New Kia Seltos launching in South Africa this week – What to expect

The facelifted Kia Seltos is heading to South African shores and is expected to arrive this week.

The company has been tirelessly teasing the upcoming crossover on its social channels, and in response to a now four-day-old comment asking when the Seltos will launch, Kia South Africa said “The coming week” – i.e. the week we are in now.

The upgraded Kia was unveiled for the first time in November 2022, boasting a subtly updated exterior design and a host of new interior amenities.

For reference, the current Seltos retails from R472,999, hence, the new model is anticipated to cost in the region of R500,000 and up.

What to expect

Several cosmetic tweaks were applied to the new Seltos to lend it a fresh look for the next few years to come, chief of which is a larger tiger nose grille intended to supply a “stronger appearance” bookended by redesigned LED headlamps.

In addition, the daytime running lights and vertical front fog lamps have now been integrated into a single unit for a “cleaner look” and the new front bumper exudes a more rugged profile.

At the rear, the light design and reflector placement mimic the signature lighting elements of the front, and a host of new geometric wheel styles are available to Seltos buyers.

The paint palette has also been expanded with Fusion Black, Pluton Blue, and Valais Green.

Opening the door, the Seltos’ interior space “gives off a futuristic vibe with bright screens and clean, geometric shapes,” said Kia.

On an international perspective, the updated crossover is sold in LX, S, EX, SX, and new X-Line trims.

The lower-tier versions are treated to a redesigned front fascia with angular surfaces and new trim finishes, a new 4.2-inch driver’s display with a digital gauge, over-the-air software updates, and several advanced driver assistance systems including a rear-view camera, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, and lane-following assist.

On the flagship models, buyers can expect a segment-first panoramic screen display that combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display, as well as an electric tailgate, ventilated front seats, Digital Key support, safe exit warning, forward-collision avoidance assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and rear cross-traffic-collision avoidance assist.

The new Seltos X-Line then sees an exclusive front grille in a gunmetal hue, unique 18-inch wheels, a black roof rack, gloss black door garnishing, and X-Line badging.

In South Africa, the current Seltos is only available in EX and EX+ grades, as well as a singular GT Line entry.

One of the teasers published by Kia confirmed that there will still be a sporty GT Line trim on offer once the new Seltos reaches domestic showrooms, and we expect that the various EX badges will also continue to be sold.

Being a facelift and not an entirely new generation, it is likely that the upcoming Seltos will retain the same powertrain line-up as the present one.

The current engine assortment includes a 1.6-litre petrol generating 90kW and 151Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel with 86kW and 250Nm, both driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The flagship GT Line employs a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol pushing out 103kW and 242Nm, matched with a seven-speed automatic shifter.

The complete specifications and pricing of the new Kia Seltos will be announced at launch later this week.