Kia Seltos vs MG ZST vs Hyundai i30

Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:17
Last edited 29/06/2022 - 12:35 by 2 other users

A ‘friend’ is thinking of getting a second car, but is struggling between an odd mish mash of makes and model variants. Excite? Essence? Sports? Sports+? Kinda feels like the 90’s with Street Fighter 2+ super special extra mega edition.

These are the contenders.

Kia Seltos Sport+ CVT $36,290
MG ZST Essence $33,990
Hyundai i30 Hatch Elite $34,253

The MG is top of the line. Kia almost top of line and Hyundai I have no idea. Better than base N line but not.

All have pretty good reviews and safety features but for some reason I feel Hyundai has the best safety systems. No idea why, probably just good marketing. I think a test drive will be the decider. What are OzBargain’s thoughts

Poll Options expired

  • 19
    Kiaa Seltos Sport+ CVT
  • 7
    MG ZST Essence
  • 49
    Hyundai i30 Hatch Elite
Automotive Car Hyundai Motors Kia MG SUV

Comments

  • kerfuffle on 28/06/2022 - 07:25
    +4

    Why is the Hyundai i30 in there? That’s not a SUV like the other two

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:31
      +1

      Because that’s the shortlist of favoured cars

      • kerfuffle on 28/06/2022 - 07:38
        +1

        But it's a different class of car. Do they want a SUV or a small hatchback?

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:41
          +1

          That’s initially what I thought. It’s more around the value proposition. The features vs price.

          If you know of other cars between $30-$35 k with similar or better feature, happy to see what’s on offer. Just not haval or gwm.

          • pegaxs on 28/06/2022 - 07:44
            +5

            @Vote for Pedro: Don’t want a Haval but will have an MG?

            • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:47

              @pegaxs: Yes. That’s correct. MG branding is better than Haval. There is a bit of vanity as well.

              Why do you think MG has taken off in Oz so much compared to Haval. It’s not just about the car.

              • Gronk on 28/06/2022 - 07:49
                +2

                @Vote for Pedro: You are aware who owns MG, right?

              • seraphim2017 on 28/06/2022 - 08:50
                +1

                @Vote for Pedro: Buy whichever you like to drive the most, and don't even entertain 'vanity' with this shortlist!!

                i30 is a good car and objectively nicer to drive on roads as it is a car, not a pseudo soft roader. But depreciation will be higher as people like their imitation soft roaders, nothing wrong with that, just a preference.

                Stop trying to make subjective things objective. If you want a car and are trying to justify it, just buy it, they'll all be ok, fairly reliable, and none of them are going to set your world on fire, or your wallet!

                Also, to ensure validity of comment.

                "Buy a corolla. /thread. "

                :)

                • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:51

                  @seraphim2017: Lol. Ta. Agree. It’s just the 3 are the shortlist and basic feelings are equalish for all.

                  • seraphim2017 on 28/06/2022 - 08:52
                    +10

                    @Vote for Pedro: Toss a coin. if it's heads, buy the Seltos, If it's tails, buy the Hyundai. If it lands on the edge, buy the MG.

                    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:54

                      @seraphim2017: Hahahhahah so no vote for the MG

                      • seraphim2017 on 28/06/2022 - 09:18
                        +3

                        @Vote for Pedro: Relative to your other 2, it'll be a dog, fine now but like 1st gen daewoo stuff in reality. Hyundai and Kia have had decades to build support servicing dealerships and refine their products.

                        MG is a brand they bought (and even when British, they were known for fun not reliability!) so it's just a cheap junker that will possibly not last, with MUCH less on shore support. Lots of toys is fine until they stop working.

                        Buy an MG EV if you HAVE to have EV and price is critical, but otherwise, it's between a hatchback and a soft roader, so comes down to, are you going to want to drive it on roads, and are you going to want it to have less depreciation.

                        If you can't tell the drive difference, just buy anything, it won't matter! :)

              • brendanm on 28/06/2022 - 11:15

                @Vote for Pedro: Vanity? Mg? That doesn't make sense.

                • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 11:59

                  @brendanm: Yes yes it’s a cheap chinese brand. We get that. We’re not idiots.

                  Its a marketing comparison of MG vs Haval vs GWM. MG has the most appealing name brand

              • Hackney on 28/06/2022 - 15:42
                +1

                @Vote for Pedro: Stay away from both!

            • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 07:54

              @pegaxs: Some people think one is better than the other.

