Kia Seltos: The Indian automobile industry saw a considerable upheaval in the competitive compact SUV segment with the arrival of the Kia Seltos by Kia Motors.
What struck you immediately about this challenger from Korea, was its incredible blend of top end features that you would normally find only in higher segments but at accessible pricing and with outstanding fuel efficiency too.
The Seltos has quickly become the benchmark for value with luxury appointments without the luxury price.
Kia Seltos Design: Premium That Won’t Break The Bank
The Seltos is an instantly impressive looking machine with a set of touches that help communicate its upmarket positioning. The signature tiger-nose grille is charged with perfectly complemented by the new LED headlamps with ice-cube LED DRLs leading those stunning eye capturing lines on the bonnet and to the revamped front bumper, the front fascia lends the car an air of sophistication that belies its soul this price.
The deeply etched character lines and precision designed body panels also provide the SONET with a modern aesthetic that is at home in an urban environment.
In half, that narrative remains in place: with three visual design lines for driving around with a sense of personal style as you can only purchase this much personalization at a price point like this.
The GT Line has sportier details with red highlights and unique bumpers, the X Line brings to the range matte finish options that were previously only available on luxury brands, meaning customers can choose a version styled to suit their tastes without losing any food value.
Cabin Experience: Raising the Bar for the Segment
Hop in and the Seltos immediately calls into question what we think of as a “budget” SUV cabin. The dash has nice clean horizontal lines with ultra premium soft touch materials where you put your hands the most.
Upmarket trims get real leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and metallic accents that help give the cabin a high-tone feel one doesn’t expect from a car at this price point.
Key to the tech-laden interior is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with a separate 7-inch digital instrument cluster on higher specs. The Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers produces quality sound that would rattle a high-roller audiophile.
Most impressive, of course, has been the availability of ventilated front seats – a totally unheard of feature in this class of vehicle that is especially useful in India’s long, hot, summer months.
The ambient lighting can then be customised in a choice of colours to provide a premium feeling and contrast the panoramic sunroof: letting light flood in to enhance the sense of space inside the already generously-sized interior.
Rear seat passengers have it good, with reclining seatbacks, dedicated AC vents and charging outlets fitted – all knowing nods to the significance of rear rider comfort in family-oriented countries.
Efficient to the Core: 26KMPL, no compromises
What’s the most remarkable thing about the Seltos is that it offers great fuel economy without sacrificing performance or driving dynamics. The 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission continues to impress with an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 26 km/l (in a certain configuration) – numbers that can give smaller hatchbacks a run for their money.
This efficiency is achieved through extensive engineering optimization, such as highly efficient thermal management technology, decreased engine mechanical losses and a smart ECU (engine control unit) which uses continuously variable controls to make mechanical operations more efficient.
Highway fuel economy approaches 30 mpg due in part to the car’s aerodynamic profile that slips through the air with a drag coefficient as low as 0.35.
Despite this emphasis on efficiency, the performance is still punchy thanks to 115 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque – enough to secure neat overtaking and strong motorway driving.
The petrols, both 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.4-litre, have decent performance and efficiency of 16.8 KMPL and 16.5 KMPL respectively – One for an enthusiast and the other for a fuel saver.
Integrated technology: In tune and in touch
Seltos brought in Kia’s extensive UVO connected car technology to India with more than 60 features that include car immobilization, geofencing, remote engine start and air conditioner control and vehicle tracking among others, accessible via a dedicated app on the smartphone. This kind of advanced system, usually only seen in high-end sectors, enables an all-new ownership experience far beyond the vehicle itself.
Safety tech is given its due course with six airbags, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist and electronic stability control all on offer on higher specs.
The 360-degree camera system with Blind View Monitor shows the car’s surroundings on the infotainment screen, making it easier to maneuver the car in tight spaces – another feature previously retained for luxury vehicles and democratized in the compact SUV class by Kia.
Price and Value Offered
Priced between ₹10.90 lakh and ₹17.45 lakh (ex-showroom) in a range of variants and powertrains, the Seltos falls in the middle of the compact SUV pack and, refreshingly, does not borrow everything from the competitors.
Far from budget-basement cheap, it represents great value with its combination of upscale elements, expressive powerplants and build quality that exceeds the segment average.
The smart variant strategy with clearly structured packages – also based on attractive price groups – also makes it possible to combine features and powertrains according to individual requirements and financial capabilities.
This strategy helps Seltos feel at home for a wide audience, from value-based first-time buyers looking at a small SUV to someone that wants a premium experience without going up into luxury brand territory.
Kia Seltos Market Impact and Conclusion
The Seltos has been a gamechanger in the compact SUV space, showing Australia that more affordable price tags don’t have to come at the cost of features, materials and efficiency. Its popularity has caused rivals to step up their own offerings, and with them the segment’s overall standards.
For individuals looking for a premium experience packaged with cutting-edge technology, and top-of-the-line refinement, and with all the right attributes of an SUV along with heavy uptick in fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos offers all-of-these in a case and does make a good case as the most well-rounded package on sale today in the country – offering unsurpassed refinement and luxury features and that record-breaking fuel WLTC certified fuel efficiency at a price that is hard to ignore in an SUV that makes you want to flaunt.