Branded Content: Engage Beast Mode

With a perky refresh and turbo-petrol power, the new Seltos is a timely reminder that no one does SUVs better than Kia

Published On Sep 25, 2023 03:19:00 PM

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The Seltos, Kia India’s launch vehicle in the Indian market, was nothing short of a smash hit. In a record 46 months, the stellar SUV achieved the remarkable milestone of 5,00,000-unit total sales. The new 2023 Seltos, launched in July this year, takes the story forward in the hotly contested midsize SUV segment. With a record 13,424 pre-bookings on Day 1, it is on its way to emulate its predecessor’s success. But exactly what is it that makes the new Seltos so compelling? Let’s take a deep dive into the making of this bestselling SUV.

Uniting Opposites

The Kia Seltos presents a strong case for vehicles being aesthetically stunning without compromising on practicality. The design of the Seltos, shaped by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, sees the iconic ‘Tiger Nose’ grille in a new, bolder avatar flanked by the signature ‘Crown Jewel’ LED headlamps. Those 18-inch crystal-cut alloys lend it a brooding muscularity, while the star-map connected LED tail-lamps round off a design that blends contemporaneity with solidity. A 433-litre boot is just one of the many ways Kia dials in practicality into the pleasantly spacious, five-seater Seltos.

Drivers’ Delight

At the heart of things, there’s an all-new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 160hp and 253Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox for lightning-quick performance. Kia also offers the new engine with a 6-speed iMT gearbox for those with a penchant for manual transmissions. The proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines complete the variety of engine options to choose from.

Tech Forward

The Seltos doesn’t just set new benchmarks in safety through technology, it also uses it to make the in-cabin experience unlike any other. What we are looking at is class-leading features such as Dual Screen Panoramic Display with a 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Navigation and Digital Instrument Cluster; dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioner, and a dual-pane sunroof to let blue skies in.

Guardian Angels

How do you deploy cutting-edge technology to make cars safer? Kia shows the way with its Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. The ADAS in the Seltos is equipped with 17 autonomous features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Front Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist. Add to that a raft of standard safety features such as six airbags, ESC and Hill-Start Assist Control, and you have one of India’s safest SUVs