• Kia expands Seltos range with diesel models.
• Seltos introduces to SA in November 2019.
• Seltos diesel priced from R410 995.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Following its local introduction in November 2019, the Kia Seltos quickly cemented itself as one of the most popular models in the Korean automaker's line-up locally.
Following on from the launch eight months ago, Kia is expanding the range with the addition of a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 86kW and 250Nm, the latter available between 1500 - 2750rpm.
Gary Scott, CEO of Kia SA, says: "South Africa was the first export market for the Seltos, and its combination of sharp design, generous space and solid build quality has proved great sales success. We are confident that the new turbodiesel variants will continue to surprise and delight customers."
The diesel models are now available at Kia dealerships, with pricing starting at R410 995.
2020 Kia Seltos (MotorPress
New engine
The new diesel engine should find favour among buyers rather quickly, given its competitive pricing in the market. The diesel Seltos is friendly to the environment too, with a CO2 rating of 134g/km for the manual transmission and 151g/km for the automatic. Top speed is rated at 176km/h, while the 0-100km/h time needs a leisurely 11.5 seconds. Not that the Seltos was made for outright performance, anyway.
Regarding its size, the new diesel Seltos is not bigger than its petrol-powered siblings. But at 4315mm long, 1800mm wide and 1630mm high, it is larger than most of its segment competitors, says Kia.
READ: Why Kia's Seltos is more than just a new SUV in a flooded segment
CRDI variants are available with the same choice of seven exterior colours: Glacier White Pearl, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Intelligency Blue, Intense Red, and Punchy Orange. The latter is only available as a special order. As with other models in the range, customers can also opt for one of three two-tone colour options: Glacier White Pearl with a black roof, Intense Red with a black roof, and Punchy Orange with a white roof, the latter also only available on special order. CRDI models are distinguished through a subtle CRDI badge on the tailgate.
2020 Kia Seltos (MotorPress
Pricing
As with all Kia models, all Seltos models come standard with Kia's industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, five-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), and a five-year/90 000km service plan.
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Manual - R380 995
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Automatic - R398 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Manual - R410 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Automatic - R428 995
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+ Automatic - R416 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX+ Automatic - R446 995
Kia Seltos 1.4 T-GDi GT-Line - R471 995
2020 Kia Seltos (MotorPress)
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond