second-generation Kia Seltos is a properly spacious vehicle now …
On the launch route, we spent the most seat time in the 1.5 CRDi X-Line. This is the range’s diesel flagship and wears exclusive matte Dark Gun Metal Grey finish, with black alloy wheels (not pictured). The 1.5 CRDi makes a well-judged 85 kW and 250 Nm. And on the launch route we recorded an average fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km on the dot. This engine trades revs for shove and that healthy torque peak arrives at 1 500 rpm for easy going.
Best of all, the ADAS systems feel calibrated brilliantly in the new Kia Seltos (from X-Line and GT-Line). They work just as well as they might in a million-plus premium SUVs. We call that intuitive usability, and the Koreans have it down to an art form. In time, we look forward to testing the sub-R390k, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol manual LS that cash-conscious buyers will opt for. However, the quality in the higher-spec offerings is undeniable and, therefore, might prove the better-value buy.