Kia Seltos updated

Kia South Africa has confirmed that its second-generation Seltos will arrive in local showrooms soon, bringing a comprehensive overhaul to its compact sport-utility vehicle. The new model introduces a more assertive exterior stance, a completely digitised cockpit and a choice of three powertrains, all wrapped in one of the more comprehensive safety bundles currently offered in this segment.

The design direction draws on Kia’s Opposites United philosophy, and the carmaker says the fresh look is intended to attract buyers who want a smaller SUV with a distinct personality, without sacrificing the practical needs of daily driving.

Local customers will have five trim grades to choose from — LS, LX, GT-Line, GT-Line S and X-Line — spread across the three engine offerings. This gives the range a broad appeal, from fuel-sipping urban commutes to a more energetic performance feel for those who enjoy a sharper response behind the wheel.

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Under the skin, the new Seltos rides on Kia’s latest K3 platform, which the company says delivers better rigidity, improved refinement and more assured handling. The engine line-up consists of three options. The first is a 1,5-litre MPI petrol unit producing 85 kW and 144 Nm, available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an intelligent continuously variable transmission.

This engine is fitted to the LS, LX and GT-Line models and is tuned for smooth, efficient running in both city traffic and on the open road. Next is a 1,5-litre CRDi turbo-diesel, also rated at 85 kW but with a heftier 250 Nm of torque, and it comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic gearbox. This diesel is offered on the GT-Line and X-Line, targeting buyers who value strong pulling power and better fuel economy over longer distances.

The range-topper is a 1,5-litre T-GDi turbo-petrol, which delivers 119 kW and 253 Nm through a dual-clutch transmission and is available only on the GT-Line S, providing the most spirited performance in the line-up. All versions come with selectable Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, letting the driver tailor the car’s behaviour to the conditions.

On the outside, the new Seltos gets a frontal treatment that features Kia’s signature Star Map LED lighting, complete with an animated welcome sequence that lights up as the driver nears the vehicle. The door handles are now flush-fitting and a prominent shoulder line runs along the body. At the rear, vertical LED taillamps stretch across the tailgate, reinforcing a wider, more planted look.

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Inside, the cabin has been reconfigured with a low, horizontal dashboard layout that improves forward visibility and makes the space feel more open, while the console-mounted gear selector keeps the centre stack tidy and puts key controls within easy reach.

The display technology varies by specification: the entry-level LS gets a 10,25-inch touchscreen for infotainment, while the LX and above move to a larger 12,3-inch unit. On the GT-Line S and X-Line, that screen is joined by a fully digital 12-inch TFT instrument cluster.

The boot offers 447 litres of carrying capacity, with a dual-level cargo floor that adds flexibility for everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways.

On the comfort and convenience front, dual-zone climate control and Smart Key entry with push-button start are standard from the LX level. The GT-Line adds a wireless charging pad for smartphones, while the top-tier GT-Line S and X-Line bring ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, helping both driver and passenger stay comfortable on longer trips. An electric parking brake with Auto Hold is available from the LX upward, though its fitment on the LS depends on which transmission is chosen.

Beyond straight-line performance, the Seltos has been engineered to cope with a variety of South African driving environments. Ground clearance stands at 200 mm, which inspires confidence over speed bumps, gravel roads and rougher terrain, and the suspension — MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam setup at the rear. Hill Start Assist Control prevents rollback on inclines, while Downhill Brake Control keeps speeds steady on steep descents. For those who need to tow, the Seltos can handle up to 1 100 kg braked or 550 kg unbraked, which is enough for a small trailer, a bike carrier or a compact caravan.

Safety has been given significant attention across the board. Every model comes with six crash bags as standard, covering the driver, passenger, front thorax and curtain protection, and the body structure makes extensive use of ultra-high-strength steel.

Core safety systems fitted to all derivatives include Anti-lock Braking, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, a rear-view camera and ISOFIX anchors for child seats, along with Data Dot micro-dot security marking to discourage theft and assist with recovery.

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The GT-Line S and X-Line add a full suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality.

In terms of technology, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the entire range, along with Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, steering-mounted audio controls and front USB ports for charging. Higher-spec models gain a Bose Premium Sound System on the GT-Line S and X-Line, while wireless charging and ambient lighting are included from the GT-Line upward, giving the cabin experience a meaningful step up as buyers move through the range.

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