Kia Seltos (2024) Review

The Kia Seltos recently underwent a thorough facelift. Endowed with an updated appearance, a larger-capacity turbopetrol engine and cabin enhancements, it has all the ingredients to be a segment frontrunner. We review the flagship GT Line variant.

We like: Engine performance, fuel economy, spacious cabin, on-road refinement.

We don’t like: A bit pricey (the price of flagship variant is near that of an entry-level Sportage).

FAST FACTS

Model: Kia Seltos 1.5T-GDI GT Line
Price: R626 995 (June 2024, before options)
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 118 kW/253 Nm
0-100 kph: 8.9 sec (claimed)
Claimed fuel consumption: 6.2 L/100 km
Luggage capacity: 433-1 400 litres (approx. utility space)

Serious about buying/selling?

Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

Looking to sell your car? Sell it on Cars.co.za for free

Where does the 2024 Kia Seltos fit in?

2024 Kia Seltos front view — *The updated front-end treatment is distinguished by new-look LED daytime running lights.*

Korean car giant Kia’s local model line-up now consists mainly of crossovers and SUVs – it’s one of many brands that have adopted such a product strategy. But it’s no surprise, given that consumers now favour higher-riding models over the conventional B- and C-segment hatchbacks that, in fact, underpin them.

As was the case with the pre-facelift version of the model, the 2024 Kia Seltos sits above its Sonet small crossover sibling in terms of size, but while it is positioned as an affordable, compact family car, there’s nothing small about it; we’ll discuss the 1.5T-GDI GT Line‘s generous dimensions later in this review.

The Seltos is one of the bigger and better-riding compact family cars in the market.

Launched in South Africa in November 2019, the Seltos quickly became popular in our market; 5 years later (2024), the facelift has touched down, bringing updates in terms of engines, features and styling.

Now, let’s talk size. Based on its dimensions – 4 365 mm long, 1 800 mm wide and 1 620 mm tall – the Seltos is one of the biggest compact family cars in our market; Kia offers an array of derivatives, with a naturally-aspirated petrol engine, a turbodiesel and a turbopetrol in the line-up. It’s tricky to pick rivals, but we’d say, based on occupant space, it goes up against the Toyota Corolla Cross and Haval Jolion.

Compare the Kia Seltos’ specs with those of its Toyota Corolla Cross and Haval Jolion rivals

It’s also worth looking at boutique small crossovers such as the Honda HR-V and Volkswagen T-Roc.

How the 2024 Kia Seltos fares in terms of…

Design, Features and Practicality

2024 Kia Seltos rear three-quarter view — *The range-topping GT Line truly looks the part – check out those shapely exhaust ends.*

Although the contours of the Kia Seltos’ sheet metal are unchanged, the facelifted version of the Indian-built compact family car incorporates notable cosmetic details, such as the repositioned LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, a new-look front grille, as well as redesigned tail-light clusters.

Given its position as the range’s flagship, the Kia Seltos 1.5T-GDI GT Line comes with derivative-specific adornments: sportier bumpers with dark grey accents, red brake calipers and 2 (shapely) exhaust ends.

2024 Kia Seltos front seats — *Sporty seats and a panoramic sunroof enhance the cabin’s appeal*.

Inside, the Kia features a panoramic sunroof, a curved display (that combines a digital instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen), a head-up display, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support, a wireless charging pad, parking sensors, reverse-view camera, drive modes, plus keyless entry and -start.

When you step into Seltos, you’re welcomed by a neatly presented and highly contemporary (tech-filled) cabin – materials and finishes are of high quality and most touchpoints feel upmarket. We liked the faux-leather-trimmed sports seats (with GT-Line branding), but the lack of a heating function was a letdown.

2024 Kia Seltos cabin — *The bang-up-to-date interior features most modern creature comforts*.

The safety package is comprehensive. At this price point, buyers expect features such as adaptive cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, plus rear cross-traffic alert – and the GT Line has them. All variants have 6 airbags and electronic stability control.

*Rear cross-traffic alert more than proves its worth in congested parking lots.*

One of our favourite fun features of the Seltos – Sounds of Nature – is simple, yet brilliant. Imagine that you are sitting in traffic after a long day at work and feeling deflated, or even worse, defeated…

When you activate Sounds of Nature (in the Media section of the menu), the audio system will soothe you by playing a relaxing soundscape of your choice, such as Calm Sea Waves, Rainy Day and so on.

*Relaxing sounds for those terrible traffic jams – what a treat.*

But back to practicality: with its wheelbase of 2 610 mm, the Seltos has no shortage of cabin space (by compact family-car standards) and testers were satisfied that the test unit offered enough rear leg- and headroom for adults. What’s more, the panoramic sunroof contributes to the Kia’s airy cabin ambience.

The load-bay capacity (433 litres) is just about on par for the segment. A full-sized spare wheel is fitted.

