Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You juggle so many factors: your budget, how safe the car is, those crucial monthly running costs, what cool new features it offers, and of course, how reliable the company's service is. It's a lot to consider!

But what if there was a compact SUV that ticked many of these boxes, especially if you're keen on a refined diesel engine paired with the convenience of an automatic gearbox? Well, buckle up, because today we are taking a deep dive into the new Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT. This variant of the popular Kia Seltos promises a great blend of style, comfort, and performance, especially for those looking for a premium diesel automatic experience without breaking the bank. Let's find out if it is the right pick for you!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5l CRDi VGT
• Power Output: 114bhp@4000rpm
• Torque Output: 250Nm@1500-2750rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic

This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and excellent refinement, making city drives and highway cruises a breeze.

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT carries forward the refreshed Seltos's striking design language.

• Exterior: It features a bold and muscular stance with Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, sleek headlamps, and well-sculpted lines that give it a premium and modern appeal. The facelifted Seltos looks sharper and more commanding on the road.
• Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a well-laid-out and comfortable cabin. The HTK variant offers a neat dashboard design, good quality materials, and comfortable seating for five. The focus is on functionality and user-friendliness, ensuring a pleasant experience for all occupants.

Key Features (HTK Diesel AT)

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Automatic climate control
• Steering mounted audio controls
• Rear AC vents
• Rear parking camera and sensors
• Power windows (all four)
• Driver seat height adjustment

Ground Clearance

The Kia Seltos offers a healthy ground clearance of 190 mm, which is more than adequate to tackle most Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

Boot Space

With a spacious boot of 433 litres, the Seltos can comfortably swallow your weekend luggage or grocery haul without a fuss, making it practical for families.

Dimensions

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1645 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

The Kia Seltos offers a variety of engine and transmission combinations to suit different preferences:

• 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with 6-speed manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L turbo petrol engine with 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L CRDi VGT diesel engine with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (our focus variant!)

Safety Features (HTK Diesel AT)

Kia has significantly upgraded the Seltos's safety package. The HTK Diesel AT variant comes loaded with essential safety features:

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants from HTK onwards)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• All four disc brakes
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS - Low Line)
• Rear parking sensors and camera

NCAP Rating Table

The updated Kia Seltos has made huge strides in safety ratings:

The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the facelifted Seltos is a massive confidence booster for buyers, showcasing Kia's commitment to safety in India.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT

The Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT competes fiercely in the crowded compact SUV segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai Creta (especially the diesel automatic variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, quiet, and offers excellent driveability.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed torque converter automatic ensures comfortable and effortless driving, especially in city traffic.
• Stylish and Modern Design: The Seltos stands out with its bold exterior and premium road presence.
• Enhanced Safety: With 6 airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it offers robust safety for occupants.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and offer a comfortable ride.
• Decent Features for the Price: The HTK variant offers essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control, providing good value.

Cons:

• No Premium Features on HTK: Features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, or ADAS are reserved for higher variants.
• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable for four, seating three adults in the rear can be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: While generally good, it might not be the absolute best in class for city driving compared to some mild-hybrid rivals.

Conclusion

The new Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment for Indian car buyers. It successfully addresses many core car-buying considerations: it looks great, the diesel automatic powertrain is a gem for daily commutes and highway trips, and the significant upgrade in safety with 6 airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is truly commendable. While it might miss some of the top-tier gadgetry found in higher trims, the HTK Diesel AT offers a balanced package of essential features, style, comfort, and most importantly, enhanced safety at a very competitive price point.

If you are in the market for a stylish, feature-rich, and now super-safe diesel automatic SUV that offers a refined driving experience and great value, the Kia Seltos HTK Diesel AT should definitely be on your shortlist. We recommend taking it for a test drive to truly experience what this fantastic SUV has to offer!