The compact SUV market, already a highly contested segment, just got another contender in the form of the Kia Seltos.
On first impressions, the looks are agile. Strong character lines up front and hard lines pressed into the body work and long bonnet give it the impression of a larger car.
Bold front-end treatment with a wide front grille flanked by confident headlamps give it a robust yet sporty look.
It’s easily one of the largest in the segment, at 4 315mm long, 1 800mm wide and
1 620mm high.
There is a choice of three spec levels (EX, EX+ and GT-line) as well as engines and gearboxes.
AGILE: Sharp lines create robust & sporty look. Picture: Supplied.
The Seltos EX’s power comes from a 1.6-litre Multi-point Injection (MPI) engine that develops 90kW of power and 151Nm of torque.
Acceleration to 100km/h takes 11.2 seconds, with a top speed of 175km/h . Customers have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The KIA Seltos range-topping GT-Line debuts a brand new powerplant to the KIA line-up in the form of a 1.4-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, developing 103kW of power and 242Nm of torque.
A 1.5-litre CRDI (Common Rail Diesel Injection) engine will join the Seltos line-up in the first quarter of 2020, also available with a choice
of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Interior tech hits all the marks in the segment, phone integration and even charging points in the back so the kids can be peaceful.
CHOICES: Sexy features in 6 speed manual/ automatic. Picture: Supplied.
Overall there is a resounding sense of quality, solid body and build.
Safety systems include six airbags and Isofix child seat anchors, ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), as well as rear park distance control sensors and a reverse camera.
Gary Scott, CEO of KIA Motors South Africa, says: “KIA is well known for offering exceptional quality and comprehensive
specification across its
model ranges.
“The all-new Seltos delivers all of that, and more.”
BOOTED: Space for shopping sprees. Picture: Supplied.
All models come with KIA’s industry-leading unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), and a five-year/
90 000km service plan.
The Kia has pretty decent value for money offered in the range, with the KIA Seltos 1.6 EX Manual at R353 995, the 1.6 EX Automatic at R371 995 and then there is the 1.6 EX+ Automatic at R389 995.