JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – It’s taken the all-new Kia Seltos a mere eight months to cement its popularity in the South African market, following its local introduction in November 2019.
With its eye-catching exterior design, high specification levels and exceptional value for money, Seltos has become one of the most popular models in the Kia range. Today, Kia Motors South Africa completes the Seltos range with the introduction of three turbodiesel-powered derivatives.
Gary Scott, CEO for Kia Motors SA, told The Corner in a media release: “South Africa was the first global export market for the Seltos and its combination of sharp design, generous space and build quality have brought great sales success.
”We’re confident that the turbodiesel variants just added to the range will also to surprise and delight customers.”
The new Seltos CRDI units have Kia’s new-generation 1493cc turbocharged, common-rail direct injection engine capable of 86kW/250Nm – the latter from from 1500-2750rpm.
Acceleration to 100km/h can be achieved in 11.5sec, top speed is listed as 176km/h.
The turbodiesel engine easily handles the Seltos, which, though 4315mm long, 1800mm wide and 1,30mm tall, is noticably larger than most of its segment competitors.
”It’s bold, confident and agile,” Kia says, ”and designed to make sure you arrive happy at your destination.”
COLOUR PALETTE
The CRDI variants are available with the same choice of seven exterior colours (white pearl, silver, grey black pearl, blue, red) and, on special order, orange.
As with the rest of the Seltos range, customers can opt for one of three two-tone colour options: white pearl with a black roof, red with a black roof, or orange with a white roof – that last combination also on special order.
CRDI models can be identified by their CRDI tail hatch badge.
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”The Seltos CRDI is available in two specification levels,” Kia SA says, ”that reflect the petrol-powered units. EX models are available with a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission; EX+ models only with a six-speed auto.
The CRDI EX is the least expensive model in the Seltos range but still includes aircon, self-dipping headlights, power external mirrors, cloth upholstery, steering-wheel remote controls, power window lifts, cruise control, and a 20cm colour touchscreen infotainment system hooked to a radio and six speakers.
FULL-SIZE SPARE
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ALLOW smartphone mirroring. Bluetooth connectivity adds voice recognition and the unit includes USB and charging ports front and rear.
A full-sized spare wheel is standard.
The mid-spec Seltos CRDI EX+ is only available with a six-speed auto transmission and the EX+ adds leather upholstery AND auto-folding external mirrors.
All units have six nitrogen crash-mitigation bags: driver, front passenger, two side for driver and front passenger, and two side curtains to shield the length of the cabin.
Also standard are IsoFix child-seat anchors, anti-lock brakes, and reversing radar/camera..
Central locking and an immobiliser are also standard across the range.
EX+ models add stability control and hill-start assistance.
…AND SO TO THE PRICES
Each Seltos will be delivered with a five-year warranty (includes roadside assistance) and a five-year or 90 000km* service plan.
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX – R380 995
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX a/t – R398 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX – R410 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX a/t – R428 995
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+ a/t – R416 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX+ a/t – R446 995
Kia Seltos 1.4 T-GDi GT-Line – R471 995
*Whichever comes first
Carman's Corner 