So, you’ve been thinking about replacing that old Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3 that you’ve had for so long. You’ve been researching online, you’ve read SO many reviews and opinions from SO many people you’ve become car confused.
I’m Bob Aldons, owner and editor of The Car Guy. I’ve been in this business for over 42 years and I think I understand what new car buyers are looking for. As a professional new car broker with Car Business, I seek out the best price and uncomplicated service for my customers.
I’m not paid for my articles by the brands I review for – my compensation is that I have extraordinary knowledge for when I get an enquiry for a new car.
I test and evaluate on behalf of retail and fleet buyers for brands such as Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu Ute, Renault and Nissan, as well as having a pretty broad understanding of Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Mini and Lexus.
If you’d like me to provide an opinion on any brand or model, hit me up at Car Business and I’ll do what’s needed.
What is it?
Kia Seltos GT-Line is the new top of the range small SUV from Kia Motors. While it’s classified as small, it’s anything but, with excellent use of space
How Much?
This Kia Seltos GT-Line All Wheel Drive is $42,690 drive away in Queensland, but the Seltos range starts at $26,690.
Competitors.
According to VFacts, Seltos competes against Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai, and Toyota C-HR in the small segment but I think Hyundai Venue, Renault Captur and Nissan Juke from the light (smaller than smaller) SUV segment are also in the mix.
On The Road
Kia Seltos GT-Line is a lot bigger than you’d expect from a small SUV. Passenger space is excellent and there’s plenty of room for luggage in the rear even with the second row seats in play. And it comes with a full sized spare alloy wheel.
Even though they come out of the same factory in South Korea the Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos have attracted very different interest. In Queensland, up until April 30th, Seltos has been the far more popular car selling 126 units compared to Hyundai Venue’s 74. While the market-leading Mitsubishi ASX has sold nearly three times the volume in Queensland, Kia doesn’t have the luxury of available product to slot into the fleet and rental market as does Mitsubishi.
Kia Seltos has a waiting list of up to 3 months with these same figures replicated around the world.
Whether suburbia or highway, the drivetrain is smooth and accommodating. There’s plenty of room for 5 adults and the rear seat can be folded in a 60/40 split for carrying long or larger loads.
The Kia has all the safety technology expected from a 5-star rated vehicle and then some.
What I like and don’t
Engine Power 130Kw
Transmission 7 Speed DCT with Active All Wheel Drive
Fuel Regular Unleaded Fuel (90RON)
Safety ANCAP 5 –star
Fuel Economy 6.3 litres/100klm Highway. 9.5 Litres/100klm Suburbia
Towing 1200kg with Electric Brakes fitted
Needs Improvement Head Up Display. It’s out of my vision (I’m only 182cm tall) and can’t be adjusted as far as I can tell.
UUGH! Someone please do something about the horn.
For the full specification on this Kia Seltos GT-Line and all the other models, click on KIA SELTOS GT-Line. This will take you to the Kia website.
I do like the standard factory navigation, particularly the speed camera and red-light notifications as well as school zone advice. No way that you can ignore the audible warnings.
Insurance
I use RACQ Online to price this insurance and I use my details for the comparison.RACQ have quoted $644.35 with an excess of $750.
Before you buy car insurance, make sure that you shop around. When one of my cars is due for renewal, I compare Budget Direct, NRMA, Youi and Allianz.
Summary
Would I buy a Kia Seltos GT-Line? Small SUV’s aren’t really my style, but my wife Suzi would certainly consider it. She’s driven a Suzuki Vitara, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi ASX over the last few years. The first time she rode in the Seltos her comment was ‘This is nice”. Enough said. We’re due to upgrade her Honda Civic in 2021 and I’m positive that the Kia Seltos GT-Line will be on the shortlist
Where to buy
This Kia Seltos GT-Line was supplied for this review by Kia Australia. However, if you’re shopping around for a new car, Google provides a very good guide to the reliability and customer service of new car dealers. If I was buying a new Kia Seltos, I’d consider these dealers.
Toowong Kia Toowong 4.6 Stars
Motorama Kia Moorooka 4.8 Stars
Ipswich Kia Ipswich 4.3 Stars
Von Bibra Kia Robina 4.6 Stars
Pacific Kia Currimundi 4.6 Stars
The Car Guy’s sister company Car Business is a professional full-service new car broker. If I can assist you to buy your new car, please get in touch with me at 0418 748 498. You’ll find that I can help you to save and get better car deals than you can on your own.
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Bob,
HUD display position can be adjusted. Further, it is remembered in the user profile – so individual positions are remembered for each driver (I wish the seats did that!)
Thanks, Brian. Suppose that’s what happens when you don’t read the owners manual. LOL