Kia Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT

About Kia Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT

Hey car lovers and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're probably juggling a lot of thoughts: your budget, how safe your family will be, those pesky monthly maintenance costs, making sure you get all the latest tech features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. It's a proper balancing act!

Well, if you're looking for a compact SUV that tries to tick all these boxes with style and substance, then buckle up. Today, we're diving deep into a very specific and exciting variant that's been making waves: the Kia Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT. This particular model promises a mix of thrilling performance, smart features, and that unmistakable Kia flair. Let's find out if it's the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT is a real charmer. It's powered by Kia's potent 1.5-litre Turbo GDi Petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol
• Maximum Power: 160 PS (at 5,500 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 253 Nm (between 1,500 - 3,500 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
• This engine is known for its peppy performance, especially in the mid-range, making city overtakes and highway cruising a breeze.

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos has always been a looker, and the latest version takes that up a notch.

• Exterior Design: The Seltos HTK Plus boasts a modern and aggressive stance. You get redesigned LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that extend into the grille, giving it a wider and more imposing presence. The signature Tiger Nose grille is bolder, and the updated bumper designs add to its muscular appeal. From the side, its clean lines and alloy wheels (specific to the HTK Plus variant) give it a sporty profile. At the rear, the connected LED taillights are a definite head-turner, adding a premium touch.
• Interior Design:

Step inside, and you're greeted by a contemporary and well-laid-out cabin. While the HTK Plus is a mid-variant, it still offers a premium feel. The dual-tone interior theme (if applicable) and quality materials make it inviting. The dashboard layout is driver-centric, and the physical buttons for climate control are easy to reach and use.

Key Features (HTK Plus specific)

The HTK Plus variant offers a solid set of features that enhance comfort and convenience.

• Infotainment Screen: 8-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Connectivity: USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (Single Zone)
• Steering: Tilt & Telescopic Steering Adjustment
• Headlamps: LED Headlamps with LED DRLs, LED Fog Lamps
• Convenience: Cruise Control, Push-Button Start/Stop, Rear Parking Camera, Rear Defogger, Rear Wiper & Washer
• Safety & Security: All-wheel disc brakes, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
• Note: Features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and wireless phone charger are generally available in higher variants (HTX and above).

Ground Clearance

• The Kia Seltos offers a healthy 190 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads and occasional rough patches without worry.

Boot Space

• You get a generous 433 litres of boot space, enough for your weekend luggage or a family's worth of groceries.

Dimensions

The Seltos strikes a good balance between road presence and urban maneuverability.

• Length: 4,365 mm
• Width: 1,800 mm
• Height: 1,645 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2,610 mm

Powertrain Options (Overall Seltos lineup)

While we're focusing on the Turbo iMT, it's good to know the Seltos offers a range of choices to suit different needs:

• 1.5L naturally aspirated (NA) Petrol with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (torque converter)

Safety Features (Standard across all variants)

Safety is a top priority, and the new Seltos comes loaded with essential features:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain)
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control
• VSM: Vehicle Stability Management
• HAC: Hill-start Assist Control
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes: For superior stopping power
• TPMS: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Rear Parking Sensors & Rear Parking Camera

NCAP Rating

Understanding safety ratings is crucial for any car buyer. Here's what we know about the Kia Seltos:

Rating Type	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Remarks
Global NCAP (2023 - Facelift Model)	3 Stars	2 Stars	Tested on entry-level variant for India. Kia Seltos now offers 6 airbags standard across all variants, which should enhance safety performance.
Bharat NCAP	Awaited	Awaited	The facelifted Seltos is expected to be tested under Bharat NCAP protocols soon.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT

The Seltos operates in one of the most competitive segments in India. 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)

Advantages (Pros)

• Punchy Turbo Engine: The 1.5L Turbo Petrol is genuinely exciting to drive, offering strong performance.
• iMT Convenience: The intelligent Manual Transmission gives you manual control without the hassle of a clutch pedal, perfect for city traffic.
• Attractive Design: The Seltos continues to stand out with its sharp, modern, and premium exterior styling.
• Feature-Rich (for its variant): The HTK Plus packs good features like an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and automatic climate control.
• Standard Safety: 6 airbags as standard across all variants is a significant safety upgrade.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers decent space for five passengers and a practical boot.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles varied road conditions with ease.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Missing Premium Features: At this price point, some buyers might miss features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera which are only available in higher trims.
• Stiff Ride at Low Speeds: The suspension can feel a bit firm over broken patches at lower speeds.
• Rear Seat Width: While spacious, seating three adults comfortably in the rear for long journeys might be a bit snug.
• Fuel Economy (Turbo): While good for a turbo petrol, it won't match the mileage of an NA petrol or hybrid competitor, especially with an enthusiastic driving style.
• Global NCAP Rating: The 3-star rating (for entry variant) might be a concern for some, despite the addition of 6 standard airbags.

Conclusion

So, is the Kia Seltos HTK Plus Turbo iMT the SUV for you? If you're someone who appreciates strong performance, loves the convenience of an iMT gearbox, wants a car that looks stylish, and prioritizes a good set of safety features as standard, then this variant of the Seltos makes a very compelling case. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance, features, and value within the Seltos lineup.

While some premium features are reserved for higher trims, the HTK Plus Turbo iMT offers a well-rounded package that's hard to ignore. It's a confident, capable, and charismatic compact SUV that continues to be a top contender in the Indian market. Make sure to take it for a test drive to truly experience what this Seltos has to offer! Happy driving!