Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isn't it? You think about your budget, how safe the car is, the monthly maintenance costs, what latest features it offers, and of course, the company's service network. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can feel like a treasure hunt. But what if there was an SUV that promises to deliver on almost every front? Today, we are diving deep into one such contender, the new Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT. This refreshed compact SUV has been making waves since its launch, especially with its updated look, advanced features, and a significant boost in safety.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT is its impressive 1.5-litre Smartstream T-GDi turbo petrol engine. This powerhouse delivers an exhilarating performance:

• Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 160 PS (at 5500 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 253 Nm (between 1500-3500 rpm)
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• Driving Experience: This combination offers a smooth yet punchy performance, perfect for both city commutes and highway cruises. It is one of the most powerful engines in its segment.

Design Overview

The new Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT sports a refreshed design that turns heads. Kia has given it a modern and aggressive makeover, inside and out.

• Exterior:
  • Redesigned Tiger Nose grille with new LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
  • Updated front and rear bumpers giving it a bolder stance
  • Connected LED tail lamps across the tailgate for a premium look
  • New sporty alloy wheel designs
  • Distinct GTX A badging and styling elements for a more aggressive appeal
• Interior:
  • A sleek, dual-screen setup combining a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials at key areas
  • Revised centre console layout for better ergonomics
  • Ambient lighting to enhance the cabin feel
  • Sporty D-cut steering wheel for a dynamic driving experience

Key Features

Kia has packed the Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT with a host of advanced features, making it one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its class:

• Dual 10.25-inch Connected Infotainment and Driver Display Screens
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat
• 360-degree Camera with Blind Spot View Monitor
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Bose Premium 8-speaker Sound System
• Smart Pure Air Purifier with fragrance diffuser
• Head-up Display (HUD)
• Paddle Shifters
• Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT

The Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT offers a comfortable ground clearance of 200 mm, which is adequate for tackling Indian road conditions and mild off-roading.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT

The boot space of the Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT stands at 447 litres, which is generous enough for weekend getaways and family trips.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT

Here are the key dimensions of the Kia Seltos:

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

Powertrain Options

While the GTX A specifically refers to the 1.5L Turbo Petrol with DCT, the broader Seltos lineup offers a variety of engine and transmission choices to suit different needs:

• 1.5L Smartstream G Petrol: 115 PS, 144 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel: 116 PS, 250 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
• 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Turbo Petrol: 160 PS, 253 Nm torque, paired with a 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) or the 7-speed DCT. (This is the GTX A variant's engine).

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for car buyers, and the new Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT addresses this with a comprehensive suite of features:

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), All Wheel Disc Brakes.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2: This includes features like Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and High Beam Assist, among others. These systems significantly enhance active safety.

NCAP Rating Table

A big win for the new Kia Seltos is its impressive safety rating from Bharat NCAP.

Rivals of Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT

The Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT competes in the highly competitive compact SUV segment against formidable rivals like:

• Hyundai Creta (its sibling)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros and Cons)

Let us look at a balanced perspective on the Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT.

Pros

• Powerful Performance: The 1.5L turbo petrol engine with DCT offers a segment-leading driving experience.
• Feature Loaded: Packed with premium features like panoramic sunroof, ADAS Level 2, ventilated seats, and dual screens.
• Striking Design: Bold and modern exterior, coupled with a sophisticated and tech-rich interior.
• 5-Star Safety: A major confidence booster with its top Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants.
• Refined Ride: Offers a comfortable and stable ride quality, suitable for various road conditions.
• Kia Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service and sales network across India, ensuring good after-sales support.

Cons

• Price Point: Top-end variants, especially the GTX A Turbo DCT, can be on the pricier side.
• Fuel Efficiency: While powerful, the turbo petrol engine may not offer class-leading fuel economy figures in heavy city traffic.
• Rear Seat Space: Adequate for four adults, but a bit snug for three full-sized adults on longer journeys.
• Suspension at Low Speeds: The ride can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps and potholes at very low speeds.

Conclusion

The new Kia Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT emerges as a very strong contender in the Indian compact SUV market. It brings together a potent powertrain, a feature-packed cabin, a head-turning design, and now, a robust 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. If you are looking for an SUV that offers exhilarating performance, advanced technology, premium comfort, and absolute peace of mind regarding safety, the Seltos GTX A Turbo DCT should definitely be on your shortlist. It truly reflects Kia's commitment to delivering high-quality, aspirational vehicles that meet the diverse needs of Indian car buyers. Consider a test drive to experience its magic firsthand!