VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
84 kW
Torque
305 Nm
144 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.3 s
Engine
1498 cc
1497 cc
Choosing between the BAIC B30 and the Kia Seltos is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BAIC B30 delivers 138 kW while the Kia Seltos produces 84 kW. On fuel, the B30 returns 8.1 l/100km while the Seltos uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R519 000 for the B30 and R532 995 for the Seltos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
138 kW
84 kW
Torque
305 Nm
144 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.3 s
Top Speed
—
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1497 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
154 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4730 mm
4365 mm
Width
1910 mm
1800 mm
Height
1790 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance
215 mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 Kg
1304 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1496 l
433 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1100 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
4
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
B30
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
B30
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
BAIC B30
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Lower starting price (R519 000)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Kia Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (84 kW vs 138 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the B30 or Seltos?
The B30 uses 8.1 l/100km and the Seltos uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the B30 or Seltos?
The B30 produces 138 kW and 305 Nm of torque while the Seltos delivers 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque. The B30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the B30 and Seltos?
The B30 starts from R519 000 and the Seltos from R532 995. The B30 is cheaper by R13 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the B30 or Seltos?
The B30 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Seltos can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the B30 or the Seltos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.