Kia preparing four models for South Africa before year-end

Kia Carens has returned to South Africa after a 13-year hiatus. Picture: Kia Kia has set-out its plans for South Africa by confirming six models from now to the end of the year. Headed by the long overdue Tasman bakkie last month, the brand revealed its second model in the shape of the fourth generation Carens this week.

Returning to South Africa after a 13-year hiatus, the line-up is exclusively diesel-powered with petrol options only to be offered if enough demand warrants it A full launch report complete with pricing and spec will soon be published. Arriving next, June will see the debut of a new model of which no details were revealed. Based on hints made on the sidelines of the Carens launch in Johannesburg, though, speculation points to the mystery model possibly being theall-new Seltos.

Revealed towards the end of last year, the second generation Seltos incorporates Kia’s latest Opposites United styling language, while also being longer and wider than the model it replaces. Its interior drawing visually from the all-electric EV range, the cabin retains a fair amount of physical switchgear, while also gaining a pair of 12.3-inch displays based on the trim level. Notable first time or upgraded safety systems include a 360-degree camera system, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Parking Collison Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Reverse Automatic Braking.

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Already available in South Korea, the United States and Europe, the South African market Seltos will most likely again originate from the Anantapur plant in India rather than the main Gwangju facility in South Korea. As such, expect the same engine options as the current model, namely the 1.5 litre petrol with or without turbocharging, and the 1.5 litre turbodiesel.

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