Chery’s Lepas moves into premium SUV segment
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
- Industry News
- 25 April 2025
Kia increased its Seltos product offering from four to seven models with the addition of three diesel derivatives.
Previously, the range only consisted of models with a choice of four versions with two petrol engine options.
The new Seltos CRDI is powered by Kia’s new-generation 1 493 cc common-rail direct injection engine delivering 86 kW and 250 Nm. It joins the petrol line-up with the normally aspirated 1.6 petrol engine that delivers 90 kW and 151 Nm and the more modern 1.4 T-GDI turbo petrol engine with 103 kW and 242 Nm.
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 last-mentioned 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 last-mentioned is also only available on special order.
CRDI models are distinguished through a subtle CRDI badge on the tailgate.
The new CRDI models are available in a choice of two specification levels that mirror its petrol-powered siblings. EX models are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission, while EX+ models are only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Seltos CRDI EX offers an entry point into the range, including a vast array of standard features, followed by the mid-spec CRDI EX+, only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. All EX+ models have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
Price:
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Manual (R380 995)
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX Automatic (R398 995)
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Manual (R410 995)
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+ Automatic (R416 995)
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX Automatic (R428 995)
Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDI EX+ Automatic (R446 995)
Kia Seltos 1.4 T-GDi GT-Line (R471 995)
Competitors:
While the Seltos has many natural competitors, the CRDI-diesel derivatives will have a more specific fight against the likes of the more affordable Ford EcoSports’ diesel derivatives, the bigger and more expensive Nissan Qashqai and the Opel Crossland X.
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
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