          • kerfuffle on 28/06/2022 - 07:50
            +1

            @Vote for Pedro: Sorry, can’t help you there. My Corolla ZR sedan was $39K but probably has less features than what the shortlist offers

  • payless69 on 28/06/2022 - 07:27

    You put up 2 Koreans against 1 Chinese! Now I stop right here!

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:32
      +1

      Should I have put up an Australian made one as well?

      • payless69 on 28/06/2022 - 09:22

        Absolutely!
        Lobby for GM to please the unions, else Hon Cadogan will puke some more….

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 10:26
          -2

          Don’t forget, car companies were goaded into leaving by Joe Hockey and the Liberal Party. So, they left.

  • WreckTangle on 28/06/2022 - 07:40
    +2

    Seltos Is such a silly name. It sounds like cell toss.

  • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 07:43

    2 Korean brands that make reasonable quality cars vs a dead English now Chinese brand.

    It's a tough choice.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:46

      MG it is then

      • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 07:52

        Most definitely.

        Australia is the perfect damping ground for these fine automakers.

        https://www.carlogos.org/chinese-car-brands/

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:55
          +2

          I go back to circa 1990 and this was exactly what was being said about Hyundai.

          • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 07:57

            @Vote for Pedro: Some people still think the 1990s is the 21st century.

            Damn, has anyone seen my brick 📱?

          • ESEMCE on 28/06/2022 - 09:52

            @Vote for Pedro: And those comments were accurate back in the 90s.

            Case in point, I saw a late 90s Hyundai Excel yesterday…. They were everywhere back then, but it is such a rare occurrence now that I noticed and remembered! It was in great shape as well.
            As opposed to seeing a 90's era Civic/Corolla/ Pulsar/323 which remain fairly common on the roads and are therefore unremarkable.
            The difference is that 90's era Hyundai's were cheaply/poorly made and ultimately not worth maintaining to still be driving around today.

            • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 10:35
              +1

              @ESEMCE: Somewhat agree, but i see more Hyunda Excels than Commodore VT’s out in the road these days

              • ESEMCE on 28/06/2022 - 12:54

                @Vote for Pedro: Seriously?
                The bubble shaped one, somewhat similar to the Jellybean Mazda 121?

                There's a VT in my work car park (not mine, both our cars are Korean), plus a VS, along with a Magna out on the street. 90's Australian cars are everywhere IMHO.

                Added to this, far more old Commodores have been wrapped around a Utility pole or tree by P Plater's than Hyundai's of any model.

                • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 20:16

                  @ESEMCE: Yes seriously.

                  Also lol on crumpledoors being wrapped around poles

        • payless69 on 28/06/2022 - 09:26

          Good to make the legendary Aussie Damper?

  • pegaxs on 28/06/2022 - 07:43
    +1

    Why not Venue or Kona from Hyundai? At least those are in the same class as the Seltos and ZST.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 07:46
      +1

      Features vs price really. Also the reviews were not pleasant.

      Personally I’d always pick an i30 Elite over the Kona or Venue.

      • pegaxs on 28/06/2022 - 08:00
        +2

        The Seltos, Venue and the i30 are built on the same platform. The Kona is built on a modified, but similar platform to both of these.

        As for price, they are about the same for the same level. The “Elite” is the top level (without going into N sport territory)

        Kona Elite, $35,600 drive away.
        Venue Elite, $30,600 drive away.

        If you would always pick an i30 over a Kona or Venue, then why are you comparing it to two SUV’s and not to other hatchbacks. Maybe you should be comparing the Cerato/Rio and MG3.

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:02
          +2

          Because they are the shortlisted cars. i30 beats venue and kona every time. So thats why they have been excluded.

          But compared to the essence and sport+cvt its a tougher choice.

          Also, god the kona is fugly

  • oandrewx on 28/06/2022 - 08:24
    +2

    don't buy a MG, someone I know reckons they are a piece of junk.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:49
      +1

      Do you know what the issues were. And were they with the ZST? How did the dealer deal with warranty.

      Only reason I ask is previously I had a VW and it was horrendous dealing with dealer under warranty to resolve the issue

    • coffeeinmyveins on 28/06/2022 - 08:50
      +7

      Such a reputable source. SOmeone you know.

  • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:48
    -4

    I see censorship is strong on OzBargain.

    This was the start of my post before editing by Admins

    “ Firstly, it’s nice to be out of the penalty box. I make no apologies for telling a nazi or nazi sympathiser to f*** off. I will do it every single time. If that means being permanently banned from OzBargain, then so be it.”

    Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:48 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 09:38

      Inflammatory and an instant ban are in order.

