Kia Seltos HTX (O)

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all think about a lot of things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and how good the company service is. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be tough, but some cars truly stand out. Today, we are taking a deep dive into one such exciting option: the new Kia Seltos HTX (O) variant. This popular mid-size SUV has been a game-changer since its launch, and the latest update, especially this HTX (O) model, brings even more to the table for Indian car buyers looking for a blend of style, features, and peace of mind.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos HTX (O) offers a choice of potent engines, ensuring there is something for every driving style:

• 1.5-litre Smartstream Naturally Aspirated Petrol: This engine delivers a smooth and refined drive, perfect for city commutes and highway cruising. It produces 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque.
• 1.5-litre T-GDi Smartstream Turbo Petrol: For those who love a spirited drive, this turbo-petrol engine is a powerhouse, offering 160 PS of power and a robust 253 Nm of torque.
• 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel: Known for its fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque, this diesel engine generates 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, making it ideal for long journeys.

Design Overview

The updated Seltos, including the HTX (O) variant, boasts a fresh and modern look that turns heads.

• Exterior Design: The new Seltos features a bolder front fascia with a revised grille, sharper LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and redesigned bumpers. At the rear, the connected LED tail lamps are a major highlight, giving it a premium and distinctive appearance. New alloy wheel designs further enhance its road presence, making it a truly stylish mid-size SUV.
• Interior Design: Step inside the Kia Seltos HTX (O) and you are greeted by a sophisticated and feature-rich cabin. The highlight is the integrated dual-screen setup for the infotainment and instrument cluster, giving it a futuristic feel. Premium upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a well-laid-out dashboard contribute to an upmarket ambiance. The cabin feels airy and well-appointed, focusing on driver and passenger comfort.

Key Features

The HTX (O) variant is packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience:

• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Kia Connect (Connected Car Technology)
• Dual-pane Panoramic Sunroof (a major highlight for this variant)
• 360-degree Camera with Blind Spot View Monitor
• Dual Zone Fully Automatic Climate Control
• Wireless Phone Charger
• 8-way Power Driver Seat
• Ambient Lighting
• Rear Sunshade Curtain
• Bose Premium Sound System (on select powertrains)

Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos HTX (O)

The Kia Seltos HTX (O) offers a healthy 190 mm of ground clearance, which is ample for tackling Indian roads, speed breakers, and moderate rough patches without worries.

Boot Space of Kia Seltos HTX (O)

With a generous 433 litres of boot space, the Seltos HTX (O) can easily accommodate your family's luggage for weekend getaways or even longer trips.

Dimensions of Kia Seltos HTX (O)

Here are the key dimensions of the Kia Seltos:

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

Powertrain Options

The HTX (O) variant offers a versatile range of transmission options:

• 1.5L Smartstream Petrol with IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L T-GDi Turbo Petrol with 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel with 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Kia, and the Seltos HTX (O) comes loaded with protective features:

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• 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
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
• 360-degree Camera with Blind Spot View Monitor (HTX (O) specific)

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here's how the Seltos fares:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star	For the new facelifted Kia Seltos (2023 onwards)
Global NCAP	3-Star	2-Star	For the older pre-facelift Kia Seltos (tested in 2020)

It's important to note that the new facelifted Kia Seltos, which includes the HTX (O) variant, has achieved an excellent 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, reflecting its enhanced safety standards and standard 6 airbags.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTX (O)

The Kia Seltos operates in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Stunning Design: Both the exterior and interior look premium and modern.
• Feature-Loaded: The HTX (O) offers a panoramic sunroof, dual digital screens, 360-degree camera, and more, making it very compelling.
• Strong Powertrain Options: A choice of responsive petrol (including turbo) and efficient diesel engines with various automatic transmission options.
• Excellent Safety: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the new model provides great peace of mind.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, offering a good balance of comfort and handling.
• Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, ensuring good after-sales support.

Cons

• Pricing: Compared to some rivals, certain variants can feel a bit on the pricier side.
• Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for two adults, fitting three abreast in the rear can be a bit tight for longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency for Turbo Petrol: While powerful, the turbo petrol engine can be a bit thirsty if driven aggressively.
• ADAS Not on HTX (O): Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are reserved for the higher GT Line and X-Line variants, not available in the HTX (O).

Conclusion

The new Kia Seltos HTX (O) emerges as a very strong contender in the bustling mid-size SUV segment in India. It successfully balances a head-turning design, a feature-packed and premium interior, strong and varied powertrain options, and most importantly, a robust 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. While it might be a tad pricier in some configurations and ADAS is not on this specific variant, the overall package it offers for its price point is incredibly compelling. If you are in the market for a stylish, safe, and feature-rich SUV that promises a great ownership experience, the Kia Seltos HTX (O) should undoubtedly be on your shortlist. We highly recommend you take it for a test drive and experience its appeal firsthand to make your informed decision.