Car buying in India is a huge decision. We always think about things like our budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, what latest features it offers, and of course, the quality of the company service. Finding a car that ticks all these important boxes can be a real challenge. But what if there was an option that offered a truly great balance of all these aspects? Today, we are diving deep into one such exciting option: the new Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT. This compact SUV from Kia promises a lot, and we are here to break it all down for prospective car buyers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT is a robust and performance-oriented 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine. This modern engine delivers:

• An impressive 158 Bhp  of power
• 253 Nm of peak torque

This makes it one of the most powerful engines in its segment, offering exhilarating performance for both city drives and highway cruising. The transmission here is Kia’s popular iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission). This innovative 6-speed gearbox gives you the control of a manual transmission but without the hassle of a clutch pedal. It is super convenient, especially in heavy Indian traffic. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Seltos iMT mileage is rated at around 17.7 kmpl (ARAI certified).

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos has always been known for its striking looks, and the facelifted version continues this legacy.

• Exterior: The Seltos HTK (O) carries forward the bold and modern design language with signature LED DRLs, a redesigned tiger-nose grille, and sharp headlamps. The overall stance is muscular and premium, ensuring a commanding road presence.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-laid-out cabin. The HTK (O) offers a practical yet stylish interior with quality materials. While it is a mid-spec variant, the cabin feels premium, comfortable, and provides a good driving position.

Key Features

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT comes packed with a host of notable features for its segment:

• Infotainment Screen: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Connectivity: Though it might not have the full Kia Connect suite, it offers essential connectivity features.
• Sunroof: Yes, it gets an electric single-pane sunroof, adding to the airy feel of the cabin.
• 360-degree Camera: Please note, this feature is not available in the HTK (O) trim, it is reserved for higher variants.
• Wireless Charging: This convenient feature is also not available in the HTK (O) trim.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control is standard, ensuring a comfortable cabin temperature at all times.
• Other Features: Cruise control, rear AC vents, rear defogger, power windows, remote central locking, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT?

The Kia Seltos ground clearance stands at a healthy 200 mm. This is perfect for tackling diverse Indian roads, including speed breakers and occasional rough patches, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of the Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT?

You get a generous Kia Seltos boot space of 433 litres. This ample space is more than enough for family road trips, weekly grocery runs, or carrying luggage for weekend getaways.

What are the Dimensions of the Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT?

The Kia Seltos dimensions are well-proportioned for a compact SUV:

• Length: 4460 mm
• Width: 1830 mm
• Height: 1635 mm
• Wheelbase: 2690 mm

Powertrain Options

While our focus today is on the peppy 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine with iMT, the Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of powertrain options to suit different preferences:

• 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT (automatic) options.
• 1.5-litre diesel engine with manual and automatic (torque converter) transmissions.

This ensures there is a Seltos for almost every driving style and requirement.

Safety Features

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT comes equipped with a strong safety suite, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family:

• 6 Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All-wheel disc brakes
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• ABS with EBD

NCAP Rating Table

A major highlight of the new Kia Seltos is its significantly improved safety ratings, reflecting Kia’s commitment to safety.

The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the facelifted Seltos safety is a huge positive, indicating improved structural integrity and comprehensive safety features across all variants.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT

The compact SUV India segment is incredibly competitive. The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT competes directly with popular models like:

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

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Here is a balanced Kia Seltos review to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Powerful Turbo Petrol Engine: Offers exhilarating performance, making overtaking easy and highway cruising enjoyable.
• Convenient iMT Gearbox: Gives you the engagement of a manual without the clutch pedal, perfect for city traffic and long drives.
• Feature-Rich Mid-Spec Variant: The HTK (O) offers essential and desirable features like an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
• 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating: Provides excellent peace of mind with top-tier safety for the facelifted model.
• Bold & Modern Design: The Seltos continues to stand out with its sharp looks and premium road presence.
• Comfortable Cabin: A well-designed interior with good space for passengers and ample boot space for luggage.
• Kia’s Growing Service Network: Rapidly expanding across India, offering reliable after-sales support.

Cons:

• No ADAS Features: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite is only available in top-end variants, not in the HTK (O).
• Missing Premium Features: Features like a 360-degree camera and wireless charger are not offered in this trim.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it might feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Suspension on Bumpy Roads: The ride can feel a tad stiff over sharp potholes, though it handles well otherwise.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT emerges as a truly compelling option for anyone looking to buy a compact SUV in India. It strikes a fantastic balance between exhilarating performance, desirable features, top-tier safety, and everyday usability. With its powerful turbo petrol SUV engine, convenient iMT car India technology, and a solid 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, it offers a confident and enjoyable driving experience.

While it may not include all the bells and whistles found in the absolute top-tier variants, the HTK (O) delivers excellent value for money. If you are seeking a stylish, safe, and fun-to-drive SUV that is relatively easy on the wallet for maintenance and offers a great overall package, the Kia Seltos HTK (O) Turbo iMT should absolutely be on your test drive list. It is a smart choice for the modern Indian car buyer, and we highly recommend checking it out at your nearest Kia India dealership.