The compact SUV class is crowded with cars that blend into traffic. Kia has taken the opposite route with the second-generation Seltos. The newcomer stands out from the first look. It is sharper, more tech-heavy, and hard to mistake for anything else.
More attitude
Up front, the Seltos uses Kia’s Star Map LED lighting. An animated welcome-light sequence wakes up as the driver approaches, which gives the car a bit of theatre. The rest of the body follows the same line of thinking. Flush door handles tighten the surfacing and help with airflow, while the strong shoulder line and floating roof treatment are other stylistic highlights.
At the rear, vertical LED tail lamps stretch across the tailgate and widen the car’s visual stance. Kia clearly wants the Seltos to come across as planted and confident rather than soft and anonymous. The X-Line pushes that idea further with a matte Dark Gun Metal Grey exterior finish and full black alloy wheels, while the rest of the range gets a broader colour palette.
Kia South Africa is offering five grades: LS, LX, GT-Line, GT-Line S, and X-Line. Three engine choices cover easy-going commuting, long-legged diesel use, and a more eager top-end petrol model.
The cabin
Inside, the Seltos has been reworked around the driver. The dashboard sits low and runs horizontally, which improves forward visibility. A console-mounted gear selector and a simpler switch layout keep the commonly used controls close to hand instead of scattering them across the dash.
Display hardware depends on grade. LS versions use a 10,25-inch infotainment touchscreen. LX and higher step up to a 12,3-inch display, while GT-Line S and X-Line add a 12-inch TFT instrument cluster for a twin-screen layout that reads as one continuous digital panel.
The comfort kit scales as you move up the range. GT-Line and above get a panoramic sunroof. GT-Line upwards also adds customisable 64-colour ambient lighting. Rear passengers get decent legroom and split-folding seatbacks. The boot holds 447 litres. A dual-level cargo floor makes the load bay easier to use.
From LX upward, the Seltos gets dual-zone climate control and Smart Key with push-button start. GT-Line adds a wireless charging pad for smartphones, which carries through to GT-Line S and X-Line. Those halo derivatives also bring ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. An electric parking brake with auto hold comes in from LX upward, while LS gets it depending on transmission choice.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, along with Bluetooth, voice recognition, steering wheel audio controls, and front USB plus USB charging ports. The Bose Premium Sound System is reserved for GT-Line S and X-Line.
Three engines
Under the skin, the Seltos is offered with three powertrain options. The entry engine is a 1,5-litre petrol unit making 85 kW and 144 N.m. It can be had with either a six-speed manual or a CVT, and it powers the LS, LX, and GT-Line derivatives.
The 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel also delivers 85 kW, but with a much healthier 250 N.m. It is paired only with a siz-speed automatic and is offered on GT-Line and X-Line. This is the choice for buyers who value pulling power and easy long-distance work over outright pace.
At the top sits a 1,5-litre turbopetrol, good for 119 kW and 253 N.m through a dual-clutch transmission. It is exclusive to GT-Line S and is the keenest drivetrain in the line-up. All derivatives get Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, so the character changes with the route and the mood.
Safety and specification
Kia is pitching the Seltos with one of the more complete safety packages in the segment. Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and rear Park Distance Control are standard from LS upward. Front Park Distance Control joins from LX
The halo cars go further. GT-Line S and X-Line add dynamic welcome lighting, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, Smart Cruise Control, and the full ADAS suite.
| Derivative | Price |
| LS MAN | R389 995 |
| LS CVT | R414 995 |
| LX CVT | R464 995 |
| GT-Line CVT | R514 995 |
| CRDi GT-Line AT | R544 995 |
| T-GDi GT-Line S DCT | R614 995 |
| CRDi X-Line | R614 995 |
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