First Drive: Updated Kia Seltos GT-Line and LX

First Drive: Updated Kia Seltos GT-Line and LX

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We can all agree that South Africans are spoilt for choice regarding SUVs within our local market. While this is a good thing, it does come with its own set of drawbacks. Choosing the right go-getter has become relatively challenging; there is a back-and-forth tiff between equipment, credibility, and ultimately, pricing. And yet, Kia's latest update aims to tick all the aforementioned boxes–and it’s not far off. 

Five years after its debut in South Africa, the Seltos has undergone a substantial change to keep up with the times. From the get-go, the front receives a new headlight design with repositioned fog lamps and a new iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille. Major changes are mainly present at the rear and interior, with the back end receiving a full redesign taking inspiration from the EV9 seen overseas. The centre console has undergone a much-needed refresh to level itself on the styling and equipment that features prominently within Kia’s latest lineup. 

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As seen with the Sportage, the refreshed Kia Seltos comes in various derivatives, with every step up the trim ladder offering more features. With that being said, it doesn’t mean that the introductory LX model receives the bare minimum; it is still relatively well-specced and, surprisingly, priced a couple of thousand Rands less than its outgoing ‘entry-level’ predecessor. For the vast majority of buyers, the Seltos range is extensive enough to find the right go-getter.

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Getting to sample both the entry-level LX model and range-topping GT-Line over roughly a 300-kilometre round-trip proved to be a good exercise. I was pleasantly surprised to undergo a close-to-premium driving experience during our travels. The cabin is well insulated for its segment; the suspension is firm but not harsh; the body roll is minimal; and the steering wheel has good weighting. To top it off, the ride quality is identical between the two derivatives we drove, with the powertrain being the main differentiating factor.

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Onto the difference, then: We spent the first half of our trip in the GT-Line, and I was astonished. The new 1.5-litre T-GDi Kappa turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has an output of 118kW and 253Nm, which may not sound like a lot, but the chassis is relatively light. The setup allows for an engaging drive, while the accelerative pull is linear, the gear shifts are swift and smooth, and torque is present from down low on the rev spectrum.

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The LX derivative we sampled for the last stint of our trip was equipped with a familiar drivetrain, the 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This humble pairing, though not as exciting as the GT-Line, has its benefits, primarily because it's frugal. To put it into perspective, we managed to get an average fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km on the GT-Line, whereas on the LX, we achieved a lowly 4.4l/100km in similar driving conditions. It is noteworthy to mention that in both instances, we drove without fuel economy in mind, which leads me to believe that if you do try, those figures can be dropped a little more.

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Time for a little give-and-take specific to the 1.5 CRDi LX we drove. Apart from being light on your fuel budget, the diesel engine groans under harsh acceleration and produces intrusive noise that filters into the cabin. Given the time, though, to settle as you approach the desired speed, it does quiet down again and, for the most part, isn’t intrusive.

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A little more nit-picking leads me to touch on the front left passenger seat, which isn’t equipped with height adjustment. This isn’t an anomaly and is quite normal for vehicles in this price range, but I did find that the seat is placed a little higher than usual, which could be an issue for much taller-than-average passengers. 

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Turning away from that, the Kia Seltos does have a good amount of space. The boot measures in at 433 litres, and the cabin is noticeably well thought out. Legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers are good for the most part; even in the GT-Line, headroom is not significantly compromised with the large panoramic sunroof fitted.

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In a market with a wide latitude of competitors, Kia has positioned its redesigned Seltos well. Here, the Seltos shines thanks to its specs and consistent, premium-like drive across the board. You'll find that there is a long list of "extra features" that many competitors don't offer in exchange for a slightly more costly premium. 

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Verdict: The newly updated Kia Seltos isn’t perfect, but it is a solid option in a better-than-many package. There is a vast selection of derivatives catering to a good portion of the local market, and if you are looking for a vehicle in this segment, it is definitely one to consider.

Pricing

Seltos 1.5 LX Manual: R467,995

Seltos 1.5 LX CVT: R492,995

Seltos 1.5 CRDi LX Auto: R521,995

Seltos 1.5 EX CVT: R532,995

Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Auto: R561,995

Seltos 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R570,995

Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Plus Auto: R599,995

Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line DCT: R626,995 

For added peace of mind, the Kia Seltos comes with an unlimited-kilometer/5-year warranty and unlimited-kilometer/5-year roadside assistance, as well as a 5-year/90,000 km prepaid service plan.

Words: Niki Louw

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