New Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos: Practical, Reliable, & Versatile

The new Kia Seltos entered into the South African market in April 2024. This compact SUV features a few interior updates and exterior revisions, all while staying true to Kia's signature design language. Now is as good a time as any to take this one for a test drive because not only is this fun car suited to everyone’s driving needs, but it also offers the best value for money, whether you’re upgrading or downsizing. 

What to make of the new look

From the outside, you’ll be greeted by the Kia’s classic ‘tiger nose’ grille, their repositioned daytime LED headlamps, and the signature Star Map LED tail lamp. You could say it has a chiselled and formidable look, especially if you go for Gravity Grey. 

Inside the cabin, the centre will grab your attention. The slim 10.2-inch touchscreen (model-specific) is highly intuitive, giving the user hands-free connectivity and functionality from the comfort of the driver’s seat. You can also take advantage of the panoramic sunroof, allowing you to let your hair down on a warm summer’s day. 

When it comes to packing up your things and filling the car with kids or adults, you won’t have to worry about much complaining as the backseat passengers are gifted with a good amount of legroom. 

Even though some modern cars will incorporate this feature as a standard, you can’t go wrong with home-to-car connectivity via the Kia Connect app.  Controlling your car has become super convenient, whether you use the Google Assistant, your smartwatch or smartphone. Unfortunately, wireless charging won’t be available in some of the Seltos models; however, you do get the standard USB charging port. 

Safety features

Kia’s driving technology goes above and beyond on safety. 

Safety assistance varies from model to modell. For example, their top of the range 1.5T GT line comes with Smart Cruise Control, Front and Rear Sensors, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. All of which help you make smarter decisions on the road, whether you’re parking or changing lanes. It also comes with an Electronic Brake that’s super easy to use when you want to engage or release the brake.

The nice thing is that you can compare the Kia Seltos derivatives based on their specs, design, and price.

The Kia Seltos performance

Some say that hybrids and electric vehicles will take the market by storm. Yet, diesel-powered and petrol-powered vehicles remain to be strong contenders in the versatile car market, especially in the crossover, compact SUV, and SUV segment. 

Kia’s 1.5-litre CDR engine sporting two new powertrain options, offering drivers the option of an automatic and manual transmission within their range. The petrol-powered engine delivers a modest 84 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. With their 7-speed automatic gearbox (model dependent), you’ll be ready to go the distance. 

Ready to drive

People are always looking to purchase a practical, spacious, and comforting vehicle. The ergonomics and design of the Seltos range have really come through for the modern South African family and adventurer. 

Kia’s Marketing Manager, Christo Valentyn had this to say about the Seltos, “The Kia Seltos offers an unrivalled blend of space, practicality, high specs, and efficiency. It becomes a compelling offer to those who value quality and reliability.”

If you are looking for the everyday vehicle that meets practicality, safety and comfort, the Seltos 1.5 LX is a good starting point. It will comfortably get you from A to B on a good amount of fuel (averaging 7l/100km). 

Kia’s X-Line base price starts from R467,995 with their top-of-the-range GT-line retailing at R626,995. 

Click here to have a peek at the Seltos range.