“Keep up, or you’ll be left out.”
That’s the mantra resonating through the Compact SUV/SUV segment, where rapid growth and frequent launches, especially from Chinese manufacturers, define the landscape.
What’s New?
The refreshed Kia Seltos introduces four trim derivatives: LX, EX, EX plus, and GT-line, each offering a choice of three engines and transmission options, with the most robust reserved for the GT-Line.
The Facelift
Since its debut in 2019, the award-winning Kia Seltos design has aged gracefully but now receives a well-deserved refresh. Updates include exterior and interior enhancements, alongside new engine and transmission options.
Exterior and Interior Styling Upgrade
Reimagined LED headlights, DRLs, and fog lamps adorn the Seltos’ front, while the GT-Line enjoys a full LED setup, elevating its visual appeal. The rear receives significant attention with a redesigned tailgate featuring a central light bar and seamlessly integrated LED taillights. Notably, the GT-line’s exhaust pipes sport a distinctive boxy-ish shape.
Wheel options range from 16” to 18”, with the GT-line exclusively offering 17” diamond-cut alloys.
The interior exudes quality across all trim levels, offering a blend of comfort and convenience features, such as wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, and numerous USB ports. The seats are comfortable and supportive, although lacking electric adjustment functions.
To set it apart, the Seltos GT-Line boasts additional comfort and safety features inside, including a heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, smart cruise control,lane-keep assist, and wider screens for infotainment and instrument cluster. some other exterior styling enhancements include red brake callipers.
Powertrain and Drive
Kia introduces two new engines: a 1.5L N/A petrol with 84kW and 144 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission for LX and EX trims, and the most potent 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine exclusive to the GT-Line, delivering 118kW and 253 Nm of torque. Additionally, the trusted 1.5L Turbo diesel engine pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 86kW and 250 Nm.
First Drive Impression
During the test drive of both GT-Line and LX variants, the GT-Line impressed with its powerful engine paired with a DCT Transmission, offering quick shifts and engaging driving dynamics. The LX, equipped with a 1.5L Diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, showcased remarkable fuel efficiency, though overtaking required a bit of effort.
Verdict
The Kia Seltos emerges as a well-rounded contender, blending practicality, efficiency, and value across its trim levels. While not as fully equipped as its Chinese counterparts, it holds its own in the segment with tasteful upgrades and competitive pricing.
Pricing
The facelifted Kia Seltos is competitively priced, with all variants including a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-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
With anticipation building, we look forward to thoroughly testing the new Kia Seltos with its updated engine offerings.
