The Kia Seltos range has gained a new entry-level LS grade, effectively dropping the nameplate’s starting price by R88 000. Here’s what the fresh base derivatives cost…
A year after the updated Kia Seltos launched in South Africa, the Korean firm’s local division has quietly introduced a new entry-level LS grade, effectively dropping the nameplate’s starting price by a considerable R88 000.
As a reminder, the facelifted Seltos – which is sourced from the automaker’s Anantapur plant in India – touched down in Mzansi in April 2024. At launch, this refreshed range comprised 8 derivatives, giving local buyers the choice of 4 trim levels and a trio of engines (2 petrol mills – 1 atmospheric and the other turbocharged – and a turbodiesel motor).
Now, however, the Seltos line-up has been expanded to 10 variants, with the new LS derivatives slotting in at the foot of the portfolio. Thanks to a heads-up from the eminently knowledgeable folks over at duoporta.com, we know the Seltos 1.5 LS 6MT is priced at R379 995, while the Seltos 1.5 LS CVT comes in at R404 995.
In each case, that translates to an R88 000 saving over the equivalent LX derivative. Like the latter, the new LS variants are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 84 kW and 144 Nm to the front axle via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel consumption is listed as 6.7- and 6.3 L/100 km, respectively.
So, what does the LS grade miss out on compared to the LX specification level? Well, LS does without items like LED daytime running lights, cruise control, leather trim for the steering wheel, leather trim for the gear-shifter and an electro-chromatic function for the rearview mirror.
Still, standard features for the LS grade include manual air conditioning, automatic headlamps, front foglamps, USB ports (fore and aft), a touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 16-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, stability control, rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera and roof rails.
In 2024, Kia South Africa registered 1 652 units of the Seltos locally, seeing this model rank as the Korean brand’s 3rd most popular offering in the passenger-vehicle segment. It thus ended the year behind the Sonet (7 425 units) and Pegas (1 810 units) but interestingly just ahead of the Picanto (1 620 units). In the opening quarter of 2025, a further 481 units of the Seltos were sold.
How much does the Kia Seltos cost in South Africa?
Kia Seltos 1.5 LS 6MT – R379 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 LS CVT – R404 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX 6MT – R467 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 LX CVT – R492 995
Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi LX 6AT – R521 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX CVT – R532 995
Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX 6AT – R561 995
Kia Seltos 1.5 EX+ CVT – R570 995
Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX+ 6AT – R599 995
Kia Seltos 1.5T-GDI GT Line 7DCT – R626 995
The prices above include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Related content
Kia takes top honours at 2025 World Car Awards
