Suzuki Ignis vs Kia Seltos
What's the difference?

Suzuki Ignis

$10,990 - $20,990

2021 price

View pricing & specs

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2021 Suzuki Ignis

2023 Kia Seltos

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.2L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.9L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Striking design
Superb agility
Ease of operation

Roomy for a small SUV
1.6-litre turbo engine
New styling

Dislikes

No AEB, DAB+ and telescopic steering
Stiff ride, noisy cabin
Poor EuroNCAP crash-test rating

LED headlights only on top grade
No hybrid version
CVT transmission with the 2.0-litre engine

2021 Suzuki Ignis Summary

Welcome to one of the world’s tiniest SUVs, as well as amongst Australia’s cheapest – Suzuki’s diminutive Ignis.

There’s an Aussie connection. Holden designer Peter Hughes styled the original YG Cruze based on the first (FH) Ignis of 2000, with both models sharing most components underneath; but the latter was not well received, prompting Suzuki to change tack for its reborn Swift replacement of 2004. Yet the name and concept were revived 11 years later (without GMH) for the retro-themed high-riding hatch/crossover you see here today.

The point? This quick history lesson serves to remind us how similar both Ignis generations are, as well as how devoted Suzuki is in its pursuit of owning the light SUV space.

In June 2020, a facelifted MF arrived, brandishing a revised grille, bumpers and trim to give it a chunkier appearance, along with minor spec changes.

Here we take a long look at the GLX auto.

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2023 Kia Seltos Summary

Looking for a small SUV that’s not tiny? The Kia Seltos could be that SUV, and it’s been updated for 2023.

This review covers the entire Seltos range and reviews this small SUV based on its safety, practicality, price and features, plus ownership costs, its fuel economy and what it’s like to drive.

So, if you’re thinking about a Honda HR-V, a Toyota Corolla Cross or something even as large as a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage then you need to be thinking about a Kia Seltos, too.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2021 Suzuki Ignis 2023 Kia Seltos

Verdict

With statement styling, inherent agility, excellent efficiency, proven reliability, high equipment levels and low entry pricing, the 2021 Ignis GLX is in danger of becoming a mandatory short-list proposition for people seeking fun and affordable motoring.

But undermining all that is a distinct lack of driver-assist safety tech that can’t be – and shouldn’t be – ignored. At least give buyers the option of paying more for essentials like AEB.

If Suzuki can address this shortfall, the Ignis would join its excellent Swift supermini stablemate in being a very compelling and enjoyable compact urban runabout. We hope this happens sooner rather than later.

Verdict

Kia’s updated Seltos is more expensive than the previous version but it's better as well.

The entry grade no longer has hubcaps and gets alloy wheels, all grades have directional air vents in the second row, the jerky dual-clutch auto is gone and an excellent regular eight-speed auto has arrived, plus there’s more safety tech and modern displays screens.

What hasn’t changed is the Seltos’s size. It’s a big, small SUV, that’s easy to park in tight spaces but roomy inside even for tall, awkward humans like me.

The sweet spot in the range is the Sport+ with the 1.6-litre engine, if only it had the LED headlights that only come on the GT-Line.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Suzuki Ignis vs Kia Seltos What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Ignis vs Kia Seltos
What's the difference?