Working diligently between the spotlights of the eye-catching and capable Sportage and the budget-friendly Sonet, the Seltos has, over the years, been a sort of stealth fighter in Kia’s portfolio.

The fact it’s quietly netted more than two million sales worldwide since 2019 will likely be a surprise to some, but not to those aware of its all-round capability. Now, the second-gen model – bigger and altogether bolder – will look to garner even more attention.

Why is the Kia Seltos significant?

Since its introduction to the global market in 2019 as a spacious and value-packed tilt at the burgeoning compact-SUV segment, the first-generation Seltos has accounted for two million sales (between 130 and 200 units per month in South Africa alone) and has garnered plenty of plaudits from the motoring press, including top honours in Car Magazine’s 2025 SUV Shootout for the diesel model.

So, it’s fair to say that the new Seltos has some big shoes to fill, especially given the influx of similarly striking and well-specced wares from Chinese manufacturers since its predecessor’s arrival.

What’s new on the Kia Seltos?

Barring what’s in the engine bay – the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbopetrols, and the turbodiesel from the previous model remain in play here – pretty much everything.

The new Seltos is underpinned by Kia’s K3 SP3 platform; versions of which do service in global versions of the new Kona and Accent. In addition to providing a lower centre of gravity (more on that in the driving section), size-wise, it places the new Seltos as one of the larger offerings in its price bracket, being marginally longer in terms of overall length and wheelbase than the Volkswagen Tiguan, and almost identical to the new Toyota RAV4.

While the previous model was by no means a bad-looking car, in terms of its styling, the new Seltos is an altogether less ubiquitous-looking thing. Possessed of sharper angles and C-shaped slivers of LED elements fore and aft – not to mention the most prominent tale on the firm’s signature ‘Tiger nose’ grille in which the latter are housed – there’s definite hints of the company’s Telluride SUV about the new car.

Inside, things have definitely taken a turn for the upmarket, with dense, slush-moulded trim plastics forming the foundations of a solidly constructed facia. Kia has once again struck a neat balance between digitisation and physical controls in the cabin.

The 12.3-inch infotainment system is simple and crisp, as is the neighbouring 12-inch TFT instrumentation panel, and is complemented by a bank of large, easily legible shortcut buttons for main menus and a sensible, toggle-operated HVAC interface.

The ‘tidemark’ bicolour upholstery treatment of the front seats, along with their shellback construction and floating mesh headrests, is also a stylish touch. The adoption of a new platform and the Seltos’ corresponding growth is also reflected in the cabin, where there’s plenty of rear legroom and a claimed 447 litres of boot space.

What does the Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT cost?

The Seltos lineup comprises six offerings, spanning a choice of three engines, three transmissions and five trim lines.

The pricing ranges from R389 995 for the entry-level LS model to R614 995 for this GT-Line S turbopetrol and the X-Line turbodiesel.

In terms of specification, GT-Line S will net you such features as full ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and bland-spot assist etc.) auto lights and wipers, Bose audio system, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging pad, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, artificial leather upholstery, ventilated front seats (driver’s seat is electrically adjustable), and more.

The price also includes a three-year/45 000 km service plan and five-year/unlimited km warranty.

Also read: New Kia Seltos price and specs

What are the Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT’s rivals?

Given its midsize-SUV dimensions and relative compact-SUV pricing, the Seltos has always been a difficult car to effectively pigeonhole when it comes to rivals. It means the likes of Haval’s H6 and the Chery-built Tiggo 7/Omoda C7/Jaecoo J7 sit in the Kia’s cross hairs, as well as the likes of the considerably more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan and new Toyota RAV4, which we sampled in GR-Sport spec at its local launch.

What is the Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT like to drive?

The previous Seltos gained many plaudits for its supple ride, easy-going handling and sturdy powertrains, and the latest car – while not representing a sea change in those departments – has gone some way to moving the game on.

The 1.5-litre turbopetrol is impressively refined and it plays well with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, proving punchy and brisk enough make cut-and-thrust driving manoeuvres such as overtaking and gap-grabbing a cinch.

The new platform feels like a more substantial anchoring point for the updated MacPherson strut front/coupled torsion beam rear suspension and – in conjunction with the abovementioned lower centre of gravity and steering that feels a bit more direct than the previous cars’ –  lends the new Seltos a more composed and connected demeanour when pressing on. Refinement on the move is impressive, with little in the way of road and wind noise permeating the cabin.

Verdict

What Kia has done with the new Seltos (sticking to its tenets of spaciousness, balanced road manners and considered specification at competitive prices), while massaging already admirable traits of appealing looks and all-round ability may not sound groundbreaking, but it’s produced what may be one of the best compact-SUV offerings to come along in some time.

Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT specifications

• Price: R614 995
• Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
• Transmission: seven-speed, dual-clutch
• Driven wheels: front
• Power: 119 kW
• Torque: 253 N.m
• 0-100 km/h: 8.9 seconds (claimed)
• Top speed: 195 km/h (claimed)
• Fuel consumption: 6.3 L/100 km (claimed)
• Service plan: 3 years/45 000 km with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty

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