Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel

In the bustling Indian automotive market, buying a new car is a big decision. You juggle thoughts about your budget, the safety of your loved ones, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features, and of course, reliable company service. Finding that perfect blend can be tough. But what if we told you there is a compact SUV that ticks many of these boxes with style and substance? Today, we are diving deep into one such contender, the new Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel. This variant aims to offer a compelling package for those seeking an efficient and feature-rich diesel SUV. Let us find out if the Kia Seltos diesel truly stands out in its segment.

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel is its robust 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine. This motor is known for its excellent fuel efficiency and strong performance, making it a favorite among Indian buyers who clock high mileage.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS (at 4000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm (at 1500-2750 rpm)
• Transmission: Primarily offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox in this variant, providing engaging drives and better control.

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos has always been a head-turner, and the updated model takes its design game even higher.

• <strong>Exterior</strong>: The Seltos boasts a bold and modern design. Up front, the signature Tiger Nose grille is wider and more imposing, flanked by sharp LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that integrate beautifully. The HTK Plus (O) variant features stylish alloy wheels and a muscular stance, giving it a strong road presence. Its clean lines and sculpted body panels ensure it looks premium from every angle, making it a true compact SUV.
• <strong>Interior</strong>: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-appointed and comfortable cabin. The interior design is driver-focused, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated dual-tone theme. The layout is ergonomic, ensuring all controls are within easy reach. There is ample space for five occupants, and the overall ambiance feels premium, typical of Kia.

Key Features

The HTK Plus (O) variant of the Kia Seltos diesel comes packed with features that enhance convenience and comfort.

• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electric Sunroof a big plus for Indian buyers
• Automatic Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• Push Button Start Stop with Smart Key
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Rear AC Vents
• LED Sound Mood Lights
• Rearview Camera with Parking Sensors
• Multiple USB C-type charging ports

What is the Ground Clearance of

The Kia Seltos offers a practical ground clearance, well-suited for Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of

For your luggage and shopping needs, the Seltos provides a generous boot.

• Boot Space: 433 litres

What are the Dimensions of

Here are the key dimensions that define the Seltos stance and size.

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

Powertrain Options

While our focus today is on the HTK Plus (O) Diesel, it is worth noting that the new Kia Seltos also offers other powerful and efficient powertrain options. These include a 1.5-litre Smartstream petrol engine and a more powerful 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine, catering to different driving preferences and performance needs.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern, and the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel comes equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features.

• 6 Airbags standard across all variants
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Brake Assist BA
• Electronic Stability Control ESC
• Vehicle Stability Management VSM
• Hill-start Assist Control HAC
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The safety credentials of the new Kia Seltos have been officially tested.

NCAP Body	Rating (Adult Occupant)	Rating (Child Occupant)	Notes
Bharat NCAP (2023)	5 Stars	5 Stars	For the facelifted India-spec model
Global NCAP (2020)	3 Stars	2 Stars	For the pre-facelift India-spec model

The new Seltos has significantly improved its safety performance, achieving a stellar 5-star rating in the latest Bharat NCAP crash tests for both adult and child occupants, reflecting Kia's commitment to safety.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive. The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel faces tough competition from:

• Hyundai Creta (its direct sibling with a similar diesel engine)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor
• Honda Elevate

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us weigh the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel.

Pros

• <strong>Punchy Diesel Engine</strong>: The 1.5-litre diesel offers excellent torque, making city driving easy and highway cruising effortless.
• <strong>Fuel Efficiency</strong>: Known for delivering good mileage, helping save on running costs.
• <strong>Premium Design</strong>: Both the exterior and interior look sophisticated and upmarket.
• <strong>Feature Loaded</strong>: Comes with a host of segment-leading features like an electric sunroof, a large infotainment screen, and wireless charging.
• <strong>Enhanced Safety</strong>: Now with 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it offers peace of mind.
• <strong>Comfortable Ride</strong>: Well-tuned suspension balances comfort and handling.

Cons

• <strong>Rear Seat Width</strong>: While comfortable for two adults, seating three abreast in the rear might be a bit snug on longer journeys.
• <strong>No 360-degree Camera</strong>: This specific variant does not offer a 360-degree camera which some rivals provide in similar trims.
• <strong>Pricing</strong>: The Seltos can be a bit on the pricier side compared to some segment rivals.
• <strong>No Diesel Automatic in this specific variant</strong>: If you prefer an automatic diesel, you would need to step up to higher variants.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel emerges as a truly compelling option for Indian car buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV. It offers a powerful and efficient diesel engine, a stylish design, a feature-rich and premium cabin, and now, significantly enhanced safety with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. While it has a few minor drawbacks like rear seat width or the lack of a diesel automatic in this specific trim, its strengths far outweigh them. If you are in the market for a reliable, feature-packed, and safe diesel SUV that balances performance with economy, the Seltos HTK Plus (O) Diesel should definitely be on your test drive list. It is a smart choice that offers great value for your hard-earned money and promises a delightful ownership experience.