Drive Test: KIA Seltos joins the sub-compact battle

Having arrived late last year, did the Seltos just wade into murky waters?  It takes on competitors in one of the deepest segments available. VW’s T-Cross, Suzuki Vitara and Renault’s incredible Duster are all, at least in some ways, seen as rivals.  Can the new Korean competitor take it to it’s new foes? I drive it through the Cape Wine lands to find out.

Available in 3 derivatives, the 1.6 normally aspirated EX and EX+ which produces 90kW and 151Nm, then the range topping GT Line which uses the turbocharged 1.4 which makes 103kW and a meaty 242Nm. All variants have options for  manual and automatic gearboxes with the GT Line available with a 7-Speed DCT gearbox.

ith a length of 4315 mm and width of 1800 mm, the Seltos is both wider and longer than most of it’s competitors.  A trump card in a segment where space is one of the primary concerns.  Thanks to the longer wheelbase interior space is generous front and rear and with 433 litres of boot space and Seltos starts to make a compelling case.

Styling

Seltos manages to look good in any trim. And that’s good news for those of us that shop around at the base model price range! Tasteful chrome detailing and overall good design (still quite similar to the original concept launched at the 2019 Seoul Motor Show) means it is able to stand out in in a segment that’s filled with standouts.

Available in 7 different colours and 3 two-tone options with the EX models available with 16” wheels and the EX+ and GT-Line with attractive 17” wheels and tyres.

So how does it drive

In many ways, Seltos look and feel reminds me of the Peugeot 2008 we just tested. Not a bad comparison at all when one considers that it costs much less. In GT-Line trim the slightly firmer suspension is reassuring and the torque on the car is significantly more noticeable. Even though the EX doesn’t have the same spec list I did prefer the EX due to its slightly softer ride and  exceptionally comfortable seats.

The interior

Which brings us to the interior, which is Seltos big differentiating factor. A very stylish and comfortable cabin, with great ergonomics and feel when it comes to the materials used.  The seats, especially the softer ones we experienced in the EX version, are very comfortable and for tuning in, Carplay and Android auto come standard.  Seltos also has Terrain Function but rest assured, it is still front wheel drive!

Verdict

The Seltos produced some healthy debate at the dinner table, with some journos saying it could be better than the current segment leaders. My thoughts? I think it’s currently a toss up. And for those wanting the newest version of this type of car, it certainly has the styling to sway buyers in it’s direction. Potential buyers are urged to try the Seltos (and others) before making that purchase. Because it seems the decision to buy in this segment has just got even harder.

KIA Seltos models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), and also include a 5-year/90,000km Service Plan.

Specification: KIA Seltos 1.4T GT

• R444,995
• 1.4 4cyl turbo petrol
• 103kW, 242Nm
• 0-100kph in 9.7 secs, 189kph
• 6.3l/100km, 143g/km