Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT

About Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're not just buying a vehicle; you're investing in your family's safety, your daily commute's comfort, and your wallet's future. Questions about budget, safety ratings, monthly maintenance, the latest features, and reliable company service often swirl in our minds. Today, we're diving deep into an option that has been making waves in the Indian market: the new Kia Seltos, specifically focusing on its highly popular HTX Diesel AT variant. Let's see if this stylish SUV ticks all your boxes.

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm between 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
• Fuel Efficiency: Around 19-20 kmpl (ARAI certified) making it quite economical for a diesel automatic SUV.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT sports a design that's both bold and elegant. The refreshed Seltos facelift gets a more aggressive front grille, flanked by new Star Map LED DRLs that extend into the grille, giving it a distinctive signature. The redesigned bumpers, new LED headlamps, and sleek alloy wheels complete the modern, upright SUV stance. It looks premium and commanding on the road.

Interior

Step inside, and you're greeted by a cabin that feels truly premium and well-appointed. The highlight is the seamlessly integrated dual-screen setup, featuring a large infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster. The materials used feel of high quality, and the layout is driver-centric. You'll find comfortable seating, thoughtful storage spaces, and a general sense of sophistication that elevates the driving experience.

Key Features

The HTX trim of the Seltos is packed with features that add to convenience and luxury:

• Infotainment System: 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with Kia Connect connected car technology
• Digital Cluster: 10.25-inch Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
• Sunroof: Single-pane Electric Sunroof
• Climate Control: Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents
• Lighting: Full LED headlamps, DRLs, fog lamps, and tail lamps
• Convenience: Push-button Start/Stop, Cruise Control, Ambient Lighting, Rear Sunshade
• Safety & Parking: Rear parking sensors and camera
• Comfort: Leatherette upholstery, Driver seat height adjust

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Seltos?

The Kia Seltos offers a healthy ground clearance of 190 mm, which is well-suited for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Seltos?

The Seltos provides a generous boot space of 433 litres, which is ample for your weekend getaways or regular grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Seltos?

The dimensions of the Kia Seltos are as follows:

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the HTX Diesel AT, the Kia Seltos is available with a variety of engine and transmission options to cater to different preferences:

• 1.5-litre Smartstream naturally-aspirated Petrol engine with 6-speed Manual or CVT transmission
• 1.5-litre Turbo GDi Petrol engine with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT transmission
• 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel engine with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (the HTX Diesel AT variant)

Safety Features

Kia has significantly bolstered the safety package of the new Seltos, making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment.

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

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian buyers, and the new Seltos has truly delivered on this front:

Rating Type	Rating	Comment
Global NCAP (pre-facelift)	3 Stars (Adult), 2 Stars (Child)	Tested in 2020 for the previous generation model
Bharat NCAP (facelift model)	5 Stars (Adult), 5 Stars (Child)	An outstanding result for the updated Kia Seltos, reflecting enhanced safety

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT

The Seltos operates in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. For the diesel automatic variant, its direct rival is:

• Hyundai Creta Diesel AT

Other popular rivals in the broader mid-size SUV space, though mostly petrol or hybrid options, include:

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, and offers good power for city driving and highways.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed automatic gearbox ensures a comfortable and hassle-free driving experience.
• Stylish & Modern Design: Both the exterior and interior look premium and up-to-date, making it a head-turner.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: The HTX trim comes loaded with tech and comfort features, offering excellent value.
• Strong Safety Rating: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for the new model provides immense peace of mind.
• Good Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, handling most road imperfections well.
• Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space for Three: While comfortable for two, accommodating three adults in the rear seat over long journeys can be a bit snug.
• ADAS Not in HTX: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are reserved for higher GTX+ and X-Line trims.
• No Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay: The 10.25-inch screen still requires a wired connection for smartphone mirroring.
• Price Point: The Seltos, especially the higher diesel automatic variants, can be on the pricier side compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT truly stands out as a compelling package in the competitive Indian SUV market. It brings together a potent and fuel-efficient diesel automatic powertrain, a stunning design, a feature-packed premium cabin, and now, an impressive 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. If you're looking for an SUV that offers a blend of performance, luxury, and peace of mind for your daily commutes and occasional long drives, the Seltos HTX Diesel AT should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a well-rounded vehicle that promises to deliver a truly engaging and secure ownership experience.