    • pegaxs on 28/06/2022 - 09:42
      +1

      And let me guess… a "Nazi" is just anyone who doesn't agree with you? Or are you actually talking about "actual" Nazis, like 1940's Nazis? Or just anyone who doesn't own a MAGA hat?

      • rektrading on 28/06/2022 - 09:43

        They're all 💀 or in prison.

        • pegaxs on 28/06/2022 - 09:48

          With all the "YoUrE A NaZi!!11!!!" name calling, I cant rmemeber who the actual Nazis are any more…

      • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 10:17

        I’ll start with the proud boys or anyone standing in the same group with them. If you have a cause and literal Nazis are part of that cause, I would recommend reconsidering your participation in the cause.

    • onetwothreefour on 28/06/2022 - 10:01

      Link to you calling out a nazi on ozbargain please.

    • brendanm on 28/06/2022 - 11:20

      "Everyone who doesn't agree with me is a nazi - the children's guide to arguing on the internet".

      • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 11:35
        -1

        How cute. No.

        I guess the question for you is, are nazis, neo nazis and their sympathisers bad and should they be told to f*** off?

  • Euphemistic on 28/06/2022 - 08:51

    What features are really necessary? If it was my friends decision and they liked all three I’d ask what is missing from any of them to rule them out.

    My friend isn’t that fussed about features and prefers a good solid car that drives nicely and has a good reliability reputation. Who cares if it doesn’t have voice activated retracting vanity mirrors as long as the AC keeps you cool, the seats are comfy, the radio works and the engine makes it go fast enough for your friend.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 08:53

      Agree. That’s the hard part. It might come down to something as simple as ‘I like the way the light on the radio button looks’ because all 3 are more than acceptable options.

      • Euphemistic on 28/06/2022 - 12:14

        if that’s the case there’s nothing that we can say that’ll help.

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:24

          Well it has been somewhat of a help. Clearly MG is a no go for OzBargain members. What would have been nice is reasons other than cOz cHiNa BaD, but it is what it is.

          • Euphemistic on 28/06/2022 - 12:30

            @Vote for Pedro: If you(r friend) think ‘ChINa cAR bAd’ is the only reason OzB is offering and you’re prepared to take the hit on resale because ‘ChiNa cAR bAd’ later then you(r friend) can make a decision based on features/feel not badge.

            • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:51

              @Euphemistic: Drive? Reliability? Any quirks that aren’t obvious? Any useful features that aren’t considered? Knowledge of how good the safety systems are. All useful things. ‘ ChiNa cAR bAd’ is a given for an emerging brand/manufacturer, so not entirely helpful.

  • ChrisLevo on 28/06/2022 - 09:08

    I test drove the Seltos and the MG (among a half-dozen others) and have driven a current i30.

    The Seltos had the most room, had a great engine/transmission combination for my needs (mainly outer suburban and CBD) and just felt comfortable to hop into and drive off.
    The MG interior was uncomfortable and disorganised and handling in our test drive in the Adelaide Hills was less than ordinary.

    Had my Sport+ CVT for 18 months now and extremely happy.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 09:10

      Great feedback. Thank you. How are the driver assist safety features? Get much use or more a gimmick?

      • kerfuffle on 28/06/2022 - 09:31

        Had a rental Corolla while insurance sorted out my old Corolla. Driver assist features like lane guidance and automatic braking were annoying.

      • Brotality on 28/06/2022 - 09:43
        +1

        I had a 2018 i30 SR for a couple of years. Adaptive cruise control is fantastic on the freeway, not great in start stop traffic (but probably because of the dual clutch transmission.) Emergency braking saved my bum once or twice when people in front of me decide to suddenly bury their brakes. And the "Consider taking a break" warning was scary accurate when I was tired and driving.

      • ChrisLevo on 28/06/2022 - 17:09
        +1

        I leave the driver assist features all on and they work as advertised.

        What else can I say?

  • YepYeppers on 28/06/2022 - 09:26
    +1

    Where's the option for 'none of the above' ?

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 10:24

      There isn’t one. They are the three shortlisted cars. Do you have a suggestion that has similar features within the $30-$35k price range

  • Drakesy on 28/06/2022 - 09:56

    Again, not sure why the i30 is in there, cross shopping 2 suv's against 1 hatch is strange.
    The Hyundai equivalent would be the Kona, which i'd argue doesn't look as good as the Seltos.

    I'd be looking at the seltos for track record, reliability and space.

