Full expert breakdown
Hey car lovers and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels that perfectly blends style, safety, and smart features without burning a hole in your pocket? When you’re planning to buy a new car, questions about your budget, how safe it is, the monthly maintenance costs, the latest features, and how good the company’s service is are always on your mind, right? Well, today, we’re diving deep into a car that ticks many of these boxes and has really made a mark in the Indian market: the new Kia Seltos. This popular compact SUV has received a significant update, and trust us, it’s worth a closer look!
Main Highlights of the New Kia Seltos
Engine Specifications
The new Kia Seltos truly offers something for everyone, with a range of powerful and efficient engine options:
- 1.5L Smartstream NA Petrol: This naturally aspirated engine is perfect for city driving, offering a smooth and refined experience. It produces 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque.
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel: For those who prioritize fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque, the diesel engine is a great choice. It delivers 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque.
- 1.5L Smartstream GDi Turbo Petrol: If you love spirited driving, this new turbo petrol engine is a game-changer. It churns out an impressive 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful in its segment.
Design Overview
Exterior
The Seltos has always been a looker, and the new update takes its design quotient even higher. It features a bold, redesigned ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, striking LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that extend into the grille, and a new bumper design that gives it a more aggressive stance. At the rear, the connected LED taillamps are a major highlight, giving it a premium and distinctive road presence. New alloy wheel designs further enhance its sporty appeal.
Interior
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a premium and modern cabin. The most striking feature is the integrated dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster, creating a panoramic display. The cabin feels more upscale with updated upholstery, improved materials, and a clutter-free dashboard layout. Kia has focused on creating a comfortable and tech-rich environment for both the driver and passengers.
Key Features
Kia is known for loading its cars with features, and the Seltos is no exception:
- Dual 10.25-inch Infotainment & Instrument Cluster: A segment-leading panoramic display.
- Kia Connect: Advanced connected car technology with over 67 features.
- Panoramic Sunroof: A large sunroof that truly opens up the cabin.
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control: For personalized comfort.
- Ventilated Front Seats: A blessing in Indian summers.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): Projects essential info onto the windshield.
- 360-degree Camera with Blind View Monitor: Makes parking and maneuvering in tight spots much easier.
- Wireless Phone Charger: Keep your devices charged without messy cables.
- Bose Premium Sound System: For an immersive audio experience.
- Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold: Adds convenience and a premium feel.
What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos offers a healthy 200 mm of ground clearance, which is ample for tackling uneven Indian roads and speed breakers with ease.
What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos?
The Seltos comes with a generous 447 liters of boot space, which is practical for weekend trips and carrying luggage for the family.
What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos?
- Length: 4360 mm
- Width: 1830 mm
- Height: 1635 mm
- Wheelbase: 2690 mm
Powertrain Options
The new Seltos provides a wide array of transmission choices to pair with its engines:
- 1.5L NA Petrol: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT – Kia’s version of CVT).
- 1.5L Diesel: Offered with a 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) and a 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT).
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol: Comes with a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Safety Features
Safety is a major priority for the new Seltos, making it a very appealing choice for families:
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Includes features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more, significantly enhancing driving safety.
- 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants.
- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control): Helps maintain vehicle stability.
- VSM (Vehicle Stability Management): Further aids stability during braking and cornering.
- HAC (Hill-start Assist Control): Prevents rollback on inclines.
- All-Wheel Disc Brakes: For superior stopping power.
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System): Alerts you to low tyre pressure.
NCAP Rating Table
The new Kia Seltos has achieved an impressive safety rating:
| Rating Body | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP (New Seltos) | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Global NCAP (Pre-facelift Seltos) | 3-Star | 2-Star |
Note: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the updated Kia Seltos, tested under new and stricter protocols. The Global NCAP rating refers to the pre-facelift model tested under older protocols. The new Seltos with 6 airbags standard and ADAS offers significantly enhanced safety.
Rivals of Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos operates in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:
- Hyundai Creta
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- MG Astor
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Advantages (Pros)
- Stunning Design: Both exterior and interior are modern and eye-catching.
- Feature-Loaded: Packed with segment-best and first-in-segment features.
- Multiple Powertrain Options: Something for every driving style, including a powerful turbo petrol.
- High Safety Rating: 5-star Bharat NCAP rating inspires confidence.
- Premium Cabin Experience: Upscale materials and excellent fit and finish.
- Balanced Ride and Handling: Comfortable for city, stable on highways.
- Strong Resale Value: Kia models tend to hold their value well.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it’s not the most spacious in the segment compared to some rivals.
- Pricing of Top Variants: The fully loaded variants can get quite expensive.
- Fuel Economy of Turbo Petrol: Can be lower if driven enthusiastically.
- No Strong Hybrid Option: Unlike some competitors, Seltos misses out on a strong hybrid powertrain.
Conclusion
The new Kia Seltos, with its refreshed design, feature-packed interior, robust safety suite, and diverse powertrain options, truly stands out in the compact SUV segment. It’s a car that doesn’t just look good but also delivers on performance, comfort, and, most importantly, safety. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual, a family person prioritizing safety, or someone who loves a powerful drive, the Seltos offers a compelling package.
While the top variants might pinch your wallet a bit, the value you get in terms of features and peace of mind is substantial. If you’re considering a new compact SUV in India, the Kia Seltos definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. We highly recommend visiting your nearest Kia showroom for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it’s the perfect fit for your needs!
