Kia Seltos: Seltos is being said to be the most successful car of Kia, it can be easily understood by looking at the combination of its engine, variants and features. Keeping up with the increasing competition in the segment, Kia has finally launched the new Seltos with several updates. You now have a choice with the turbo petrol powertrain and ADAS option. However, before we get to that, we should talk about the changing segment that the new Seltos exists in. The demand for new technology and features meant that even the Seltos needed more of it to compete and that’s exactly what has been done here.
It looks sharp. The new Seltos facelift is not small, yet there is no visible change in its size and looks. You can easily spot it going for a bigger grille with new DRLs that extend across the grille along with new LED headlamps as well as ‘ice-cube’ like LED fog lamps divided into four sections. The skid plate and bumper are new. There is some increase in its length and design. Notably, the design elements of the X-Line and the GT-Line are also different. Let’s go back to the car we had. On the side, the Seltos retains the previous look but now gets redesigned 17-inch wheels and rear styling with large connected LED tail-lamps. Which are now with vertical design and are bigger than before. It can be bought in multiple color options, but it looks best in the new Pewter Olive shade.
Talking about the cabin, you also get a new dashboard with twin screen layout. Which includes a new digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system. The digital dials are simple and easy to read, while the touchscreen is crisp to operate with sleek touch response. It’s HTX+, so you miss out on a 360-degree camera or ADAS or a powered handbrake. But you do get dual zone climate control, which is a first in the segment. Apart from this, many features like connected car technology, air purifier, wireless charging, best Bose audio, powered driver seat are present. However, many potential buyers were waiting for the panoramic sunroof, which is present here with a thick sunroof blind. Which we can edit. Amazing in terms of quality and soft touch. The HTX+ variant seen here comes with tan leather, which looks more premium than the all black GT one.
If we talk about the space, then the rear seat of Seltos has enough space for three people. However, the space may be less in terms of width to seat the passenger in the middle. The legroom and headroom offered are quite good while the window-line also gets sunblinds. When you sit a little lower, we expect better thigh support. Boot space is also decent with a convenient loading lip.
Now let’s talk about its performance, this car on paper is a new benchmark with 1.5l petrol with 160 hp and 253 NM. While its gearbox options include 6-speed IMT or clutchless manual and 7-speed DCT with paddles. We first drove the iMT whose engine instantly impressed us with its refinement and smoothness. It is much better and smoother than the previous 1.4l turbo. While using the IMT without clutch also means smooth driving in traffic. There is a lot for car enthusiasts to like about it, that is, its tremendous power which is immediately visible to you and the iMT is also capable of providing great response. Its iMT is comfortable as well as very quick in terms of response just like the manual. Although it is not automatic and you need to run it like a manual. But it is simple and can be used in daily routine or when you are in mood for some entertainment.
However, the engine has linear power delivery without any turbo rush. But with the power on offer it is one of the fastest cars under 20 lakh right now. It has been tuned for the daily routine and that is how it works. Also it is better than before. Compared to earlier, the steering is easier to use and the lightness is also clearly visible. Due to which the handling is also fast and good. Which we feel is even better stable handling than the previous Seltos. Body roll is well contained and feels stable. We can say that it is now very less fast or strong as compared to the previous Seltos, but overall it is still strong and much better than the previous Seltos.
In terms of features and performance, it is a compact SUV for daily use. The new Seltos has a lot to offer. Because there is hardly any deficiency in anything, now with more features it has started looking better than before. With the new turbo engine and better ride, it gives an all-rounder feel. The variant we drove here is priced at Rs. 18.3 lakhs, which could be the best Seltos in terms of value for money. It is one of the best SUVs in its segment right now.
What we liked Looks, Quality, Performance, Price, 1.5L Turbo Engine, Better Ride
who did not like Ride quality still solid, rear seat thigh support
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