Mon | Oct 13, 2025

Kia Seltos GT-Line: Incredible on gas

Published:Sunday | March 2, 2025 | 12:08 AMKareem LaTouche - Automotive Coordinator
2025 Kia Seltos GT line sleek lines and a commanding presence.
2025 Kia Seltos GT line sleek lines and a commanding presence.
Distinctive rear styling with modern taillights.
Distinctive rear styling with modern taillights.
Ready for city streets and open roads.
Ready for city streets and open roads.
A comfortable and well-appointed cabin.
A comfortable and well-appointed cabin.
Controls at your fingertips.
Controls at your fingertips.
Open air feeling.
Open air feeling.
Staying connected on the go.
Staying connected on the go.
Ventilated seats with cooling.
Ventilated seats with cooling.
Rear AC vents.
Rear AC vents.
The signature tiger-nose grille leads the way.
The signature tiger-nose grille leads the way.
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The first time I ever tested a Seltos was a mid-spec version with fabric interior and several safety features. It was a solid performer, practical and well-equipped. This time around, I got behind the wheel of the 2025 GT-Line, and it is another level up entirely. It is clear that Kia is aiming to impress, especially in a market as competitive as Jamaica’s.

A Familiar Shape, Refined

The Seltos sits in a sweet spot size-wise, larger than the Sonet but smaller than the Sportage. This makes it ideal for navigating the often-congested streets of Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. Think of it as the Goldilocks of Kia’s SUV line- up – just right. The 2025 model refines the familiar silhouette with a sharper, more assertive look. The “crown jewel” LED headlamps and striking 17-inch alloy rims immediately catch the eye, complemented by sleek Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The signature tiger-nose grille, a hallmark of the Kia brand, is more prominent than ever, flowing seamlessly into the sculpted front fascia. The B and C pillars are blacked out, creating a floating roof effect, while the redesigned tail lights add a touch of modernity to the rear. Compared to the Sonet, the Seltos offers more cabin and cargo space while the Sportage provides a more substantial footprint and more powerful engine options.

Inside Story: Comfort and Convenience

Stepping inside the GT-Line, the difference from the mid-spec model is immediately apparent. Gone is the fabric. In its place are leather seats. Leather in Jamaica’s tropical climate can be a concern, but the Seltos GT-Line addresses this with ventilated (cooling) seats offering three different settings – a lifesaver on a hot day. The interior is predominantly leather with tasteful cream accents, creating a premium feel. A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, adding to the sense of spaciousness. Adding a touch of personalised ambiance are adjustable mood lights that can even sync to the rhythm of your music. The 8-inch display screen, seamlessly integrated with a digital gauge cluster, forms a modern and user-friendly interface.

Infotainment and Audio: Tuning In

The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. While the system is generally easy to use, I found myself having to fine-tune the sound from the six-speaker audio system to achieve the desired audio quality. Connectivity is well catered for, with both USB-A and USB-C ports in the front although only USB-C is available for rear passengers. A rear AC vent is a welcome addition, ensuring passenger comfort even on the warmest days. A practical touch is the adjustable armrest, adding to driver comfort on longer journeys.

Cargo and Capability: Ready for Anything

The Seltos boasts a generous 433 litres of cargo space, plenty for luggage, groceries, or even a weekend getaway’s worth of gear. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone needing to haul large items.

On the Road: Balanced and Efficient

The 1.5-litre engine delivers 115 horsepower, which is adequate for daily driving. While you won’t experience neck-snapping acceleration, it is no slouch either. Overtaking is manageable, and the CVT transmission ensures that the right gears are selected. The real star of the show, however, is the fuel economy. With a 50-litre fuel tank, I achieved a remarkable range of over 500km. This translates to significant savings at the pump, and it means that you could comfortably drive from Kingston to Negril and back on a single tank. The Seltos handles like a typical SUV, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with reasonable composure. There is some body roll, but it is within acceptable limits for this class of vehicle. Overall, the driving experience is pleasant and predictable, ticking all the right boxes for a compact SUV.

Final Verdict: A Strong Contender

The 2025 Kia Seltos GT-Line builds on the strengths of the previous model with enhanced styling, a more premium interior, and impressive fuel efficiency. While the mid-spec version I tested previously was a good value, the GT-Line, at $6.9 million, justifies its price premium with added features and a more refined feel. It competes with the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Suzuki Vitara, and Honda HR-V. In the crowded compact SUV segment, the Seltos GT-Line stands out as a strong contender, particularly for those prioritising fuel efficiency, practicality, and a touch of luxury in a city-friendly package.

Specifications:

Engine: 1.5-litre inline-4 petrol

Power: 115PS @ 6300rpm

Torque: 106Nm

Transmission: CVT

Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

Fuel Range: 13.7km/l (claimed)

Cargo Space: 433 litres

Vehicle courtesy of ATL Tiger Motors. For more information, interested persons can visit www.kia-jamaica.com or call 888-ATL-AUTO (285-2886).