Kia Seltos HTK (O)

About Kia Seltos HTK (O)

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're probably juggling thoughts about your budget, ensuring top-notch safety for your family, keeping monthly maintenance costs low, getting the latest features, and of course, reliable company service. Well, if a stylish, feature-rich, and safe compact SUV is on your mind, then the new Kia Seltos HTK (O) variant deserves a serious look. Let's dive deep into what makes this particular Kia Seltos variant a compelling choice for Indian families.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• 1.5L Smartstream G Petrol Engine: This naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox, offering a balanced performance for city driving and highway cruises.
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine: For those who prefer diesel power, this engine offers 116 PS of power and a strong 250 Nm of torque. Like the petrol option, it also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, known for its fuel efficiency and strong low-end grunt.

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) carries forward the Seltos's renowned bold and sophisticated design philosophy.

• Exterior: It features Kia's distinctive Tiger Nose grille, updated LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that integrate seamlessly with the headlamps, giving it a modern and aggressive face. The refreshed bumper design and connected LED tail lamps at the rear ensure it looks striking from every angle. The HTK (O) typically comes with 16-inch steel wheels with stylish covers, adding to its robust stance.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by an all-black interior theme. The cabin feels well put together with quality materials, offering a simple yet highly functional layout. The fabric seats are comfortable, and the overall design is driver-centric, making for a pleasant experience whether you are driving or a passenger.

Key Features

The Seltos HTK (O) punches above its weight with a commendable list of features:

• Panoramic Sunroof: A big highlight for this variant, bringing in a sense of airiness and premium feel.
• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: This responsive screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
• Automatic Climate Control: Keeps the cabin comfortable without manual intervention.
• Cruise Control: Makes highway driving more relaxed and convenient.
• Steering-Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, enhancing convenience and safety while driving.
• Rear Parking Camera with Sensors: Aids in safe and easy parking maneuvers.
• LED DRLs and Tail Lamps: For enhanced visibility and a modern, premium look.
• Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster: A 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) provides essential driving data clearly.

What is the Ground Clearance of

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) offers a generous 190 mm of ground clearance, making it well-suited to tackle various Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces, with ease.

What is the Boot Space of

With a spacious boot capacity of 433 liters, the Seltos HTK (O) is ready for all your luggage needs, whether it's a weekend getaway or a trip to the grocery store. This makes it a practical choice for families.

What is the Dimensions of

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

Powertrain Options

For the HTK (O) variant, buyers primarily get to choose between:

• 1.5L Smartstream G Petrol engine with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel engine with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.

Safety Features

Kia has made safety a top priority with the Seltos facelift, including the HTK (O) variant:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants for enhanced occupant protection.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes for superior stopping power.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor, and the Seltos has shown significant improvement with its latest iteration:

Rating Agency	Model Year	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	Pre-facelift (2020)	3 Stars	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Facelift (2023)	5 Stars	5 Stars

Note: The latest Kia Seltos facelift, which includes the HTK (O) variant, achieved an impressive 5-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection from Bharat NCAP, reflecting its enhanced safety standards.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK (O)

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) competes in the fiercely contested compact SUV segment against strong contenders such as:

• Hyundai Creta EX/S
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta/Zeta
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S/G
• Skoda Kushaq Ambition Classic
• Volkswagen Taigun Comfortline/Highline
• MG Astor Style/Super

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages

• Stylish and Bold Road Presence: The Seltos stands out with its modern and aggressive design, turning heads wherever it goes.
• Feature-Packed: Offers excellent value with features like a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment system, making every drive enjoyable.
• Strong and Fuel-Efficient Engine Options: Both petrol and diesel manual options deliver good performance and economy, suited for various driving needs.
• Top-Notch Safety: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating provides immense peace of mind for you and your family.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.
• Spacious Cabin and Large Boot: Practical for families, long journeys, and daily errands.
• Kia's Reliable Service Network: Ensures good after-sales support and contributes to a strong resale value.

Disadvantages

• Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for four, it might feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys.
• No Automatic Transmission in HTK (O): For those who prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox, this particular variant is manual-only.
• Interior Aesthetics: While functional and well-built, the interior design of the HTK (O) is simpler compared to the more premium layouts of higher-end Seltos variants.
• Missing Advanced Features: Lacks some advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or a 360-degree camera, which are available in top-spec Seltos models.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) truly hits a sweet spot for many Indian car buyers. It brings together a compelling package of eye-catching design, a long list of comfort and convenience features including that fantastic panoramic sunroof, powerful and efficient engine choices, and a robust 5-star safety rating. While it might miss out on a few premium bells and whistles found in top-end variants, the HTK (O) variant offers excellent value for money. If you are looking for a compact SUV that feels premium without breaking the bank, prioritizes safety, and offers a delightful driving experience, the Seltos HTK (O) should definitely be on your test drive list. It's a smart choice for families and individuals alike, promising a blend of style, substance, and peace of mind on Indian roads.