The 2023 Kia Seltos has emerged as a more refined and well-rounded package compared to its pre-facelift counterpart. Positioned as an attractive choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, this car introduces several enhancements, making it a compelling option for discerning buyers. Let’s delve into the latest features, variants, and key aspects of the 2023 Kia Seltos.
Latest Updates and Performance Highlights: The most recent updates include a thorough comparison of the turbo-petrol DCT versions of the old and new Kia Seltos. This comprehensive evaluation sheds light on the SUV’s performance nuances. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a range of useful yet lesser-known features, providing a holistic driving experience.
Pricing and Variant Options: With a price range spanning from Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India), the 2023 Seltos is available in three main variants: Tech (HT) Line, GT Line, and X-Line. The Tech Line encompasses HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, and HTX+ trims, while the GT Line is offered in GTX+ (S) and GTX+. The X-Line variant has also introduced an affordable X-Line (S) variant during the festive season.
Vibrant Color Palette and Seating Capacity: The Kia Seltos delights in aesthetics with a diverse color palette, including eight monotone, two dual-tone, and one matte color options. Sparkling Silver, Clear White, Gravity Grey, Pewter Olive, Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White Pearl, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Intense Red with Aurora Black Pearl roof, Glacier White Pearl with Aurora Black Pearl roof, and Xclusive Matte Graphite showcase the SUV’s vibrant personality. Designed as a 5-seater, the Seltos ensures a comfortable and spacious interior for its occupants.
Impressive Engine and Transmission Choices: Under the hood, the Seltos offers three engine options. A 1.5-litre petrol engine (115PS/144Nm) is paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The 1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250Nm) comes with a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Notably, the Seltos introduces a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160PS/253Nm), available with a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) and an optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Fuel Efficiency Figures: The Seltos, known for its efficiency, boasts impressive fuel efficiency figures across its variants:
- 1.5 N.A. Petrol MT: 17kmpl
- 1.5 N.A. Petrol CVT: 17.7kmpl
- 1.5 Turbo-petrol iMT: 17.7kmpl
- 1.5 Turbo-petrol DCT: 17.9kmpl
- 1.5 Diesel iMT: 20.7kmpl
- 1.5 Diesel AT: 19.1kmpl
Luxurious Features and Advanced Safety Measures: The Seltos takes pride in its feature-rich interior, offering dual 10.25-inch displays for the digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment. Noteworthy features include dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, air purifier, ambient lighting, LED sound mood lighting, heads-up display, and ventilated front seats. Safety is a priority, with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-assist control (HAC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Variant-wise Pricing (Ex-Showroom):
- Seltos HTE 1.5 Petrol MT: Rs. 10.90 Lakh
- Seltos HTE 1.5 Diesel iMT: Rs. 12.00 Lakh
- Seltos HTK 1.5 Petrol MT: Rs. 12.10 Lakh
- Seltos HTK Plus 1.5 Petrol MT: Rs. 13.50 Lakh
- Seltos HTK 1.5 Diesel iMT: Rs. 13.60 Lakh
- Seltos HTK Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol iMT: Rs. 15.00 Lakh
- Seltos HTK Plus 1.5 Diesel iMT: Rs. 15.00 Lakh
- Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol MT: Rs. 15.20 Lakh
- Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol CVT: Rs. 16.60 Lakh
- Seltos HTX 1.5 Diesel iMT: Rs. 16.70 Lakh
- Seltos HTX 1.5 Diesel AT: Rs. 18.20 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol iMT: Rs. 18.30 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Diesel iMT: Rs. 18.30 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Diesel iMT Dual Tone: Rs. 18.50 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol iMT Dual Tone: Rs. 18.50 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Rs. 19.20 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus (S) 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Rs. 19.40 Lakh
- Seltos HTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT Dual Tone: Rs. 19.40 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel AT: Rs. 19.40 Lakh
- Seltos X Line (S) 1.5 Diesel AT: Rs. 19.60 Lakh
- Seltos X Line (S) 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Rs. 19.60 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Rs. 20.00 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT: Rs. 20.00 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT Dual Tone: Rs. 20.20 Lakh
- Seltos GTX Plus 1.5 Diesel AT Dual Tone: Rs. 20.20 Lakh
- Seltos X Line 1.5 Diesel AT: Rs. 20.30 Lakh
- Seltos X Line 1.5 Turbo Petrol DCT: Rs. 20.30 Lakh
Key Takeaways: Positive Aspects:
- A responsive and versatile engine with commendable drivability.
- Excellent performance and mileage, boasting an ARAI-claimed figure of 17.9kmpl.
Areas for Improvement:
- The absence of a manual version for the turbo-petrol, a feature previously available with the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol variant of the Seltos.
In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Seltos stands out as a dynamic and feature-packed SUV, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and safety. With a plethora of variants to choose from, it caters to diverse preferences in the mid-size SUV market.
