Full expert breakdown
Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isn't it? You think about your budget, how safe it keeps your family, the monthly maintenance costs, the latest features that make life easier, and of course, how good the company's service network is. Finding that perfect balance can feel like a treasure hunt. Well, what if we told you there's a compact SUV that aims to tick almost all these boxes, and then some?
Today, we're diving deep into the new Kia Seltos, a car that has truly redefined the compact SUV segment and continues to be a hot favourite among Indian buyers. From its stunning looks to its feature-packed cabin and strong performance, the Seltos promises a lot. Let's see if this popular SUV is the right fit for your driveway!
Main Highlights of the New Kia Seltos
Engine Specifications
The Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of engine options to suit different driving styles and preferences.
- 1.5-litre Smartstream naturally aspirated (NA) Petrol: This engine churns out 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque. It's known for its smoothness and refinement, making it ideal for city driving.
- 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol: For those seeking more thrill, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivers an impressive 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque. This unit offers strong performance and makes highway overtakes a breeze.
- 1.5-litre CRDi Diesel: Diesel lovers aren't left out. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency and robust low-end grunt for effortless cruising.
Design Overview
The new Kia Seltos stands out with its bold and modern design language.
- Exterior: The refreshed Seltos boasts an aggressive front fascia with a larger, more imposing tiger-nose grille, striking LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that extend into the grille, and redesigned LED headlamps. The muscular lines, new alloy wheel designs, and connected LED taillamps at the rear give it a premium and futuristic appeal. It definitely turns heads on Indian roads.
- Interior:
Step inside, and you're greeted by a sophisticated and feature-rich cabin. The dual-screen setup for the infotainment and instrument cluster looks sleek and modern. Premium materials, well-cushioned seats, and thoughtful ergonomics ensure a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers. The overall fit and finish are top-notch, reflecting Kia's attention to detail.
Key Features
Kia is known for loading its cars with features, and the Seltos is no exception.
- Dual 10.25-inch Connected Infotainment and Digital Instrument Cluster Screens
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2
- 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor
- Ventilated and Powered Front Seats
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Automatic Climate Control
- Bose Premium Sound System
- Air Purifier
- Paddle Shifters (for automatic variants)
Ground Clearance
The Kia Seltos offers a healthy 190 mm of ground clearance, which is quite adequate for tackling varying Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces, without much worry.
Boot Space
For your luggage needs, the Seltos comes with a generous 433 litres of boot space, making it practical for family trips and airport runs.
Dimensions
- Length: 4365 mm
- Width: 1800 mm
- Height: 1645 mm
- Wheelbase: 2610 mm
Powertrain Options
The new Kia Seltos comes with a wide array of transmission choices to pair with its engines:
- 6-speed Manual (with 1.5 NA Petrol and 1.5 Diesel)
- Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) - Automatic (with 1.5 NA Petrol)
- 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) (with 1.5 Turbo Petrol and 1.5 Diesel)
- 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) - Automatic (with 1.5 Turbo Petrol)
- 6-speed Torque Converter - Automatic (with 1.5 Diesel)
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern, and the Seltos addresses it comprehensively.
- Standard Safety: Six airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), Hill-Start Assist Control, All-Wheel Disc Brakes, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
- ADAS Level 2: This includes features like Forward Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and High Beam Assist. These features significantly enhance driving safety and convenience.
NCAP Rating Table
The safety credentials of the new Kia Seltos are impressive.
| Rating Body | Model | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP | New Kia Seltos (Facelift) | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Global NCAP | Pre-facelift Kia Seltos | 3-Star | 2-Star |
Note: The 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP applies to the latest facelifted Kia Seltos, showcasing significant improvements in safety over the pre-facelift model.
Rivals of Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos competes in a fiercely contested segment. Its main rivals include:
- Hyundai Creta
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- MG Astor
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Advantages (Pros)
- Stunning Design: The Seltos has an undeniable road presence with its modern and aggressive styling.
- Feature-Loaded Cabin: It offers a segment-leading list of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and entertainment.
- Punchy Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine offers fantastic performance, making it fun to drive.
- Refined Diesel Option: The diesel engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, and offers good drivability.
- High Safety Standards: With 6 airbags standard, ADAS Level 2, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it's a very safe compact SUV.
- Premium Interior: The cabin feels upmarket with good quality materials and a modern layout.
- Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Pricing: The top-end variants can get quite expensive, pushing it close to a segment above.
- Fuel Efficiency (Turbo Petrol): While powerful, the turbo petrol engine can be a bit thirsty if driven spiritedly.
- Ride Quality: While comfortable, some might find the suspension a bit firm over sharp bumps at lower speeds.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it's not the most spacious in the segment for three adults in the rear.
Conclusion
The new Kia Seltos continues its reign as a segment benchmark. It combines striking looks, a feature-rich and comfortable interior, a range of powerful and efficient engine options, and now, a top-tier 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. It truly stands out as a complete package for Indian families and individuals looking for a premium, safe, and engaging compact SUV.
If you're in the market for a new SUV that checks almost every box – from style and features to performance and safety – the Kia Seltos should definitely be on your shortlist. We recommend taking a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it truly resonates with your needs and preferences. Happy car hunting!
