Hey car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Are you on the hunt for your next perfect ride? We know the drill. Buying a new car in India is a big decision, a true family affair. You're thinking about your budget, the safety of your loved ones, how much that monthly maintenance will pinch your wallet, and of course, getting all the latest features. And let's not forget reliable company service for peace of mind.

Well, what if we told you there's a compact SUV that ticks almost all these boxes with style and substance? Today, we're diving deep into one of the hottest contenders in the market: the new Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT. This facelifted Seltos isn't just a pretty face; it's packed with updates that make it a seriously compelling option for Indian families. Let's find out if this is the SUV you've been waiting for.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT comes with a robust and refined engine that is a favourite among Indian buyers for its efficiency and punch.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel engine
• Maximum Power: 116 PS (at 4000 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm (between 1500-2750 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
• Mileage (ARAI): Approximately 19.1 kmpl

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The new Seltos carries a much bolder and more aggressive look than its predecessor. The GTX (O) variant takes this a notch higher with its sporty touches.

• Front: A larger, more imposing Tiger Nose grille, new 'Star Map' LED DRLs that extend into the grille, and a redesigned front bumper with chunky skid plates.
• Side: Sporty 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels (for GTX Plus and above), sharper character lines, and functional roof rails.
• Rear: Connected LED taillights giving it a distinctive signature, a revamped rear bumper, and twin exhaust tips (design feature).

Interior Design

Step inside, and you're greeted by a premium and futuristic cabin.

• Dashboard: A dual-screen setup housing the infotainment and instrument cluster takes centre stage.
• Upholstery: Black and Sage Green dual-tone interior theme (GTX variants) with soft-touch materials and subtle red accents.
• Comfort: Ergonomically designed seats, ample storage spaces, and a driver-centric cockpit feel.

Key Features

Kia has packed the Seltos GTX (O) with an impressive list of features to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch connected displays (for infotainment and instrument cluster)
• Connectivity: Kia Connect with over 67 connected car features, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof (a crowd favourite!)
• Camera: 360-degree camera with Blind View Monitor (BVM)
• Charging: Wireless phone charger
• Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Comfort Features: Ventilated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, head-up display (HUD), Bose Premium Sound System
• Convenience: Rain-sensing wipers, LED ambient lighting

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT?

The Seltos offers a commendable ground clearance of 200 mm, which is well-suited for tackling varied Indian road conditions and mild off-roading.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT?

You get a generous boot space of 433 litres, which is more than enough for your weekend getaways or airport runs.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT?

• Length: 4360 mm
• Width: 1830 mm
• Height: 1635 mm
• Wheelbase: 2690 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the fantastic Diesel AT, it's worth noting that the Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of powertrain options to cater to different preferences:

• 1.5L Smartstream G naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm) with 6-speed MT or IVT
• 1.5L T-GDi turbo petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm) with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT
• 1.5L CRDi VGT diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm) with 6-speed iMT or 6-speed Automatic (the one we are discussing!)

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Kia, and the Seltos reflects this with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist (BA), All Wheel Disc Brakes, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Advanced Safety (ADAS Level 2): The GTX (O) variant boasts Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) which includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and more.

NCAP Rating Table

The updated Kia Seltos has shown significant improvement in crash safety.

Note: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the new, facelifted Kia Seltos, indicating significant structural and safety enhancements.

Rivals of Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT goes head-to-head with some strong players:

• Hyundai Creta
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor
• Honda Elevate

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Powerful and Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine paired with the smooth automatic transmission offers a great balance of performance and fuel economy, perfect for both city drives and highway cruising.
• Striking Design: The refreshed exterior and premium interior make the Seltos a head-turner.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with segment-leading features like dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and Bose sound system.
• Advanced Safety: 6 airbags standard and Level 2 ADAS significantly boost occupant safety.
• Improved Ride and Handling: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a comfortable ride without compromising on handling.
• High Quality Fit and Finish: Kia's renowned build quality is evident throughout the car.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: The top-end GTX (O) variant comes with a premium price tag, which might be a stretch for some budgets.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it's not the most spacious in its segment, especially for three adults over long journeys.
• Stiff Ride at Low Speeds: Some users might find the low-speed ride a bit firm on broken patches, though it smooths out nicely at higher speeds.
• No Hybrid Option: Unlike some rivals, a strong hybrid option is not available with the Seltos.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT emerges as a formidable contender in India's competitive compact SUV segment. It beautifully blends a muscular road presence with a feature-packed, luxurious interior, and a strong, efficient diesel automatic powertrain. With its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating and advanced ADAS features, it assures peace of mind on every journey.

While it comes with a premium price, the value it offers in terms of design, features, performance, and safety is undeniable. If you're a prospective buyer looking for a sophisticated, safe, and powerful diesel automatic SUV that stands out from the crowd and offers a truly modern driving experience, the Kia Seltos GTX (O) Diesel AT should definitely be on your shortlist. Take it for a test drive, feel the power, experience the luxury, and make an informed decision for your family's next adventure!