VS
At a Glance
Power
301 kW
118 kW
Torque
685 Nm
253 Nm
Fuel
6.5 combined l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
—
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
8.9 s
Engine
1498 cc
1482 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 301 kW while the Kia Seltos produces 118 kW. On fuel, the B30 returns 6.5 combined l/100km while the Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R689 900 for the B30 and R626 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
301 kW
118 kW
Torque
685 Nm
253 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
—
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1482 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 combined l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 litre + hybrid l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
145 combined g/km
141 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
1770 Kg
1364 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
5
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
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
Kia Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
B30
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Seltos
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
BAIC B30
More powerful engine (301 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
Kia Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R626 995)
Less power than rival (118 kW vs 301 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the B30 or Seltos?
The B30 uses 6.5 combined l/100km and the Seltos uses 6.2 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 301 kW and 685 Nm of torque while the Seltos delivers 118 kW and 253 Nm of torque. The B30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the B30 and Seltos?
The B30 starts from R689 900 and the Seltos from R626 995. The Seltos is cheaper by R62 905 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.