Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car is a big decision, right? It is not just about the colour or the flashy looks. You have to think about your budget, how safe it is for your family, what your monthly maintenance will look like, if it has all the latest features you want, and how good the company service is. It is a lot to consider!

Well, today we are diving deep into a very interesting variant of one of India's most popular mid-size SUVs: the new Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT. Kia has really shaken up the market, and the Seltos continues to be a top pick. This particular variant sits at a sweet spot, offering a great balance of features, convenience, and value. Let us explore if this Kia Seltos is the perfect SUV for you!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT comes with a refined 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth performance and reliability, perfect for both city drives and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream G 1.5 Petrol
• Displacement: 1497 cc
• Max Power: 115 PS (at 6300 rpm)
• Max Torque: 144 Nm (at 4500 rpm)
• Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT) automatic

Design Overview

Exterior

The Seltos has always been a head-turner, and the facelift has only made it more appealing. The HTK Plus (O) variant maintains that bold and sophisticated look.

• Front: Features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, flanked by sharp LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps) and projector headlamps, giving it a commanding presence.
• Side: Muscular lines, stylish alloy wheels (variant-specific design), and roof rails contribute to its strong SUV stance.
• Rear: Connected LED tail lamps, a sculpted tailgate, and a sporty bumper design complete the modern look.

Interior

Step inside the Kia Seltos and you are greeted by a cabin that feels premium and well laid out. Even in the HTK Plus (O) trim, the quality of materials and fit-and-finish are impressive.

• Dashboard: A clean, driver-focused layout with a mix of soft-touch materials and high-quality plastics.
• Seating: Comfortable seats with good support, offering ample space for five adults for shorter journeys, and four for longer ones. The rear seat gets adjustable headrests.
• Ambience: A practical and pleasant cabin environment that feels airy.

Key Features

The Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT is loaded with features that enhance convenience and comfort:

• Infotainment Screen: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
• Sunroof: A single-pane electric sunroof to add to the premium feel and airy cabin.
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents for uniform cooling.
• Convenience: Push-button start/stop, cruise control, steering-mounted audio controls, and power-folding ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors).
• Lighting: LED DRLs, LED headlamps, and LED tail lamps.
• Parking Aids: Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Seltos?

The Kia Seltos offers a healthy ground clearance, making it suitable for varying Indian road conditions, including rough patches and speed breakers.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of the Kia Seltos?

The Seltos offers generous boot space, which is great for weekend getaways or your weekly grocery runs.

• Boot Space: 433 litres

What are the Dimensions of the Kia Seltos?

The dimensions contribute to its commanding road presence and spacious interior.

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the HTK Plus (O) iVT, it is worth noting that the Kia Seltos offers a versatile range of powertrain options across its lineup to suit different driving preferences:

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (with 6-speed Manual or iVT automatic)
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol (with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT automatic)
• 1.5L Diesel (with 6-speed iMT or 6-speed automatic)

Safety Features

Kia prioritises safety, and the Seltos comes packed with essential safety features, even in this mid-variant.

• Airbags: 6 Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Stability: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Parking: Rear Parking Sensors and Rear Camera
• Other: All-wheel disc brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Highline

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is paramount, and the new Kia Seltos has proven its mettle in crash tests.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Global NCAP (Older model)	3 Stars	2 Stars

Note: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the updated, facelifted Kia Seltos, which incorporates enhanced safety structures and features, making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment in India.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT

The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The Kia Seltos goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here is a balanced look at the Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT to help you make an informed choice:

Pros:

• Stylish Design: Its bold and modern looks stand out in the crowded SUV segment.
• Feature-Rich for the Price: Offers a great set of features for a mid-variant, including a sunroof and automatic transmission.
• Smooth iVT Automatic: The iVT gearbox provides a very smooth and comfortable driving experience, especially in city traffic.
• High Safety Rating: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating offers peace of mind for you and your family.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5L petrol engine is smooth, quiet, and adequately powerful for most needs.
• Kia's Brand Value: Known for good service network and reliable cars.

Cons:

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it is not the most spacious in its class, especially for three adults in the rear on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 1.5L NA petrol with iVT offers decent mileage, but some rivals, especially hybrids, might offer better figures.
• Missing Premium Features: This variant misses out on some high-end features like ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, a larger infotainment screen, and ADAS, which are available in higher Seltos variants or some rivals.
• Ride Quality at Low Speeds: Can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps at lower speeds, though it improves significantly with speed.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT truly stands out as a compelling option for anyone looking for a stylish, safe, and feature-packed mid-size SUV in India. It strikes an excellent balance between convenience (thanks to the iVT automatic), essential modern features, and strong safety credentials with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

If your priorities include a refined automatic petrol engine, a good list of comfort features like a sunroof and automatic climate control, and top-notch safety without stretching your budget to the absolute top-end variants, then this new Kia Seltos variant deserves a serious look. It is a fantastic choice for families and individuals alike, offering a premium experience and reliable performance that makes every drive enjoyable.

So, what do you think? Is the Seltos HTK Plus (O) iVT the next addition to your garage? Let us know in the comments below!