The 2021 Kia Seltos has launched with prices starting at Rs 9.95 lakh. Similar to the update last year, Kia has discontinued a variant, added new trims and more features to select versions. This time around, the Korean brand has also added a new gearbox option for the Seltos - an iMT ‘clutchless manual’. Kia’s new logo also replaces the older one.
- 2021 Kia Seltos prices start about Rs 6,000 higher than the outgoing model
- 1.5 diesel-auto HTX+ variant discontinued
- 1.5 petrol-iMT available with HTK+ variant
- New GTX(O) trim only available with the 1.4 turbo-petrol and manual gearbox
- New features on select variants include paddle shifters, additional voice commands and more
2021 Kia Seltos: variants
Although Kia has discontinued the Seltos diesel-automatic in HTX+ form, it has added two new variants to the midsize SUV’s line-up. The mid-spec HTK+ variant is now available with an iMT gearbox with the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine and there’s a new higher-spec GTX(O) Turbo trim on offer which is only available with a manual gearbox.
2021 Kia Seltos: features
Other than the entry-level HTE variant, every variant gets some additional equipment. The HTK trims now get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the HTK+ trims add remote engine start. The iMT-equipped HTK+ further comes with beige seat upholstery, a powered sunroof and an auto climate control system.
HTX trims now come with safety features such as ESC, hill-start assist, traction control and brake assist. The infotainment system now accepts a wider variety of voice commands to control things like the sunroof, the driver's side power window, the AC vents and the front defogger. This trim also gets an air purifier as standard.
The HTX+ variant now gets black and brown leatherette seat covers, while the new GTX(O) variant gets beige and black leatherette covers with red stitching. Meanwhile, range-topping GTX+ trims have been updated with paddle shifters.
2021 Kia Seltos: engine and gearbox options
With the addition of the new iMT gearbox, the Kia Seltos is now available with seven powertrain options. The 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is now on offer with 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT and CVT gearbox options. The 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol continues with the 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch auto options. The 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine also continues with the previously available 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic options.
2021 Kia Seltos: rivals
The updated Seltos should help keep Kia’s midsize SUV in the running against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, MG Hector and Tata Harrier.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