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 10:29
      +1

      Because they are the shortlisted cars. i30 beats venue and kona every time. So thats why they have been excluded.

      But compared to the essence and sport+cvt its a tougher choice.

      Also, god the kona is fugly

      • Drakesy on 28/06/2022 - 10:48
        -1

        Beats them in what sense?
        Because as far as space and practicality is concerned an SUV would be the go to.
        I guess if you want to save fuel?

        And yes i agree the kona is fugly.
        Venue looks alright though.
        Else a jolion maybe if you're going for looks, basically same manufacturer as MG?

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:18
          -1

          Reason venue was excluded was based on specs and this review https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/hyundai-venue-elite-8258…. Also the screen and dash are small and bland. But might just recommend it goes into the mix as a hail mary option

        • birdhouse on 04/07/2022 - 09:08

          I haven’t seen or driven a seltos but an i30 has more room then a Kona. In the back seat and the boot. And is a much better drive.

          Go the i30!

        • Bumblegrum on 24/07/2022 - 14:55
          -1

          SUVs don't always have more room especially in the boot.

          Seltos 433 l
          MG ZST 359 l
          I30 395 l

          overall size

          Seltos 4,370 mm L x 1,800 mm W x 1,615 mm H

          MG ZST. 4,323 mm L x 1,809 mm W x 1,653 mm H

          I30. 4,340 mm L x 1,795 mm W x 1,455 mm H

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/06/2022 - 10:28
    +5

    If money isnt a issue id say they Kia Seltos Sport+

    i wouldnt touch MG although they are growing in popularity i think they got another 10-15 years of trading in Australia without fault before i'd consider one.

  • FitzChivalry Farseer on 28/06/2022 - 11:04

    In terms of driving enjoyment I would go for the 6 speed torque converter auto in the i30 elite over the CVT in the Seltos every day of the week.

    It is an excellent gearbox that is far better suited to the power and torque delivered by that 2 litre engine.

    Take a decent length test drive in both and you will see what I mean.

    Have not driven the MG so cannot comment on it.

    • Oz8argain on 28/06/2022 - 11:28
      +1

      driving enjoyment = non of the above lol!

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:27

      Heard good things about the i30 drive. Am not a fan of cvt but the reviews say the seltos is one of the best out there. I’m not convinced

      • Euphemistic on 28/06/2022 - 12:33

        I’m almost convinced that CVT is only ‘bad’ because our collective minds have had a very long time where engine revs and speed/acceleration are matched in a defined way and CVT just screws with our ‘training’.

        I’ll admit I’ve only driven CVT for a very short while and it was weird because revs/speed/acceleration didn’t match, but the car went OK. But then, im old fashioned and want 3 pedals and to choose my own gear.

        • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:53

          If it aint a rotor it aint a motor?

    • Hackney on 28/06/2022 - 15:46
      -1

      @FitzAll that you mentioned are crap.

  • uncompressed on 28/06/2022 - 11:49

    MG ZST Essence - isn't this only 4 star ancap rated if safety (and safety features) is an issue?

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:20

      I think that’s based on the ZS

  • ZenderBing on 28/06/2022 - 11:51
    +4

    Kia.
    Pick Kia.
    I repeat, Kia.

    Kia is delivering a lot more value for money and the lowest ownership cost.

    Why even think of MG !

    • Vote for Pedro on 28/06/2022 - 12:19

      Somewhat agree.

      MG is in the mix because it’s top of the range feature rich at a price point lower than mid range Seltos.

  • AryaTheExplorer on 28/06/2022 - 13:57

    Make sure you use a broker to get a goodr price and don't forget to factor in delivery time in your purchase decision (usually the best/most popular model has the longest delivery time). My pick is the Seltos.

  • askme69 on 28/06/2022 - 14:36
    +2

    How can a car company( MG CHINA) start charging premium (Korean prices) after a couple of years.

    It took the Koreans years to get that credibility etc.

  • Mistredo on 28/06/2022 - 17:04

    I would recommend to join Facebook groups for these cars. It will give you a lot of invaluable insights.

    I've considered Seltos too, but main negatives based on the Facebook groups:
    - Gearbox has tendency to die, they will replace, but you will have to wait for it and let them tow your car
    - Bottom rusts, and they are not always willing to fix it
    - Long delivery times

    I also would recommend considering other small SUVs like Skoda Kamiq, Haval Jolion, Mazda CX30. They are pretty good too.

    • ChrisLevo on 28/06/2022 - 17:08
      +2

      I'm also on the Seltos groups, as an owner.