2024 Kia Seltos rear bench — *Rear passengers are afforded ample leg- and headroom, as well as USB charging ports.*

Performance and Efficiency

The previous-gen Kia Seltos GT Line (powered by a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine) was certainly no slouch, but the updated version of the flagship variant features an even punchier 1.5-litre powerplant.

Outputs of 118 kW and 253 Nm of torque are on tap, up from the 103 kW/242 Nm of the older car. Again, the Seltos GT Line makes use of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which drives the front wheels only.

2024 Kia Seltos rear view — *The 1,5T-GDI GT Line is an impressive performer – our test unit bettered Kia’s claimed 0-100 kph time.*

The 1.5T-GDI GT Line is said to have a claimed 0-100 kph time of 8.9 sec and, when we tested that claim, our our test unit exceeded expectations by galloping from a standstill to 100 kph in 8.65 sec. But there’s more to the Seltos flagship than quick off-the-line acceleration – its powertrain is impressively calibrated.

The 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission manages to invariably “find the right gear at the right time” –if you demand strong overtaking acceleration, no matter which drive mode is active, the GT Line delivers.

Speaking of drive modes, you can toggle between Sport, Comfort, Eco and Smart (each has a distinct display theme for the dials). Comfort (the default), Sport and Eco require no explanation, but we found we utilised Smart most of the time, because it makes the Kia’s software adapt the powertrain’s settings dynamically – if you accelerate suddenly, the car will switch to Sport for a few seconds, for example.

2024 Kia Seltos digital instrument cluster — *We enjoyed the 1.5T-GDI GT Line’s eager performance, so 7.4 L/100 km is a good consumption figure!*

Kia South Africa claims the 1.5T-GDI GT Line has an average fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100 km and, by the end of the Seltos’ tenure in our test fleet, it indicated 7.4 L/100 km, which was impressive, if you bear in mind that (some of) our testers revelled in the eager performance of that 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine. Based on its 50-litre tank capacity, this derivative has a theoretical full-to-empty range of about 800 km.

Ride and Handling

*The 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 215/55 rubber*.

Kia reserves its GT-Line badge for sportier derivatives and the Seltos is no exception. Apart from gaining a punchier powerplant as part of the facelift, the top-of-the-range derivative has received a wheel-size upgrade, from 17-inch alloys (with 215/60 tyres) to handsome 18-inch units (with 215/55 tyres).

If you drive the 1.5T-GDI spiritedly, you’ll find this “baby SUV” entertaining to pilot. Body roll is kept well in check and a light, but direct, steering setup makes it a cinch to guide the car in the desired direction. Plus, the liberally assisted ‘wheel is easy to twirl when you need to manoeuvre into tight parking bays.

2024 Kia Seltos wireless charging pad — *USB-A, USB-C and a wireless charging pad will keep “always-connected” occupants happy.*

The GT Line’s suspension tune seems to tread that fine line between comfort and dynamism nicely. The derivative’s general ride comfort is good, but maybe lower Seltos derivatives (that ride on smaller tyres with thicker sidewalls) may traverse the Republic’s roads, which vary wildly in condition, more pliantly.

If we had to nitpick, a bit too much road noise enters the cabin, but other than that, you’ll struggle to find fault with the Seltos’ on-road manners. The (front-wheel-drive) 1.5T-GDI GT Line is no off-roader, but its 190 mm of ground clearance makes it well suited to travelling on gravel roads and, um, climbing kerbs.

*The Kia Seltos continues where it left off – it’s a charming and spacious compact family car.*

2024 Kia Seltos: Price and After-sales support

The Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT Line DCT retails for R626 995 (June 2024). A 5-year/unlimited km warranty (with roadside assistance) and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan are included in the asking price.

Verdict

The Seltos remains a highly compelling proposition! Granted, it is pricier than some models that may be considered rivals, but the Kia’s value offering lies in spaciousness and generous spec (on most variants).

*While the GT Line is a halo product, we think the 1.5CRDi turbodiesel derivatives offer better value.*

The Seltos flagship is a deceptively fleet-footed compact family car and its performance and packaging befit the GT-Line badge. Should you buy one, however? While the Seltos is highly desirable (especially in this trim grade), given its lofty price tag, which at R626 995 (June 2024) is not too far from that of larger, arguably more refined medium SUVs – such as the Sportage – there’s better value lower in the range.

As was the case with the pre-facelift Seltos, a turbodiesel-powered derivative makes the most sense. The 1.5CRDi EX+ may not be as quick as the GT Line, but it offers excellent fuel economy for R30k less.

We haven’t tested a diesel variant of the facelifted model (yet), but if it’s anything like its predecessor, a 1.5CRDi auto should easily achieve a fuel consumption figure of under 7 L/100 km in mixed conditions. For what it’s worth, Kia SA tested one from Johannesburg to Cape Town and managed 4.37 L/100 km.