About Kia Seltos HTE (O)
Hey car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you in the market for a new SUV that ticks all the right boxes? When we think about buying a new car, a lot of questions pop up. Is it affordable? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have the latest features I expect? And how reliable is the company's service network?
Finding a vehicle that balances budget, safety, modern features, and peace of mind can be a challenge. But what if we told you there's a compact SUV that offers a compelling package, even in its entry-level form? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the new Kia Seltos HTE (O) – a variant that aims to bring the Seltos experience to a wider audience without compromising on essentials. Let's see if this popular choice lives up to the hype for Indian families.
Engine Specifications
The Kia Seltos HTE (O) comes with a reliable petrol engine option, perfect for city commutes and highway runs.
- Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream G naturally aspirated petrol engine
- Displacement: 1497 cc
- Max Power: 115 PS (at 6300 rpm)
- Max Torque: 144 Nm (at 4500 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual
- Fuel Type: Petrol
Design Overview
Even in its HTE (O) trim, the Kia Seltos maintains its signature modern and sharp design language.
Exterior
- Front Look: The Seltos HTE (O) features a bold tiger-nose grille, giving it a commanding presence. It comes with halogen projector headlamps and a sturdy front bumper.
- Side Profile: Clean lines and prominent wheel arches define its SUV stance. It rides on 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, which look neat.
- Rear Design: The rear gets connected tail lamps (LED in higher variants, but well-designed in HTE (O)) and a sculpted tailgate, making it instantly recognizable as a Seltos.
Interior
- Cabin Layout: The cabin is functional and well laid out. While materials are not premium in this base variant, they feel durable and well-finished for the price point.
- Seating: Comfortable fabric upholstery on the seats provides good support for short and long journeys.
- Overall Feel: The interior feels airy and offers a good view of the road, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
Key Features
The HTE (O) variant focuses on essential features, offering a strong value proposition.
- Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity ensures you stay connected and entertained on the go.
- Connectivity: USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity are standard.
- Climate Control: Manual AC with rear AC vents ensures comfortable cabin temperature for all passengers.
- Convenience: All four power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), and central locking.
- Driver Information: A digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information clearly.
- Note: Features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and automatic climate control are typically available in higher variants of the Kia Seltos.
What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos?
- Ground Clearance: 190 mm. This is a respectable figure for navigating Indian roads, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces.
What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos?
- Boot Space: 433 litres. This generous boot space is ample for weekend getaways or regular family shopping.
What is the Dimensions of Kia Seltos?
- Length: 4365 mm
- Width: 1800 mm
- Height: 1645 mm (with roof rails)
- Wheelbase: 2610 mm
Powertrain Options
The Kia Seltos HTE (O) currently offers one straightforward powertrain option:
- 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol with 6-speed Manual Transmission
Higher variants of the Seltos also offer a 1.5L turbo petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, with various automatic transmission choices.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern for Kia, and the Seltos HTE (O) comes well-equipped.
- Airbags: 6 Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain) are standard across all variants, a big plus for safety.
- Braking Systems: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
- Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) help maintain control in tricky situations.
- Hill Assist: Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents rollback on inclines.
- Monitoring: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a valuable addition.
- Parking Aid: Rear parking sensors are standard.
NCAP Rating Table
The Kia Seltos has a strong safety record, especially the latest facelifted model tested under Bharat NCAP protocols.
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
Notes |
| Global NCAP (Older Protocol) |
3 Stars |
2 Stars |
Rating for pre-facelift Seltos (tested 2020) |
| Bharat NCAP (Facelifted Model) |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
Rating for the latest Seltos model (tested 2024), demonstrating significant improvements. |
Rivals of Kia Seltos HTE (O)
The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Kia Seltos HTE (O) competes with:
- Hyundai Creta (Base variants)
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Sigma)
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (E)
- Skoda Kushaq (Active)
- Volkswagen Taigun (Comfortline)
- MG Astor (Style)
How is the Car? Pros & Cons
Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Kia Seltos HTE (O).
Pros (Advantages)
- Aggressive Pricing: Offers a great entry point into the Seltos family.
- Stylish Design: Even the base variant retains the Seltos's appealing exterior look.
- Strong Safety Package: 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the facelifted model provide immense peace of mind.
- Spacious Cabin: Good room for five passengers and ample boot space.
- Reliable Engine: The 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine is proven for smooth performance and decent fuel efficiency.
- Feature-Rich for Base Model: 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto Apple CarPlay, rear AC vents, and power windows are good additions for a base-level SUV.
- High Ground Clearance: 190 mm is practical for diverse Indian road conditions.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Missing Premium Features: Lacks some desirable features like a sunroof, alloy wheels, LED lighting, or a 360-degree camera which are found in higher variants.
- No Automatic Option: The HTE (O) only comes with a manual transmission, which might not suit everyone's preference in city traffic.
- Basic Interior Feel: While functional, the interior materials are basic compared to higher Seltos trims or some rivals' mid-variants.
- Engine Performance: The 1.5L NA petrol is adequate but not as punchy as the turbo petrol option.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos HTE (O) emerges as a very strong contender for anyone looking for a stylish, safe, and practical compact SUV without breaking the bank. It offers an excellent foundation of the Seltos's strengths – its head-turning design, spacious interiors, and critically, a robust safety package with 6 airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. While it might miss out on some premium bells and whistles, the HTE (O) provides all the essential features for a comfortable and connected daily drive.
If your budget is tight but you don't want to compromise on core SUV qualities like safety, space, and a respectable feature set, the Seltos HTE (O) is definitely worth a test drive. It's a testament to Kia's understanding of the Indian market, offering a compelling blend of value and quality. Make an informed decision, drive safe, and happy motoring!