The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV positioned as a premium, feature-rich option in the segment, combining bold design, multiple powertrain choices, and advanced safety/connected tech to appeal to both urban and highway users. It targets buyers who want an SUV that looks upmarket, drives efficiently, and offers modern comfort and safety features without entering full-size SUV territory.
Design and Dimensions
The Kia Seltos features sharp lines, a well-proportioned SUV stance, and modern LED lighting elements that give it a classy, almost European look. Signature highlights include a bold grille, stylish alloy wheels, and a strong shoulder line that help it stand out in traffic.
The cabin is designed to feel upmarket, with different interior colour schemes depending on the variant, and it comfortably seats five occupants. In terms of size, it sits between subcompact and midsize SUVs, giving it more space than smaller crossovers while remaining easy to park and maneuver in the city.
Engine, Performance and Mileage
The Seltos is offered with three main engine options in India: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.5‑litre (1482 cc) turbo-petrol. Power output ranges roughly from about 113 bhp to nearly 158 bhp, with torque between 144 Nm and 253 Nm depending on the engine and fuel type.
Transmission choices include manual, iMT (clutchless manual), CVT/IVT, torque-converter automatic, and dual‑clutch transmission for the turbo-petrol, allowing buyers to pick a driving experience that suits daily commuting or more enthusiastic performance. Claimed fuel efficiency typically falls in the 17–20.7 kmpl range for popular variants, making the Seltos competitive on running costs in its class.
Interiors, Comfort and Features
Inside, the Seltos offers a feature-loaded cabin with a focus on technology and comfort, including dual 10.25‑inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment on higher trims. Top variants can be equipped with ventilated front seats, powered driver seat, air purifier, head‑up display, and dual‑zone automatic climate control, enhancing long‑distance comfort in Indian conditions.
A panoramic sunroof is available and helps make the cabin feel large and airy, which is a strong selling point for many buyers. Connected car features, drive modes, rear AC vents, cruise control, and advanced internet features further boost the premium feel and practicality for tech‑savvy users.
Safety, ADAS and Technology
The Seltos offers multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors and camera as standard or across most variants, depending on market and trim. Higher trims add a suite of Level 2 ADAS features, such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and smart cruise control with stop & go.
These advanced driver-assistance systems are tuned for Indian conditions and are designed to help reduce the risk of frontal collisions, side impacts during lane changes, and common city-driving mishaps like unsafe door opening or reversing. A 360‑degree camera and front/rear sensors further aid low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces.
Variants, Pricing and Target Buyer
In India, the Seltos range typically starts around ₹10.8–11.1 lakh ex‑showroom and goes up to about ₹19.8–20.5 lakh for top-spec X-Line and fully loaded variants, depending on location and updates. The lineup spans many trims (HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX, X‑Line, etc.), with each step adding more comfort, tech, and safety equipment.
The Kia Seltos suits buyers who want a stylish, tech-rich SUV with multiple engine and gearbox choices, strong feature density, and modern safety/ADAS, without moving into the price band of larger, full-size SUVs. For urban professionals and families looking for a balance of design, equipment, and efficiency, it remains one of the most compelling options in the compact SUV space.
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