Mazda CX-30 Vs Kia Seltos Comparison

VS

Welcome to the new Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos comparison for 2020. Unlikely comparison you may think but both claim to be SUVs although one is more minivan and the other a high rise hatchback – which is which? We are comparing the two purely to the intersecting price range. That said the styling and practicality package is clearly an important factor too and we don’t think branding is too important…

Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos exterior design : We like where Kia styling was heading in terms of design up to now. Unfortunately the Seltos is not one of Kia’s best efforts. The design is very ordinary or conservative with styling clues from any number of manufacturers eg. Range Rover and Toyota. The most telling visual and spec short fall is the standard steel wheel and hub caps on the base model which when on roads costs are taken into account costs just under $30,000, is disappointing and a rip off. The CX-30 is well priced and at least it looks worth the price you pay despite the derivative styling.

Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos interior: At least the interior of the Seltos is a nice place to be and it’s one of the best but it’s not as nice as the CX-30. That said the Seltos has a larger interior befitting a wagon and hence more flexible space, if that is a key factor in the purchasing decision. The Seltos’ hard plastics look good but it’s still not enough compared to the genuine soft and good looking materials in the CX-30.

Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos engines and technology: From past comparisons we are happy with the engine and spec of the CX-30 so cannot add anymore to the commentary. In comparison to Seltos uses the same engines as the Hyundai Kona which it shares the platform and they are a good choices. The lower model grade Seltos has the CVT auto while the higher end models come with a DCT which we thought was interesting. Missing on the Kia is a higher end stereo system despite the connectivity. (We are spoilt by the Rock Fosgate or BOSE options on other cheaper SUVs)  Also interesting was that the Seltos has an optional safety pack on all models which makes it the same price as the CX-30 in most model grades.

We try not comment on advertising slogans but when find it amusing or appealing to a different market than what its intention we say it. For Kia the ‘duh… 7 year warranty’ slogan is amusing because the Seltos has DCT Auto so duh.. you probably will need it – hopefully ironic. The other ‘It’ll move you’ slogan is so true because it will from point A to point B like most cars. There was not emotional engagement when we looked at it which we presume was the intention. In comparison to the CX-30 ads of ‘Everything just right’ is arguably close to what it represents which is annoying because we couldn’t find anything clever to add.

The conclusion to the new Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos comparison is the CX-30. The CX-30 looks much better on the outside and slightly nicer on the inside. Spec and safety is all about which model grade you choose and you will find that the CX-30 has more stuff for the price.

Mazda CX-30	Kia Seltos
Engines
IL4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 2.0 Litre (1998cc) Claimed 114Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 200Nm @ 4000RPM	IL 4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC EFI VVT 2.0 Litre (1999cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 180Nm @ 4500RPM
4 Cylinder petrol (91 Octane) 2.5 Litre (2488cc) DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 139Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 252Nm @ 4000RPM	IL4 Cylinder Petrol 1.6 Litre (1591cc) Turbo DOHC Engine EFI Claimed 130Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 265Nm @ 1500RPM
Weight
Kerb weight 1360 Kg Towing capacity up to 1200kg	FROM 1355 Kg Towing capacity up to 1100kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 51 litres IL4 2.0 Petrol 6.5 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 Petrol 6.6 litres per 100km	Up to 50 litres IL4 2.0 Petrol 6.8 Lts per 100km AVG IL4 1.6 Turbo Petrol 7.6 Lts per 100km AVG
Other specifications
6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1540/1795 Overall length/wheelbase 4395/2655 4WD system: FWD or On demand AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5	CVT auto or 7 Speed DCT Auto Overall height/width 1615/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4370/2630 4WD system: FWD or On demand AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 175mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max	Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 177mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2020 $29,990 – 43,490 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2020 $26,690 – 42,690 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!