      1. Some DCT boxes died and they were replaced. No different to many other DCT boxes.
      2. Never heard of this happening - period.
      3. Yep, mainly 'cos they are in high demand and all dealers have long waiting lists.
      • Mistredo on 28/06/2022 - 19:48

        Some DCT boxes died and they were replaced. No different to many other DCT boxes.

        Are you saying other DCT boxes die too after 10k kms? It is not typical for DCT boxes to die so soon.

        Never heard of this happening - period.

        Just search rust in your group.

        https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605668246382485/posts/30222…
        https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605668246382485/posts/31167…
        https://www.facebook.com/groups/2605668246382485/posts/31096…

        Yep, mainly 'cos they are in high demand and all dealers have long waiting lists.

        Sadly, the main reason is they don't make them in same volume as other cars.VFACTS numbers for Kia for May

        Kia Carnival – 794
        Kia Cerato – 1237
        Kia EV6 – 40
        Kia Niro – 100
        Kia Picanto – 256
        Kia Rio – 398
        Kia Seltos – 674
        Kia Sorento – 799
        Kia Sportage – 1464
        Kia Stinger – 428
        Kia Stonic – 1117
        Kia Total – 7307

        • Drakesy on 04/07/2022 - 10:14

          ^That's the sales numbers, not really reflective of the manufacturing volume.

          They could have more capacity for all we know?

  • FAIL on 29/06/2022 - 07:34
    +2

    I just bought an I30 N-Line hatch for a run around car and I'm really impressed so far with it.

  • Darayus on 29/06/2022 - 10:07

    Have you test drive the new Subaru Impreza S series it will blow off your mind, with AWD performance, control, drive feel and finally around 36K. Subaru's resale value holds compared to others. Yes, demand for this is huge and the waiting time is about 8 to 12 months now and that is the reason they have stop advertising.

  • Tiller76 on 29/06/2022 - 11:51
    +3

    I would pick which one is preferred to drive. We bought the MG last year and despite being Chinese made, it drives really well. Yes it could be nicer (much prefer leather seats) but I think for the price tag, you get a great car. Having said that, if it was up to me, I think we would have picked the Mazda we were looking at but that is mostly based on not wanting to support Chinese car makers or yet fully trusting them for the long term.

  • Ramrunner on 29/06/2022 - 12:36
    +1

    As soon as I saw CVT the Kia would be out for me. Owned a CVT and have driven a few. They're slow with low torque. Feel quite sluggish.

    I understand they're working on perfecting the torque but based on the technology they're still a way off (too much torque will cause slippage).

    Might be OK for you but if you want something with a bit of zip, I'd suggest staying away from CVT (yes I know they're slightly cheaper to run).

  • mikzter on 29/06/2022 - 18:46
    -1

    With the MG, the driver is an integral part of the crumple zone :) its the Chinese way…..

    LOL, but seriously, If you want a fair review of brands look up John Cadogan on YouTube….

    • Euphemistic on 29/06/2022 - 18:55
      +1

      But seriously, don’t look up Cabogan. He’s the epitome of biased.

  • Dr Prepper on 30/06/2022 - 15:25

    My dad has been driving a MG ZS smash repair courtesy car for over 2 months, due to a parts shortage

    It is replacing my dad's Holden Astra Station wagon but there are no station wagon courtesy cars so they gave him the compact SUV.

    PROS:
    I have driven MG ZS on the weekends and the power and handling is not bad at all. I actually prefer the MG's brakes to my mother in law's Japanese SUV with overly grabby brakes at low speeds. The features list is good value and I would not complain about the build quality after over 2 months of dealing with this car.

    CONS:

    Interior space of the MG is actually much worse that the Astra. I imagine an i30 would be better. I assume the MG is on a subcompact/ light platform rather than an SUV based on a i30 sized platform. That may only be my perception.

    • Vote for Pedro on 30/06/2022 - 17:58

      Quite useful feedback on long term drive. Ta

    • Darayus on 01/07/2022 - 11:44
      +1

      Brakes need calibration to get a quick response and also depend upon the quality of brake pads and disks.

      Older cars always have breaking issue over time till new Brake pads and disk has been replaced and calibrated for play in brake pad.

      Other than breaking how do you find MG in road handling, pick up.and noise. When you run aircon do you find the car under power. My friend has got MG, he is OK because he got a new car for 25K in the year 2020 and he said he can't complain considering that 2nd car cost almost the same. His observation is that its underpowered but he is OK with that, it serves his purpose, a new car warranty and nothing so great or bad.

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