Kia Seltos: Bigger body, new tech, and diesel/petrol options from R389,995
The Kia Seltos has entered a new generation in South Africa, arriving with a larger footprint, sharper styling, a more sophisticated cabin and a choice of petrol and diesel engines — with prices starting at R389,995.
The second-generation Seltos is aimed squarely at buyers looking for a compact SUV that combines everyday practicality with modern technology, while retaining the flexibility of having both petrol and diesel powertrains in the range.
A bigger Seltos for a competitive SUV market
The latest Seltos is built on Kia and Hyundai’s newer K3 platform and has grown noticeably compared with its predecessor.
It now measures 4,430mm in length and 1,830mm in width, making it 65mm longer and 30mm wider than the previous generation. Its wheelbase has also increased by 80mm to 2,690mm.
That extra size isn’t simply about making the Seltos look larger. The longer body and wheelbase contribute to a roomier cabin, while boot capacity is reported at 536 litres — an increase of 103 litres over the first-generation model.
For families and buyers who use their SUV for everything from the daily commute to weekend trips, those additional litres could make a meaningful difference.
A much bolder design
Kia has given the Seltos a substantially more modern appearance.
The front end incorporates the brand’s Star Map lighting signature, while the revised grille, sharper body lines, floating-roof treatment and full-width rear lighting give the SUV a more imposing road presence.
Flush-fitting door handles also contribute to the cleaner exterior design.
The styling represents a significant departure from the previous Seltos and brings the compact SUV visually closer to Kia’s newer-generation design language.
Whether the sharper styling will appeal to every buyer is subjective, but there is little doubt that the new Seltos is designed to stand out.
Petrol or diesel? South African buyers get the choice
One of the most interesting aspects of the South African Seltos line-up is that Kia has retained a diesel option.
The range uses three 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines.
The naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 85kW and 144Nm and is available in LS, LX and GT-Line derivatives. Depending on the derivative, it can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.
The 1.5 CRDi turbodiesel also produces 85kW, but torque rises substantially to 250Nm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is available in GT-Line and X-Line specification.
At the top of the range is the 1.5 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, producing 119kW and 253Nm and paired with a dual-clutch transmission in the GT-Line S.
All derivatives offer Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes.
For South African buyers, the continued availability of a diesel compact SUV is particularly noteworthy at a time when many manufacturers are increasingly moving towards petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.
More technology inside
The new Seltos also receives a significantly more digitised interior.
Higher-specification GT-Line S and X-Line models get a 12-inch digital instrument display, Bose premium audio, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats and a broader suite of driver-assistance technologies.
The advanced safety and driver-assistance package on flagship derivatives includes features such as:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
The flagship derivatives therefore push the Seltos beyond being simply a practical compact SUV and into more technology-focused territory.
Safety remains a priority
Across the range, the Seltos comes with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child-seat mounting points and a rear-view camera.
The SUV also has 200mm of ground clearance, while Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control are fitted as standard.
For South African roads, the combination of SUV ground clearance, practical dimensions and standard safety equipment should make the Seltos appealing to buyers looking for an everyday vehicle with a little more versatility.
Kia Seltos South Africa: pricing
The new Seltos range consists of seven derivatives:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Seltos 1.5 LS Manual | R389,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 LS CVT | R414,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 LX CVT | R464,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 GT-Line CVT | R514,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 CRDi GT-Line AT | R544,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT | R614,995 |
| Seltos 1.5 CRDi X-Line | R614,995 |
The pricing includes a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a three-year/45,000km service plan, according to local launch reports.
Is the new Kia Seltos worth considering?
The new Seltos arrives in one of South Africa’s most competitive vehicle segments, where buyers have plenty of choice from brands such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, Renault, Chery and Haval.
Kia’s strategy is clear: give buyers the practicality of a compact SUV, but offer enough variety to appeal to different needs.
The entry-level manual provides a relatively accessible starting point at R389,995, while the diesel gives high-mileage drivers another option. At the other end of the range, the GT-Line S and X-Line bring more technology, comfort and visual distinction.
The diesel option may prove particularly interesting to South African motorists who prioritise long-distance efficiency and strong low-speed torque, while the turbo-petrol flagship is aimed at buyers looking for more performance.
With its larger dimensions, increased practicality, updated styling and significantly expanded technology offering, the second-generation Seltos looks like a substantial step forward rather than a routine facelift.
For buyers shopping in the compact SUV market, the new Kia Seltos is certainly one to put on the shortlist.
Everyday Mzansi will be watching how the new Seltos performs on South African roads as Kia’s latest compact SUV takes on an increasingly crowded market.
