We all know that one item of clothing that stays ever so popular, yet so impractical. One such item for me is the
Converse All Star tekkies. Everyone seems to like them, except me. In summer they are oven hot and winter it feels like I am walking barefoot on ice. They are a lousy excuse for covering our feet, and one cannot even classify them as bedroom sleepers either.
February sees
KIA South Africa penetrate a very tight B-segment
SUV market with the recent launch of the
Seltos. As a brand they have come a long way; 21 years in the market that went by quickly, and a chunky dealer network to ensure they remain accessible, while exponentially growing client confidence of their products. The
Seltos is not a replacement model but an entirely new product. So popular is the newcomer that even before being launched nationally it was already selling like hot cakes off showroom floors. And, according SA brand CEO Gary Scott, the sales figures are on a bullish upward trend. At the launch I had first-hand experience why they are becoming so popular, but far more practical than the
All Stars.
While some consumers may be on a buy-down trend, they do not wish to compromise on quality and creature comforts. The
Seltos finds itself in a sweet spot that satisfies both consumer needs. Built in
India, only the best quality grade plastics and materials were chosen, thus pushing it into the upper B-segment. And, like a nosy neighbour, it also leans over the fence challenging the lower C-segment. “It is aimed at the young, or young at heart buyer”, so says marketing manager, Christo Valentyn. That is evident in the
10-colour variety it comes out in, some of which are also in
two-tone. The styling is crispy fresh, easy on the eye, with the upper models boasting more
rugged like body protection. The sides have a
chrome belt line, the
front grille is bigger and wider, what
KIA refers to as the tiger nose evolution.
Daytime running lights come standard throughout the range.
Currently the following derivatives are available:
EX,
EX+ and the
T-GDi GT, all petrol. Only the
EX is offered with
fabric seats. Inside the cabin, I was treated to a fresh blend of quality materials, user-friendly bells and whistles, and a sporty steering wheel. At the very centre of the cabin within easy reach is a
large infotainment display. Connection to my mobile device was as simple as matching All Stars to any outfit. The instrument cluster is
analogue, which I really like and information from the cockpit is processed quickly at a glance.
The
1.6 EX and
EX+ are powered by a
1591cc naturally aspirated engine that delivers
90kW of power and
151Nm of torque. These two models are available in either
manual or
automatic transmissions.
A model that found a happy home in my heart was the
1.4 T GDi GT version, which is
turbocharged. The smaller
1353 cc powerplant is perfectly mated to a
7-speed dual clutch gearbox. The addition of the
turbo in the
GT range means it packs a meaner punch of
103kW and 242Nm, which makes it the more athletic sibling of the lot. Add to that is a
drivetrain selector switch that caters for normal tarmac, snow, mud and gravel. I will forgive you if you at this stage think that some power is redirected to the rear wheels. There is nothing of the sorts, but a clever
ECU that ensures correct power distribution to both front driving wheels. A diesel option will grace our shores later in the year in the entire product range.
I gained a lot of confidence (and respect) on the new
KIA Seltos, especially in
GT guise. The
selectable drivetrain gives it a competitive edge against its rivals, as it is mainly the
Renault Duster that comes out in
4x4. Others are just crossover clones riding on high heels. I see it becoming just as popular as All Stars, but with a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The city dweller who still reports to head office in the rurals will find value (and an added sense of confidence)in the
Seltos. It will also appeal to weekend warriors who are normally confined to complex and duplex living during the week, but are actually adventure and adrenalin junkies.
