Kia Seltos

The 2023 Kia Seltos features a bold design with modern styling that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Let’s dive into some of the standout elements of its exterior:

Front Fascia:

• Redesigned tiger-nose grille that now extends seamlessly with the Star Map LED DRLs.
• Ice cube LED fog lamps and slimmer LED headlamps offer a sophisticated touch.
• GTLine variant adds sporty elements, including body-colored skid plates and dual-tip exhausts.

Side Profile:

• New 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variant, add to its modern appeal.
• Sleek character lines emphasize its bold look, with options for dual-tone colors.

Rear Design:

• Updated LED taillights with a Star Map pattern add a unique flair.
• A re-sculpted bumper enhances its sporty demeanor.

The Seltos offers three powertrains catering to different driving preferences. Here’s a quick comparison table:

• Turbo Petrol: Delivers a sporty experience with quick acceleration and minimal turbo lag, making it ideal for city and highway driving.
• Diesel: Best for those who frequently travel long distances; it offers excellent fuel efficiency and a smooth drive.
• MPi Petrol: Perfect for daily commutes, delivering a reliable performance with decent mileage.

The Seltos manages to offer both a comfortable and controlled ride, which is quite a feat in this segment. Here’s what stands out:

• Suspension: Slightly firm to improve handling but still provides a cushioned ride on most road surfaces.
• Steering: Light and responsive, making city driving and tight turns easy, though it could offer more feedback for spirited drives.
• High-Speed Stability: Feels planted on highways with minimal body roll, even when taking corners at higher speeds.

The Seltos’ ground clearance and overall driving dynamics make it suitable for urban use and occasional off-road trips, allowing for versatile usage.

Inside, the Seltos offers a comfortable experience for both drivers and passengers:

• Front Seats: Ventilated with power adjustment in higher trims, ensuring a luxurious experience.
• Rear Seats: Split 60:40, with reclining options to enhance passenger comfort, especially on longer journeys.
• Cabin Quality: Premium materials with options for GTLine (all-black) and TechLine (dual-tone) trims.

Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear AC vents ensure all passengers remain comfortable, regardless of weather conditions.

Kia has packed the Seltos with tech-savvy features, making it one of the most advanced in its class:

• Dual 10.25-inch Screens: One for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system.
• Infotainment System: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Kia’s connected car technology, including features like:
• Remote engine start
• Geofencing
• Real-time vehicle tracking

• Bose 8-Speaker System: Available on top trims, providing a rich audio experience.
• Level 2 ADAS: With 17 autonomous functions like Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning, ensuring safety and convenience.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Seltos’ strong suits, particularly with the diesel engine:

• Turbo Petrol: Up to 17.9 km/l
• Diesel: Between 18 and 20 km/l, depending on conditions
• MPi Petrol: Around 16 km/l with the IVT, making it efficient for city use

The combination of performance and fuel efficiency makes the Seltos a practical choice for everyday use and long journeys

The interior of the Seltos has been designed to provide a premium feel:

• Materials: Options range from fabric in the lower trims to faux leather in higher trims.
• Ambient Lighting: Adds to the cabin’s appeal, enhancing the driving experience at night.
• Storage: With 433 liters of boot space, it offers ample room for luggage, and the rear seats fold down to accommodate larger items.

The interior feels well thought out, with a blend of functionality and aesthetics that appeals to diverse buyers.

Safety is a priority for the 2023 Seltos, especially with the introduction of Level 2 ADAS:

• Standard Safety Features:
• 6 airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)

• Advanced Safety: Higher trims include a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors for added convenience.

The structural integrity has also been improved, making the Seltos a reliable and safe choice.

• Features: It provides a tech-rich experience that’s rare at this price point, especially with ADAS.
• Variety: Multiple trims and engine options mean there’s a Seltos for every type of buyer, whether they prioritize performance, efficiency, or luxury.

For the price, the Seltos delivers a lot of bang for your buck, outshining many of its competitors.

If you’re looking for the best mix of features and performance, the GTX+ with the 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT is a top choice. It combines:

• Advanced safety features
• Sporty performance
• Premium interior touches with ventilated seats and a sunroof

For those seeking efficiency, the 1.5L Diesel Automatic in the HTX trim offers an excellent blend of fuel economy and comfort.

Kia has built a strong service network in India, making maintenance accessible and hassle-free. The Seltos comes with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty that can be extended, adding to the peace of mind for buyers.

The Seltos competes with the following models, each offering unique advantages:

• Hyundai Creta: Closely matched, but the Seltos’ ADAS and design elements provide a slight edge.
• MG Astor: Rich in tech, but the Seltos offers better performance.
• Volkswagen Taigun: Known for robust build quality, but it lacks some of the Seltos’ premium features and space.

In terms of overall value, the Seltos comes out on top due to its well-rounded package.

The 2023 Kia Seltos is a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a compact SUV. It combines style, safety, tech, and performance in a way that few competitors can match. With its premium feel and practical features, it’s well-suited for both city dwellers and those who enjoy longer trips. While there are minor areas for improvement, the Seltos remains one of the best in its segment, offering exceptional value for money and an enjoyable driving experience.

In summary, the Kia Seltos is a versatile SUV that meets the diverse needs of modern drivers, making it a top recommendation in the compact SUV category.