When you are looking for a new car in India, there are so many things to think about. Is it good value for money? How safe is it for your family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have all the latest features that make driving a joy? And importantly, how reliable is the company service network? Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that is making waves in the highly competitive compact SUV segment: the new Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT. This premium variant of the Kia Seltos promises a unique blend of striking style, thrilling performance, and advanced features that might just tick all your car buying boxes.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Type: 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol Engine
• Power: 160 PS (horsepower) at 5500 rpm
• Torque: 253 Nm (Newton meters) at 1500-3500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• This powerful turbo petrol engine ensures a responsive and exciting driving experience, perfect for both city commutes and highway cruises.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Seltos X-Line stands out with its exclusive Matte Graphite exterior color, which gives it a premium and stealthy look. It features a distinctive grille, signature LED daytime running lights, and aggressive bumpers that enhance its sporty appeal. The unique 18-inch Crystal Cut Matte Graphite alloy wheels, along with blacked-out elements like the ORVMs and roof rails, complete the bold and sophisticated exterior design of this new Seltos.

Interior

Step inside the Seltos X-Line and you are greeted by a cabin designed for comfort and luxury. It features Sage Green leatherette upholstery with contrasting stitching, gloss black accents, and a sporty D-cut steering wheel. The interior feels spacious and modern, offering a premium feel that sets it apart in its segment.

Key Features

The Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT is loaded with technology and convenience features that elevate the driving experience.

• Dual 10.25-inch Connected Screens: A large infotainment touchscreen seamlessly integrated with a digital instrument cluster.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Stay connected on the go without the hassle of cables.
• Panoramic Sunroof: Enjoy an open-air feeling with a expansive sunroof.
• 360-degree Camera with Blind View Monitor: For easy parking and safer lane changes.
• Ventilated Front Seats: Keep cool during hot Indian summers.
• Wireless Smartphone Charger: Convenient charging for your devices.
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control: Personalized comfort for driver and front passenger.
• Bose Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers: For an immersive audio experience.
• Head-Up Display: Important information projected onto the windshield.
• Powered Driver Seat: Find your perfect driving position with ease.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Seltos?

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

What is the Boot Space of the Kia Seltos?

• The boot space available in the Kia Seltos is 447 liters, ample for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of the Kia Seltos?

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

Powertrain Options

Beyond the X-Line Turbo DCT, the Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of engine and transmission combinations to cater to different preferences.

• 1.5L Smartstream G 1.5 Petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm) with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
• 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi Petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm) with 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (as in the X-Line).
• 1.5L Smartstream D 1.5 CRDi Diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm) with 6-speed iMT or 6-speed Automatic Transmission.

Safety Features

Kia has equipped the Seltos with a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants.

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Electronic Stability Control ESC
• Vehicle Stability Management VSM
• Hill-start Assist Control HAC
• Brake Assist BA
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS (Highline)
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS Level 2: Includes 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 more.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian car buyers, and the Kia Seltos has been tested by global safety assessment programs.

Note: The Bharat NCAP rating is for the updated 2023 Seltos facelift model, while the Global NCAP rating refers to the pre-facelift model tested in 2020. Testing protocols and stringency have evolved.

Rivals of Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT

The Kia Seltos competes fiercely in the compact SUV segment against strong contenders such as:

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

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Striking Design: The X-Line specific Matte Graphite paint and unique styling elements make it a head-turner.
• Powerful Performance: The 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine with DCT offers strong acceleration and smooth shifts.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Packed with segment-leading technology and convenience features like dual screens, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats.
• Advanced Safety: Comprehensive safety suite including 6 airbags and ADAS Level 2 provides peace of mind.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for a comfortable ride, especially on highways.
• Premium Interior: Sage Green upholstery and high-quality materials give a luxurious feel.

Disadvantages

• Pricing: The X-Line variant can be on the higher side of the compact SUV price spectrum.
• Fuel Efficiency: The powerful turbo petrol DCT might offer lower fuel economy in heavy city traffic compared to some rivals.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, the rear seat space is not the most generous in its segment for three adults.
• Low-Speed Ride: The suspension can feel a bit stiff at very low speeds over significant broken patches of road.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT truly stands out as a strong contender in the competitive Indian compact SUV market. With its head-turning design, a powerful and refined engine, a cabin packed with advanced features and premium materials, and a commendable safety suite including ADAS, it offers a compelling package for modern Indian car buyers. If you are looking for a feature-loaded, stylish, and performance-oriented SUV that makes a statement and offers a premium ownership experience, the new Kia Seltos X-Line Turbo DCT deserves a serious look. It might just be the perfect blend of excitement, practicality, and style you are searching for. Drive it to believe it!