Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners. Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, safety for your family, monthly maintenance, the latest features, and reliable company service. It is a lot to consider. But what if there was an SUV that excels in all these areas with a dash of premium style? Today, we are taking a closer look at the new Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT. This top-tier diesel automatic Seltos promises a great blend of performance, luxury, and convenience, making it a standout choice in India's competitive compact SUV segment.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT is powered by a refined 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine, known for its strong performance and fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS (114 bhp) at 4000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)

Design Overview

The Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT boasts a distinctive and sporty design, both outside and in.

Exterior

The X-Line truly elevates the Seltos aesthetic. It comes in an exclusive Matte Graphite finish that looks incredibly premium. Unique gloss black grille, dark chrome accents, and sporty X-Line specific alloy wheels give it an aggressive and commanding road presence. The refreshed Seltos design includes updated LED lighting and a muscular silhouette.

Interior

Step inside for a sophisticated and modern cabin. The X-Line features an all-black interior theme with Sage Green inserts for an exclusive feel. Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials enhance the luxurious ambiance. Dual 10.25-inch connected screens for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster give the dashboard a futuristic look. Controls are intuitive, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

Key Features

The Seltos X-Line Diesel AT is packed with features for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Infotainment System: Dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and digital instrument cluster
• Connectivity: Kia Connect with over 60 connected car features
• Sunroof: Panoramic Sunroof
• Camera: 360-degree camera with blind spot view monitor
• Charging: Wireless phone charging pad
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Ventilation: Ventilated front seats
• Audio: Premium Bose sound system
• Head-Up Display: 8-inch Head-Up Display
• Power Seat: 8-way power adjustable driver seat

Ground Clearance

The Kia Seltos offers practical ground clearance for Indian roads.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

Boot Space

Ample boot space makes the Seltos practical for families and long trips.

• Boot Space: 433 litres

Dimensions

Key dimensions of the Kia Seltos highlight its spacious yet manageable footprint.

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

Powertrain Options

The Seltos offers a range of engine and transmission choices, including:

• 1.5L Smartstream NA Petrol with 6-speed Manual or IVT
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic (our focus)
• 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, with the Seltos packed with active and passive features.

• 6 Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All Wheel Disc Brakes
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2: Includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding car safety ratings is crucial. Here is how the Kia Seltos fares:

Rating Body	Car Model	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Bharat NCAP	New Kia Seltos (Facelift, from 2023)	5 Star	5 Star	This rating applies to the updated Seltos, which includes the X-Line variant.
Global NCAP	Pre-facelift Kia Seltos (until 2023)	3 Star	2 Star	The older model's rating. The updated Seltos has significantly improved.

Rivals of Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT

The Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT competes with strong contenders in the compact SUV segment:

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

How is the Car? Pros and Cons

Let us look at a balanced view of the Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT.

Advantages

• Refined Diesel Engine: Smooth and fuel-efficient 1.5L diesel engine with effortless automatic transmission.
• Premium Design: Exclusive X-Line styling with Matte Graphite finish and unique interior touches truly stands out.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with segment-leading features like panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and premium Bose audio.
• High Safety Rating: Impressive 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants.
• Advanced Safety (ADAS): Level 2 ADAS suite provides enhanced safety and convenience.
• Comfortable Ride: Well-tuned suspension offers a comfortable ride on diverse Indian roads.

Disadvantages

• Rear Seat Space: Might feel snug for three adults on longer journeys.
• Pricing: Being a top-end X-Line variant, it comes at a premium price point.
• No AWD Option: Lacks an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, which some rivals offer.
• Fuel Economy (Automatic): Real-world fuel economy of the automatic can be slightly lower than its manual counterpart.
• Firm Ride at Low Speeds: Ride can feel a bit firm at very low speeds over poor road surfaces.

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT is a compelling package for anyone seeking a premium, feature-packed, and safe compact SUV in India. Its distinctive design, refined diesel automatic powertrain, and a long list of comfort and safety features, including the impressive 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, make it a formidable contender. While its premium pricing and minor considerations like rear seat width exist, its overall appeal, dynamic driving experience, and strong brand value offered by Kia make it an attractive proposition. If you are in the market for a stylish and capable diesel automatic SUV that delivers on luxury, technology, and safety, the Kia Seltos X-Line Diesel AT should definitely be on your test-drive list. It truly offers a premium ownership experience.