Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

About Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You think about your budget, the safety features for your family, how much it will cost to maintain each month, whether it has all the latest tech, and if the company offers good service. If these thoughts are running through your mind, you are not alone. It's about finding that perfect balance of style, performance, and practicality.

Today, we are diving deep into a car that aims to tick all these boxes and more: the new Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT. This updated compact SUV has been a game-changer in its segment, known for its bold looks and feature-packed cabin. But is the GTX Plus Turbo DCT variant the right choice for you? Let's find out.

Main Highlights of Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT is its powerful and refined engine. This variant comes with:

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre Smartstream T-GDi (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) Petrol
• Maximum Power: 160 PS (at 5500 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 253 Nm (between 1500-3500 rpm)
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
• This engine offers a strong punch for both city driving and highway cruising, making overtaking a breeze.

Design Overview

Exterior: The new Seltos carries a strong, futuristic design. The GTX Plus variant adds a sporty edge. You get a larger, redesigned Tiger Nose grille, updated LED DRLs and headlamps, and a connected LED tail light bar. The aggressive bumper design and unique alloy wheels give it a commanding road presence that definitely turns heads.

Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a premium and tech-loaded cabin. The dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster immediately catch your eye. The quality of materials is impressive, and the dashboard layout is modern and driver-focused. The GTX Plus variant often features sporty red accents and stitching, adding to its dynamic character. The seats are comfortable, offering good support for long journeys.

Key Features

The Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT is loaded with features designed to enhance your driving experience:

• Dual 10.25-inch Connected Infotainment and Digital Cluster screens
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS Level 2)
• 360-degree Camera with Blind View Monitor
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-way Power Driver Seat
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Automatic Climate Control
• Bose Premium Sound System with 8 speakers
• Kia Connect - Connected Car Technology
• Ambient Lighting

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

The Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT offers a ground clearance of 190 mm. This is quite good for Indian roads, helping you clear most speed breakers and uneven surfaces with ease.

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

The Seltos provides a generous boot space of 433 litres, which is ample for your weekend luggage or grocery runs. It is practical for a family of four.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

Here are the key dimensions:

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1645 mm
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the powerful 1.5L Turbo Petrol with 7-speed DCT in the GTX Plus, Kia offers the Seltos with other engine and transmission choices to suit different needs:

• 1.5L Smartstream NA Petrol: Available with 6-speed Manual and IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel: Available with 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic (torque converter).
• 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Petrol: Available with 6-speed Manual and 7-speed DCT (as in the GTX Plus).

Safety Features

Kia has significantly upped its safety game with the new Seltos. The GTX Plus Turbo DCT variant comes packed with features to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• 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 System (BAS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All-wheel Disc Brakes
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS Level 2): This suite includes Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, and more.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor for many buyers. The new Kia Seltos has performed very well in recent tests:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP (New Seltos)	5-star	5-star
Global NCAP (Pre-facelift Seltos)	3-star	3-star

It is important to note that the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the new Kia Seltos, which now comes with 6 airbags as standard and structural enhancements. The Global NCAP rating refers to the older, pre-facelift model.

Rivals of Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

The Kia Seltos operates in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals, especially in the turbo petrol automatic segment, include:

• Hyundai Creta (especially the N Line variant)
• Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG
• Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (mild hybrid versions)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Advantages of Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

• Powerful Performance: The 1.5L turbo petrol engine with DCT offers exhilarating performance and smooth shifts.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with cutting-edge technology and comfort features like panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and ventilated seats.
• Striking Design: Bold and modern exterior with a premium, well-finished interior.
• High Safety Standards: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and comprehensive ADAS suite provide peace of mind.
• Good Handling: Offers a balanced ride and handling, feeling stable at highway speeds.

Disadvantages of Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT

• Fuel Efficiency: The turbo DCT variant might offer lower fuel efficiency compared to some NA petrol or diesel rivals, especially in heavy city traffic.
• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable for two, accommodating three adults in the rear might be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• Price: The top-end GTX Plus Turbo DCT variant can be quite expensive, potentially putting it in contention with cars from a segment above for some buyers.
• Low Speed Ride: Some reviewers note that the low-speed ride can feel a bit firm over very bad patches, though it smooths out at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT stands out as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together a compelling mix of dynamic performance, an abundance of features, eye-catching design, and now, significantly enhanced safety. It is tailor-made for buyers who appreciate technology, demand strong performance, and prioritize safety.

If you are looking for a stylish, powerful, and modern SUV that offers a premium experience and peace of mind on Indian roads, the Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT should definitely be on your shortlist. We highly recommend you take it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand. Ultimately, your perfect car is one that aligns with your needs and desires. The Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT certainly makes a strong case for itself.