Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O)

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You are probably juggling a lot of thoughts – what is my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance cost? Does it have all the latest features I want? And, importantly, how good is the company’s service network? These are all excellent questions, and today, we are going to dive deep into a variant that aims to tick many of these boxes: the new Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O). The Kia Seltos has been a game-changer in the compact SUV segment, and with its recent facelift, it is more stylish and feature-packed than ever. The HTK Plus (O) variant, in particular, stands out as a sweet spot, offering a compelling blend of features, style, and value for money for prospective SUV buyers in India.

Main Highlights of the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O)

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) typically comes with a refined and efficient petrol engine, perfect for city commutes and highway cruising.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream G naturally aspirated petrol engine
• Displacement: 1497 cc
• Maximum Power: 115 PS at 6300 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 144 Nm at 4500 rpm

Design Overview

The Seltos HTK Plus (O) carries forward the stunning design philosophy of the Seltos facelift, making it a head-turner on Indian roads.

Exterior Design

• Bold Front: Features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, flanked by sharp LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The updated bumper design adds to its commanding presence.
• Sleek Profile: Dynamic lines flow from front to rear, giving it a sporty and sophisticated stance. The HTK Plus (O) often comes with stylish alloy wheels, enhancing its road appeal.
• Connected Taillamps: A striking LED light bar connects the taillamps at the rear, a premium touch usually seen on higher variants, adding to its modern appeal.

Interior Design

• Premium & Practical: The cabin offers a premium feel with a well-laid-out dashboard. Dual-tone interiors are available, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.
• Comfortable Seating: Well-cushioned seats provide good support for both short and long journeys, ensuring comfort for all occupants.
• Driver-Focused Cockpit: All controls are ergonomically placed, making it easy for the driver to access essential functions without distraction.

Key Features

The HTK Plus (O) variant is packed with features that enhance convenience, entertainment, and comfort, especially with the 'O' signifying an optional pack that often includes a sought-after feature.

• Infotainment Screen: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Kia Connect (UVO Lite) with connected car features
• Sunroof: Single-pane electric sunroof (a major highlight of the 'O' variant)
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Convenience: Cruise control, rear AC vents, rear view camera, push-button start/stop
• Lighting: LED DRLs, projector headlamps, LED connected taillamps

Ground Clearance

The Kia Seltos offers ample ground clearance, making it suitable for varying Indian road conditions, including tackling speed breakers and uneven terrains with ease.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

Boot Space

Storage is key for families and road trips, and the Seltos delivers generous boot space.

• Boot Space: 433 litres

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions that define the Seltos's imposing presence on the road.

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

Powertrain Options

The HTK Plus (O) primarily focuses on a balanced and efficient powertrain.

• Engine: 1.5L Smartstream G Petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

Safety Features

Kia prioritises safety, and the Seltos HTK Plus (O) comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your loved ones.

• 6 Airbags (Standard)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor for many buyers. Here is how the Kia Seltos stacks up.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Bharat NCAP	3 Star	3 Star	*For the facelifted Kia Seltos (base variant tested)
Global NCAP	3 Star	2 Star	*For the pre-facelift Kia Seltos (tested in 2020)

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O)

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive. The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) competes with some strong contenders in the Indian market.

• Hyundai Creta (especially EX and S variants)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Delta and Zeta variants)
• Skoda Kushaq (Ambition variants)
• Volkswagen Taigun (Comfortline variants)
• MG Astor (Smart variants)
• Honda Elevate (V and VX variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us look at the balanced picture of what makes the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) a great choice and where it could improve.

Pros

• Stylish Design: Its sharp, modern aesthetics make it one of the best-looking SUVs in its segment.
• Feature-Rich: Offers a compelling list of features, including a sunroof, auto climate control, and connected car tech, providing excellent value.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5L NA petrol engine is smooth and offers good drivability for daily use.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps well.
• Kia Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, ensuring good after-sales support.
• Safety Package: Standard 6 airbags and other active safety features provide peace of mind.

Cons

• No Turbo Petrol: This variant does not offer the punchier 1.5L turbo petrol engine, which is available in higher Seltos trims.
• Missing Premium Features: Compared to top-end variants or some rivals, it misses out on features like ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, a fully digital instrument cluster, or wireless charging.
• Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for two adults, accommodating three adults in the rear can be a bit of a squeeze on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 1.5L NA petrol engine with IVT can be a bit less fuel-efficient than some rivals in certain driving conditions.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) truly emerges as a strong contender in India's highly competitive compact SUV segment. It beautifully balances style, features, and safety at a price point that makes it incredibly appealing to a wide range of buyers. If you are looking for a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV that offers the convenience of an automatic gearbox (with IVT option) and that desirable sunroof, without stretching your budget for the top-end trims, the HTK Plus (O) is definitely worth a close look. It is a variant that delivers on most fronts, making it an informed and smart choice for your next family car or personal SUV. Go ahead, take a test drive, and experience the Kia Seltos for yourself!