By Clive Moleme

Kia seems to be going from strength, to strength and the new Kia Seltos GT Line dares to stand out by offering a compelling mix of style, performance, and practicality. From the moment we slid behind the wheel, it was clear that Kia aimed to punch above its weight class—and succeeded.

Powered by a sprightly 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 118kW and 253Nm of torque that is paired to a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain feels zippy and responsive, whether you’re zipping through city streets or overtaking on the highway, albeit with an overly keen accelerator. We averaged a commendable 7.1L/100km during our time with the car, making it both fun to drive and relatively light on fuel – which makes the added power a welcome bonus without the worry of hefty fuel bills.

Where the Seltos also shines is its road manners. The ride quality strikes an excellent balance—supple enough to soak up imperfections yet firm enough to inspire confidence around corners. Steering is light and direct, making it a breeze to manoeuvre in tight urban environments. For a compact SUV, it feels remarkably refined, even at highway speeds.

Inside, the GT Line punches well above its weight. The cabin design is modern, with a sporty edge courtesy of contrast stitching, faux leather seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. High-quality materials are paired with clever touches, such as ambient lighting that syncs to your music and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light. Our derivative had white trims across the cabin, which may not be for everyone’s tastes however.

Tech integration is taken care of by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system  that dominates the dash, offering sharp visuals, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The digital instrument cluster adds a futuristic touch, while a wireless charging pad and a Bose premium sound system ensure the tech offering feels top-tier. We also loved that you could simply swipe left on the screen to hide all distractions/digital noise.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. The Seltos GT Line is equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is a welcome inclusion, adding ease to longer journeys.

Space is another area where the Seltos excels. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom for a compact SUV, and the boot offers an impressive 433 litres of boor space, easily accommodating weekend luggage or a hefty grocery haul. The rear seats also fold flat for even greater practicality, making the Seltos an ideal companion for families or adventurers.

Priced from R626,995, the Kia Seltos GT Line proves that a soft life doesn’t always have to mean pricey. Backed by Kia’s industry-leading 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan, it’s a package that combines affordability, reliability, and style.

For those seeking a compact SUV that delivers a little extra in every department—performance, tech, luxury, and value—the Kia Seltos GT Line is a standout choice. Kia has outdone itself, once again raising the bar for what’s possible in this fiercely competitive segment