The Kia Seltos, first launched in 2019, quickly made its mark in the compact SUV segment in India. With its stylish design, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the Seltos has captured the attention of car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. As one of the most popular offerings from Kia Motors, the Seltos stands out as a perfect blend of aesthetics, performance, and technology, catering to the needs of a wide variety of consumers.
Exterior Design: Bold and Sporty
The Kia Seltos boasts a bold, contemporary exterior design that’s both sporty and sophisticated. At the front, the Seltos showcases Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille, which is flanked by sharp, angular LED headlights that give the car a distinct and aggressive appearance. The front bumper is sculpted and houses sleek fog lamps, which further add to the SUV’s dynamic look.
The side profile of the Seltos features a sharp, flowing character line, creating an elegant yet athletic stance. The SUV’s 17-inch alloy wheels complete the overall modern look, and the roofline gently slopes toward the rear, adding a touch of sportiness. At the rear, the LED tail-lamps form a signature pattern that gives the car a distinctive, futuristic appeal.
Overall, the exterior design of the Seltos is a perfect mix of modernity and ruggedness, which makes it stand out in a segment crowded with competitors. With a length of 4315 mm, a width of 1800 mm, and a height of 1645 mm, the Seltos offers a robust and commanding presence on the road.
Interior: Premium and Spacious
Inside, the Kia Seltos continues to impress with its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The cabin is designed to provide a premium experience while ensuring maximum comfort for all passengers. The Seltos features a dual-tone interior with soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and a dashboard layout that’s both elegant and intuitive.
The front seats are spacious, and they offer ample support and comfort even on long drives. The rear seats are equally generous, with enough legroom and headroom to ensure that passengers enjoy a comfortable ride. One of the standout features of the Seltos is its large panoramic sunroof, which adds a sense of openness to the cabin and enhances the overall driving experience.
Cargo space in the Seltos is practical, with 433 liters of boot space, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who need to carry luggage or other bulky items. The flat-folding rear seats add to the flexibility and convenience of the boot, further enhancing the vehicle’s practicality.
Technology: Cutting-Edge Features for the Modern Driver
Kia has ensured that the Seltos is equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers. The standout feature is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large touchscreen provides access to navigation, media, and other vehicle settings, all of which can be controlled via the intuitive interface.
In addition to the infotainment system, the Seltos also comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, providing essential driving information such as speed, fuel efficiency, and navigation data in a clear and easy-to-read format. The integration of these tech features ensures that the Seltos is on par with the best in its class in terms of convenience and connectivity.
Furthermore, the Seltos offers features such as a 360-degree camera system, wireless phone charging, an air purifier, and smart voice recognition that allows you to control various functions like the sunroof, navigation, and climate control using voice commands. The Seltos has truly raised the bar when it comes to in-car technology.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Kia Seltos offers a range of engine options, making it suitable for a variety of driving preferences. The SUV comes with two petrol engine variants and one diesel engine variant, giving customers the freedom to choose according to their needs.
The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque, offering a balanced combination of power and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more performance, there’s the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine that generates 140 horsepower and 242 Nm of torque. This engine is ideal for those who want a bit more punch in their driving experience. Finally, the 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, producing 115 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, provides an excellent option for long-distance travelers or those who need more torque for highway driving and off-road excursions.
The engines are mated to a variety of transmission options, including a 6-speed manual transmission, a CVT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) for the turbocharged petrol engine. Additionally, the Seltos is available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, depending on the model.
Safety: Built for Protection
Kia has ensured that the Seltos prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants and enhance driver confidence. The Seltos comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). These safety systems work together to ensure maximum protection during both everyday driving and emergency situations.
In addition, the Seltos features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features enhance both convenience and safety by helping drivers stay alert and avoid potential hazards on the road.
The Kia Seltos has also received a 5-star crash safety rating in global NCAP crash tests, further highlighting its commitment to occupant safety.
Pricing and Variants: Value for Money
The Kia Seltos is available in multiple variants, with prices ranging from approximately INR 10 lakh to INR 18 lakh, depending on the variant and configuration. This competitive pricing makes the Seltos an attractive option for those who are looking for a feature-packed, stylish, and reliable compact SUV without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: A Complete Package for the Modern Driver
The Kia Seltos is undoubtedly one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs in India today. With its striking exterior design, premium and spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance, the Seltos has set new standards for the segment. It offers a perfect combination of style, performance, and practicality, making it a top contender for anyone looking for a versatile SUV. Whether you’re a city commuter, a long-distance traveler, or an off-road enthusiast, the Kia Seltos is designed to meet all your needs, providing an unparalleled driving experience.