Three diesel models have joined the local Kia Seltos range, all powered by a new generation 1 493 cc common-rail direct injection engine with a variable geometry turbo-charger.

“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,” says Gary Scott, CEO, Kia Motors South Africa. “We are confident the new turbo-diesel variants will continue to surprise and delight customers.”

The new engine delivers 86 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque between 1 500 r/min and 2 750 r/min with acceleration to 100 km/h happening in 11,5 seconds. Maximum speed is 176 km/h and CO2 emissions in the combined cycle are 134 g/km on models equipped with a manual transmission and 151 g/km in automatic variants.

CRDI variants are available with the same choice of seven exterior colours, including Glacier White Pearl, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Intelligency Blue, Intense Red and Punchy Orange, the latter 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.

EX models are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission, while EX+ models are available only with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Seltos CRDI EX offers an entry point into the diesel range with standard features including air-conditioning, automatic headlight control (including an ‘escort’ and ‘welcome home’ function), electrically adjustable side mirrors with integrated indicators, cloth upholstery, steering wheel-mounted remote controls, power windows, cruise control and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a radio with RDS, linked to six speakers.

The latter includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone mirroring, as well as Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, and has charging USB ports for front and rear passengers. A full-sized spare wheel is standard.

The mid-spec Kia Seltos CRDI EX+ gets an upgrade from cloth upholstery to leather upholstery (including leather trim on the door panels), while the electrically adjustable side mirrors gain an auto-folding function.

Front passengers will also experience increased comfort thanks to the addition of a centre console armrest with an integrated storage box.

All models are equipped with six crash bags as standard: one for the driver, one for the front passenger, two side bags for the driver and front passenger, as well as two side curtain crash bags that stretch across the length of the cabin.

All Seltos models also feature ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock brakes, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), as well as rear park distance control sensors and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, integrated into the vehicle’s touchscreen infotainment system. Central locking and an immobiliser are also standard across the range.

EX+ models gain include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

All Kia Seltos models ship as standard with an Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), and also include a 5-year/90,000 km Service Plan.

Pricing

Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Manual                           R 380,995

Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Automatic                       R 398,995

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Manual               R 410,995

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Automatic          R 428,995

Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+ Automatic                     R 416,995

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX+ Automatic        R 446,995

Kia Seltos 1.4 T-GDi GT-Line                     R 471,995