Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel

Hey car enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for your next perfect ride? Buying a new car is a big decision. You have to think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, and of course, all the latest features you want. And let's not forget the company's service network. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be tough, right? Well, today, we are going to take a deep dive into a very popular contender that has been making waves in the Indian market: the new Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel.

The Seltos has always been a strong player, and with its recent update, Kia has pushed the envelope even further. The HTX (O) diesel variant, in particular, offers a fantastic blend of power, premium features, and efficiency. Let's break it down and see if this is the SUV you have been waiting for.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine
• Displacement: 1493 cc
• Max Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Max Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (torque converter)
• Fuel Efficiency: Excellent for city and highway drives

Design Overview

The Seltos always had a stylish presence, and the updated version takes it to another level.

• Exterior:
• The front gets a bolder, larger grille with Kia's signature 'Star Map' LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that look sharp and modern.
• New bumper design with updated fog lamp housing gives it a more aggressive stance.
• Sleek, connected LED taillamps at the rear make it instantly recognisable, especially at night.
• New alloy wheel designs add to its premium look.
• Interior:
• Step inside, and you are greeted by a more refined and premium cabin.
• The highlight is the integrated dual-screen setup for infotainment and instrument cluster, giving it a futuristic feel.
• High-quality materials and a well-laid-out dashboard create a comfortable and inviting space.
• The HTX (O) variant offers a good balance of luxury and practicality.

Key Features of Seltos HTX (O) Diesel

• Infotainment System: Dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment, one for digital instrument cluster)
• Connectivity: Kia Connect, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof (a major crowd-pleaser!)
• Comfort: Ventilated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control
• Convenience: Wireless phone charger, rear sunshades, rear AC vents, cruise control
• Audio: Premium Bose 8-speaker sound system (available on higher variants, check specific HTX (O) package)
• Lighting: Full LED lighting setup (headlamps, DRLs, taillamps)

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos?

• 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos?

• 433 litres

What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos?

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the diesel, it's good to know the Seltos lineup offers choices:

• 1.5L Smartstream Petrol (NA) with 6-speed Manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
• 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol with 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (torque converter)

Safety Features

Kia has made safety a priority with the updated Seltos:

• 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 and Camera (with 360-degree camera on higher variants)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a huge factor for Indian buyers, and the new Seltos has a great story to tell.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP (New Seltos)	5 Stars	5 Stars
Global NCAP (Pre-facelift Seltos)	3 Stars	2 Stars

Note: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the facelifted Kia Seltos, which includes structural and safety feature improvements over the older model tested by Global NCAP. This is a significant improvement and very reassuring for buyers.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel

The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel goes head-to-head with:

• Hyundai Creta Diesel
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Strong Hybrid variant)
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Strong Hybrid variant)
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's get down to the brass tacks and see what makes the Seltos HTX (O) Diesel shine and where it could do better.

Pros

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, and offers good power for both city and highway driving.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: With the panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and dual 10.25-inch screens, the HTX (O) is packed with premium features.
• Striking Design: Both the exterior and interior look modern, aggressive, and appealing. It stands out in a crowd.
• Improved Safety: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the new model is a huge confidence booster.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a good balance between comfort and handling.
• Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, rear legroom is adequate but not class-leading, especially for three adults.
• ADAS Missing: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available only in the top-end GTX+ and X-Line variants, not in the HTX (O).
• Price Point: The Seltos, especially the higher diesel variants, can feel a bit pricey compared to some rivals.
• Stiff Low-Speed Ride: At very low speeds over broken roads, the ride can feel a bit firm, though it smoothens out as speeds increase.

Conclusion

The new Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel is a fantastic package for anyone looking for a stylish, feature-packed, and safe mid-size SUV. It addresses many of the criticisms of its predecessor, especially in terms of safety with that impressive 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. The diesel engine is a gem, offering a great balance of performance and economy, making it ideal for those with high mileage needs or who simply prefer the torque of a diesel.

While it might miss out on ADAS in this specific trim and the rear seat space is not the most expansive, its overall appeal, strong feature set, bold design, and improved safety make it a truly compelling option. If you are in the market for a premium mid-size SUV that delivers on style, features, and now, exceptional safety, the Kia Seltos HTX (O) Diesel should definitely be on your test drive list. Go experience it yourself before making your final decision. You might just find your perfect companion for Indian roads.