Kia made its entry into the Indian market in 2019 with the launch of the Seltos SUV, and it has since experienced great success. Despite being considered a premium brand, Kia’s vehicles were well received, leading to the expansion of its portfolio to include five models, ranging from affordable compact SUVs to high-end electric vehicles like the EV6. The Seltos remains Kia’s top-selling model in India, contributing to 55 percent of the brand’s sales. However, the Seltos started to appear outdated compared to its competitor, the Hyundai Creta, due to its lack of features such as a panoramic sunroof and high-resolution infotainment screen. To address this, Kia unveiled the second generation of the Seltos on July 4, which we recently had the opportunity to test drive. Here are the key changes in the 2023 Kia Seltos, which has already sold over 500,000 units.
Facelifted Design:
The overall design of the Kia Seltos remains largely unchanged, but there are notable updates that give it a more aggressive look. The SUV is now available in three design trims: Tech-line, GT-line, and X-line. These trims come with redesigned LED headlamps featuring new LED DRLs integrated into the headlamp units and extending into the center grille, adding a touch of elegance to the front end. The front also features a redesigned tiger nose grille with a premium chrome finish surround. At the rear, the taillamps have been redesigned and connected by a light bar, creating a modern look. The Seltos now also comes with sequential indicators all-around. The GT-line and X-line trims have more aggressive front and rear bumpers with body-colored plastic inserts, ice-cube shaped LED fog lamps, an angular scuff plate, and stainless steel finished, hexagonal dual exhaust tips for a sportier appearance. The Tech-line trim retains a design closer to the previous generation Seltos, maintaining a distinction between the lower and higher trims.
Updated Cabin:
The cabin of the 2023 Kia Seltos has received significant upgrades, addressing one of the previous model’s drawbacks. The new cabin features a high-quality interior with dual 10.25-inch screens housed in a single glass housing. The screens have crisp resolution and offer a sense of premiumness. Another notable addition is the panoramic sunroof, a feature not available in some international markets. The upholstery has been redone, and the Seltos now comes with ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The cabin design varies based on the variant, with lower variants featuring an all-black interior, mid-variants featuring a black and brown theme, and top-end variants boasting an all-black interior with premium black and white seat upholstery. The GT-line variant we tested had a well-finished flat-bottom steering wheel with white contrast stitching. In terms of tech, the GT-line trim comes with features like a 360-degree camera, smart air-purifier, wireless charger with cooling function, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system.
Enhanced Driving Experience:
The GT-line variant we drove came equipped with the top-end 1.5-liter T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, delivering higher power output of 158 hp and 253 Nm of torque. It was paired with a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and customers also have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission for the turbo petrol engine. The turbocharged Seltos offers impressive acceleration, going from 0-100 kmph in just 8.9 seconds. The gearbox provides ample feedback and a push into the seats, and it performs well in normal driving mode. However, at low speeds, the dual-clutch transmission can feel slightly jerky, but it quickly smoothes out on open stretches. The Sport mode sharpens the gearbox and throttle response, offering a more engaging driving experience. The upgraded suspension provides a more comfortable ride without compromising on sporty handling. It handles high speeds and curvy roads with ease, thanks to well-tuned suspension calibration. The Seltos is also wider than before, contributing to its agile handling characteristics. The NVH levels are well controlled, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. The Seltos is available with three engine options, including a Smartstream 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine, each with different transmission options.
Practicality:
The Kia Seltos has always offered a perfect blend of luxury and practicality, with a comfortable cabin and ample storage spaces. The door panels feature large bottle holders and pockets, while the center console has cup holders. The rear seat even has a pull-out cup holder.