Kia has launched the updated Seltos in South Africa, adding new features to the restyled crossover while maintaining a near-identical starting price.
The Seltos is now available in eight derivatives with prices ranging from R467,995 to R626,995.
In a similar ballpark is the Omoda C5, a relative newcomer to the local motoring scene, which starts at R447,900, up to a maximum of R589,990.
Both cars are positioned as well-equipped SUVs in the family car segment, and their similar retail marks make for a natural comparison to see what each one is bringing to the table.
Engines
The Kia has three engines to choose from, starting with a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol with 84kW and 144Nm, which can connect to either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission, and averages roughly 6.5l/100km.
There’s also a 1.5-litre, turbo-diesel with 85kW and 250Nm, which pairs with a six-speed automatic and consumes 5.5l/100km.
The last option, which is reserved for the pinnacle GT-Line, is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol generating 119kW and 253Nm, which connects to a seven-speed auto-box and averages 6.2l/100km.
In contrast, all versions of the standard Omoda use a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol unit with 115kW and 230Nm – noticeably more than what is offered on the non-turbo Seltos variants.
A CVT connects the motor to the front wheels, which results in a fuel stat of 6.9l/100km.
Like the Kia, the C5 has a range-topping GT model with an exclusive drivetrain, taking the form of a 1.6-litre, turbo-petrol linked to a seven-speed auto, which produces 145kW and 290Nm while averaging 7.8l/100km.
Features
Buyers of either car can look forward to a standard equipment sheet comprising automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, keyless entry, a leather multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, six speakers, and an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of where they differ, the base Seltos LX comes with 16-inch alloys, manual aircon, a 4.2-inch digital driver’s display, and an 8-inch central screen; whereas the entry-level C5 Tech has 17-inch alloys, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, front rear parking sensors, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch driver screen, and 10.25-inch media unit.
Looking at what the top-end unit from each carmaker will get you; both are fitted with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, a charging pad, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
The Seltos GT-Line benefits from paddle shifters and aluminium pedals; while the C5 gets Sports seats with heating and ventilation, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the Kia Seltos is as follows:
- Kia Seltos 1.5 LX – R467,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 LX auto – R492,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi LX – R521,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 EX – R532,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX – R561,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 EX Plus – R570,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX Plus – R599,995
- Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line – R626,995
This includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
The local pricing for the Omoda C5 is as follows:
- Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Tech – R447,900
- Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux – R477,900
- Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S – R479,900
- Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance – R507,900
- Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance S – R509,900
- Omoda C5 1.6TGDI 290T GT – R589,990
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/60,000km service plan, and an additional 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner.
Kia Seltos
Omoda C5
Join the discussion