Kia Seltos crosses over
By Murali Naidu
South Korean automaker Kia has finally released its Hyundai Creta rival, the Seltos. The car was introduced in November 2019 to dealers; however, the national media launch only took place very recently. We travelled down to picturesque Western Cape, to sample the new model.
Exterior
The Seltos most certainly inherits the Kia family face, with the familiar 'tiger-nose grille', LED headlights with a blade-like design as well as LED taillights and 3D multi-layer indicators. Its shoulder line provides a muscular stance while at the rear, its LED taillamps, thick chrome strip and angular surfaces ake for a handsome crossover SUV. In GT-Line specification, the Seltos gain features such as a front splitter, a faux rear diffuser and diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Inside
The interior is similarly impressive, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Sound Mood Lighting along with an optional eight-speaker Bose audio system. Other niceties for a car in this segment include an 8.0-inch Head-up display on higher-spec models, soft-touch materials in the areas that count and comfortable, decoratively-designed seats, regardless of the model on offer.
On offer to the press at launch were EX+ and GT-Line derivatives and which both display a high-quality fit and finish. The GT-Line features leather-trimmed dashboard and interior door handles with sporty red stitching.
Practicality and safety
The Seltos range comes with six airbags as standard, along with Vehicle Stability Management which includes traction control and electronic stability control. Although rear passengers do benefit from reasonable space, the most noticeable increase in size in comparison to its direct competitors is in the luggage compartment, offering 433-litres.
Under the bonnet
The first car sampled by the AutoAdvisor team was in the EX+ derivative with a 1.6-litre petrol motor which produces 90 kW and 151 N.m mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which lacks the sort of punch that car in this price bracket needs. The real gem of the range is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol motor in the GT-Line which provided us with 103 kW and 242 N.m of torque. The power delivery and gear changes from the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission were noticeably better in the GT-Line.
Verdict
The Kia Seltos joins an incredibly vast and sometimes confusing segment of crossover SUVs. It has space, a unique design and an impressive tech-filled cabin on its side. As a value proposition with a premium look and feel both inside and out, we should be seeing many a Seltos on local roads.
Warranty
The Kia Seltos comes standard with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance and a five-year/90 000km service plan.
Price
KIA Seltos 1.6 EX Manual R 353 995
KIA Seltos 1.6 EX Automatic R 371 995
KIA Seltos 1.6 EX+ Automatic R 389 995
KIA Seltos 1.4 T-GDi GT-Line R 444 995
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Seltos cost in South Africa?
The Kia Seltos starts from around R389,995 for the base model, with higher-spec GT-Line derivatives reaching approximately R459,995, making it competitively priced against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Qashqai.
Q: Is the Kia Seltos worth buying?
The Kia Seltos offers excellent value with its generous 433-litre boot space, comprehensive safety package with six airbags, and modern tech including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Kia's impressive seven-year warranty.
Q: How does the Kia Seltos compare to the Hyundai Creta?
The Seltos matches the Creta on most fronts but offers a more premium interior with optional Bose audio, larger boot space at 433 litres versus the Creta's 400 litres, and sportier styling in GT-Line trim with its front splitter and diamond-cut alloys.
Q: What engine options are available in the Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos lineup includes a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing around 90kW, paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission depending on the derivative chosen.
Q: Does the Kia Seltos have good safety features?
Yes, the Seltos comes standard with six airbags across all derivatives, Vehicle Stability Management with traction control and electronic stability control, making it one of the better-equipped crossovers in its price range for safety.
Should You Buy It?
The best crossover SUV under R460,000 in South Africa is the Kia Seltos GT-Line at R459,995. With its spacious 433-litre boot, comprehensive safety kit, premium tech features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen and optional Bose sound system, plus Kia's unbeatable seven-year warranty, the Seltos delivers serious bang for your buck. The GT-Line's sporty styling with leather trim and red stitching makes it feel more expensive than it actually is. If you're shopping in this segment, the Seltos should definitely be on your shortlist, it's a proper contender that gives the Hyundai Creta a real run for its money.
