Kia Seltos HTX IVT

About Kia Seltos HTX IVT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, if it has all the latest features, and how good the company service is. It's a lot to consider. Well, what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and advanced tech?

Today, we are taking a deep dive into one such popular choice: the new Kia Seltos HTX IVT. This specific variant has captured a lot of attention, and for good reason. Let’s explore what makes the Seltos HTX IVT a strong contender in the bustling Indian SUV market.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos HTX IVT comes with a refined 1.5-litre Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol
• Maximum Power: 115 PS at 6300 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 144 Nm at 4500 rpm
• Transmission: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) automatic
• Fuel Efficiency: Around 17-18 kmpl (as per ARAI, real-world figures may vary)

Design Overview

The Seltos always stood out with its bold design, and the updated model takes it a notch higher.

Exterior:

• Sharp and aggressive front fascia with Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille.
• Sleek Star Map LED DRLs and headlamps for a distinctive look.
• New design 17-inch Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels add to its premium stance.
• Connected LED tail lamps at the rear give it a modern, wide appearance.
• Robust skid plates front and rear emphasize its SUV character.

Interior:

• A modern and sophisticated cabin with a dual-tone theme.
• High-quality materials and soft-touch elements on the dashboard.
• Comfortable seating for five with good under-thigh support.
• Ergonomically laid out controls for ease of access.

Key Features

The HTX IVT variant is packed with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Dual 10.25-inch Connected Screens: A large infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster.
• Panoramic Sunroof: A big highlight, letting in plenty of light and air.
• Kia Connect: Advanced connected car technology with over 60 features.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration.
• Dual Zone Fully Automatic Climate Control: Set different temperatures for driver and co-passenger.
• Ambient Lighting: Creates a premium cabin atmosphere.
• Rear Door Sunshades: Added convenience for rear passengers.
• Paddle Shifters: For a more engaging driving experience.
• Wireless Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged without cables.
• Cruise Control: Relaxed highway driving.
• Push Button Start/Stop with Smart Key.

Ground Clearance

The Kia Seltos HTX IVT offers a generous ground clearance of 190 mm. This is quite helpful for navigating Indian roads with their occasional potholes and speed breakers.

Boot Space

You get a spacious boot of 433 litres in the Kia Seltos HTX IVT, which is ample for your weekend trips or airport runs with luggage.

Dimensions

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1645 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the HTX IVT with its 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine and automatic IVT gearbox, the Seltos range also offers other strong powertrain choices:

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol with 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Safety Features

Kia has significantly bolstered the Seltos safety package. The HTX IVT variant comes loaded with crucial safety elements:

• 6 Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Electronic Stability Control ESC
• Hill Start Assist Control HAC
• Vehicle Stability Management VSM
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS Highline
• All Wheel Disc Brakes
• Rear Parking Sensors and Rear Camera

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a top priority, and the updated Kia Seltos has performed very well in crash tests.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star
Global NCAP (pre-facelift model)	3-Star	2-Star

It is important to note the new 5-star Bharat NCAP rating applies to the updated Seltos, reflecting Kia's commitment to safety for the Indian market.

Rivals of Kia Seltos HTX IVT

The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Kia Seltos HTX IVT primarily competes with:

• Hyundai Creta SX IVT
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha Plus AT
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AT
• Skoda Kushaq Ambition AT
• Volkswagen Taigun Highline AT
• MG Astor Smart CVT

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Seltos HTX IVT to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Stunning Design: The Seltos stands out with its modern and muscular looks.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch screens, and connected tech make it feel premium.
• Smooth IVT Transmission: Offers a comfortable and jerk-free driving experience in city traffic.
• Improved Safety: The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating provides great peace of mind.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5L NA petrol engine is smooth and quiet for daily commutes.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles rough patches and speed breakers with ease.

Cons

• Not the Most Powerful: The 1.5L NA engine is adequate for city and highway cruising but not for spirited driving compared to the turbo petrol.
• Fuel Efficiency: While decent, it might not be the absolute best in class compared to some hybrid rivals.
• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, it is not the most spacious for three adults in the back on longer journeys.
• No ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are reserved for higher GTX Plus and X-Line variants.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos HTX IVT is a very compelling package for prospective car buyers in India. It beautifully balances style, a long list of modern features, robust safety, and a refined automatic driving experience. While it may not be the most powerful or fuel-efficient in every single aspect, its overall appeal as a premium, safe, and feature-packed mid-size SUV is undeniable.

If you are looking for a car that offers great value, impressive road presence, a comfortable automatic drive for city and highway, and advanced features without breaking the bank for the top-end variants, the Seltos HTX IVT should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a smart choice that promises a delightful ownership experience. Go for a test drive and feel the difference yourself!