About Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel

Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car is a big decision, isn't it? You are probably juggling a lot of thoughts: Will it fit my budget? How safe is it for my family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have all the latest features I want? And what kind of after-sales service can I expect from the company? If these questions are on your mind, especially when looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and efficient SUV, then you are in the right place. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that is making waves in the Indian market: the Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel. Kia has refreshed its popular Seltos, and this particular variant aims to offer a compelling package for value-conscious buyers who still crave that diesel punch and modern features. Let us find out if it ticks all the right boxes for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel is powered by a robust and efficient diesel engine, a popular choice among Indian buyers for its fuel economy and torque.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm between 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)

This engine is known for its refinement and provides a strong performance, making city commutes easy and highway drives enjoyable.

Design Overview

The refreshed Seltos brings a sharper, more premium look, even in its lower variants.

• Exterior: The Seltos features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, now bolder than ever. While the HTE (O) might not get all the LED bells and whistles of the top models, it still boasts a modern and assertive stance. The updated front and rear bumpers give it a fresh appeal, and the well-proportioned body lines ensure it stands out in a crowd.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a surprisingly premium cabin for its segment. The HTE (O) variant offers a neat and functional layout. The dark interior theme with good quality materials ensures a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The design is ergonomic, with controls placed intuitively for the driver.

Key Features

Even as a base-plus variant, the Seltos HTE (O) Diesel packs some essential features:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired).
• Connectivity: USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity.
• Climate Control: Manual AC with rear AC vents.
• Other Notable Features: Steering-mounted audio controls, all four power windows, keyless entry, rear defogger, electrically adjustable ORVMs.

*Note: Advanced features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are typically found in higher-end Seltos variants.*

What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Seltos?

The Kia Seltos offers a healthy 190 mm of ground clearance. This is very practical for Indian roads, easily handling bumps, potholes, and unpaved sections without much fuss.

What is the Boot Space of the Kia Seltos?

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

What are the Dimensions of the Kia Seltos?

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1645 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

These dimensions contribute to its spacious cabin and stable road presence.

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the diesel variant, the Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of engine options to suit different preferences:

• 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel: (116 PS / 250 Nm) paired with 6-speed iMT or 6-speed Automatic (torque converter).
• 1.5-litre Smartstream Petrol: (115 PS / 144 Nm) available with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission).
• 1.5-litre Turbo Petrol GDi: (160 PS / 253 Nm) offered with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Safety Features

Kia has significantly boosted the safety quotient of the new Seltos, making many features standard across all variants, including the HTE (O) Diesel.

• 6 Airbags: Driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags as standard.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control.
• VSM: Vehicle Stability Management.
• HAC: Hill-start Assist Control.
• TPMS: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
• All-wheel disc brakes
• Rear parking sensors

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is paramount, and the new Seltos has received commendable ratings:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Remarks
Bharat NCAP (Dec 2023)	5 Stars	5 Stars	Applicable to the facelifted Seltos with 6 airbags standard.
Global NCAP (Older Model)	3 Stars	2 Stars	This rating was for the pre-facelift model with fewer standard airbags.

It is important to note that the latest Kia Seltos facelift, which includes the HTE (O) Diesel, has achieved a fantastic 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, reflecting Kia's commitment to safety.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel

The Kia Seltos competes in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Its key rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel to help you decide.

Pros:

• Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy and strong torque for both city and highway driving.
• High Safety Rating: 5-star Bharat NCAP rating with 6 airbags as standard provides great peace of mind.
• Impressive Road Presence: Bold and modern design ensures it turns heads.
• Practical Features: Essential features like the 8-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents, and steering controls are present.
• Spacious Cabin and Boot: Good space for passengers and a large boot capacity are practical for families.
• Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good accessibility.

Cons:

• No Automatic Transmission Option: The HTE (O) Diesel is only available with the 6-speed iMT, not a conventional automatic, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
• Limited 'Premium' Features: Higher-end features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, or ADAS are absent, as expected in an entry-level variant.
• Manual AC: Some rivals offer automatic climate control in similar price points.
• Price sensitive segment: While value-for-money, the base diesel variant might still feel a bit pricey for some compared to petrol rivals.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTE (O) Diesel emerges as a very strong contender for anyone looking for a well-rounded diesel SUV in India. It successfully blends robust performance with excellent fuel efficiency, top-tier safety, and a good set of essential features. While it might not boast all the bells and whistles of its higher variants, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially with its recent 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating and the practicality of a diesel engine. If your priorities are safety, fuel economy, a refined driving experience, and a modern design, and you are comfortable with an iMT transmission, the Seltos HTE (O) Diesel should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a trustworthy choice that promises both utility and a touch of premium feel without breaking the bank. Go test drive it and see for yourself how it feels behind the wheel! You might just find your next family SUV.