Hey there, car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're probably thinking about a lot of things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, the company's service network. Well, if you've been on the lookout for a feature-packed, powerful, and stylish compact SUV, then you've definitely heard the buzz around the new Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT. Today, we're diving deep into what makes this particular variant of the Kia Seltos a standout choice in the Indian market. Let's find out if it checks all your boxes!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT is all about performance. It houses a peppy yet refined engine designed to give you an exciting drive.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 160 PS (approx 158 bhp) at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 253 Nm at 1500-3500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission)
• Fuel Economy: Around 17.7 kmpl (ARAI certified, may vary)

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The new Kia Seltos gets a refreshing update that makes it look even more premium and bold.

• Aggressive Front: Signature Tiger Nose grille with new LED DRLs and redesigned headlamps.
• Sporty Profile: Sharp character lines, new alloy wheel designs, and a sleek roofline.
• Modern Rear: Connected LED tail lamps that stretch across the tailgate, giving it a sophisticated and wide stance.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you're greeted with a cabin that feels both luxurious and high-tech.

• Dual Screen Setup: A seamless integrated display for the infotainment and instrument cluster.
• Premium Materials: Soft-touch finishes, comfortable seating, and well-appointed upholstery.
• Driver-Centric Layout: Ergonomically designed cockpit with easy access to controls.

Key Features

The Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT comes loaded with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety.

• Infotainment Screen: Dual 10.25-inch connected screens (infotainment and digital instrument cluster)
• Connectivity: Kia Connect suite, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof
• Parking Aid: 360-degree Camera with front and rear parking sensors
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charger
• Climate Control: Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Ventilation: Ventilated Front Seats
• Sound System: Bose Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers
• ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Level 2 ADAS)

Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers a healthy ground clearance suitable for Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 200 mm

Boot Space of Kia Seltos

Ample space for your luggage, whether it's a weekend getaway or your weekly grocery run.

• Boot Space: 447 litres

Dimensions of Kia Seltos

The Seltos strikes a good balance between being spacious and manageable in city traffic.

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the powerful 1.5L Turbo Petrol with DCT, the Kia Seltos also offers other popular engine and transmission combinations to cater to different preferences.

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Kia, and the Seltos comes packed with numerous active and passive safety features.

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
• Brake Assist
• All Wheel Disc Brakes
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) including Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and more.

NCAP Rating Table

The Kia Seltos has demonstrated its commitment to safety with impressive ratings from crash test agencies.

Note: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the updated Kia Seltos (2023 onwards), reflecting significant safety enhancements.

Rivals of Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT

The Kia Seltos competes in a fiercely contested segment. Its main rivals for the turbo petrol DCT variant include:

• Hyundai Creta (1.5 Turbo DCT)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Hybrid)
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Hybrid)
• Skoda Kushaq (1.5 TSI DSG)
• Volkswagen Taigun (1.5 TSI DSG)
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages of the Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT

• Punchy Performance: The 1.5L turbo petrol engine with DCT offers exhilarating acceleration and smooth shifts, making driving fun.
• Feature Loaded: Comes packed with segment-leading features like Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and dual screens.
• Striking Design: The updated exterior and premium interior stand out in its segment.
• High Safety Rating: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating provides peace of mind for buyers.
• Refined Driving Experience: Comfortable ride quality and good handling for both city and highway drives.

Disadvantages of the Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT

• Price: The top-end GTX Turbo DCT variants can be on the pricier side compared to some rivals.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it might not be the most spacious for three adults in the rear compared to some competitors.
• Fuel Economy (Turbo Petrol): While decent, spirited driving with the turbo petrol engine might see real-world mileage drop from ARAI figures.
• Firm Ride at Low Speeds: Some might find the suspension a bit firm over sharp bumps at very low speeds.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos GTX Turbo DCT is undoubtedly a very strong contender in the competitive compact SUV segment in India. It offers a compelling mix of thrilling performance, a long list of modern features, a bold design, and now, a top-tier safety rating. If your priorities include a powerful driving experience, cutting-edge technology, and robust safety for your family, and you don't mind spending a bit extra for a premium package, then the Seltos GTX Turbo DCT should definitely be at the top of your test-drive list. It's a car that truly delivers on its promise of an exciting and secure ownership experience. So, head to your nearest Kia dealership and experience the Seltos for yourself!