Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos Exterior Design and Engineering

The facelifted Kia Seltos brings subtle, evolutionary design updates that build on the SUV’s already handsome looks. The front sports a larger 'tiger nose' grille, a revised bumper, tweaked headlights, and new LED DRLs that extend into the grille but are positioned lower. Fog lamps now feature a four-block pattern. Side changes are minimal, with the GT Line variants retaining the 18-inch X-Line alloys and adopting body-coloured cladding.

The rear gets the most significant visual tweaks, including a new connected light bar replacing the chrome strip, new vertical tail-lamps, and a reshaped bumper with reversing lights and body-coloured accents. Sequential turn indicators and a new Pewter Olive paint shade are also part of the update. The Seltos continues with three variant lines – Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line – each with unique design elements. GT Line now drops red accents for a cleaner, more mature look.

Kia Seltos Interior Space and Comfort

Inside, the Seltos facelift looks and feels more premium than before. The centerpiece is the dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, offering vibrant visuals, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, and a split-screen layout. New ADAS buttons appear on the otherwise familiar steering wheel. The dashboard feels cleaner with slimmer AC vents and refined switchgear. GT Line variants now feature an all-black interior with white accents, toned down from the earlier red scheme. A new panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin.

The front seats are supportive and offer ample adjustments. Rear seat comfort is excellent, with generous space for three adults, reclining backrests, AC vents, window blinds, touch-operated air purifier, and type-C ports. All windows now have one-touch up/down while boot space stays at 433 litres.

Interior themes vary: GT Line gets black with white, X-Line adds Sage Green, HTX+ uses black and brown, HTX gets black and beige, while base variants come in all-black with fabric. While stylish, the variety could confuse buyers. Custom upholstery options would’ve been a plus.

Kia Seltos Performance and Refinement

The facelift continues with the 1.5-litre NA petrol and 1.5-litre diesel but adds a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp, 253Nm), replacing the 1.4-litre unit. Tested with a 7-speed DCT (also offered with a 6-speed iMT), this turbo-petrol impresses with smooth, strong power delivery and quick response in Sport mode. It can feel a bit jerky at low speeds, but driving enthusiasts will enjoy it.

The 1.5-litre diesel (116hp, 250Nm) paired with a 6-speed auto remains smooth, quiet, and perfect for long drives. It lacks punch but excels in comfort and refinement.

Kia Seltos Mileage and Efficiency

Kia claims 17.9kpl for the turbo-petrol DCT and 19.1kpl for the diesel-auto, though real-world mileage will vary. Expect lower figures from the turbo-petrol in urban conditions, while the diesel variants will likely be the most efficient on highways.

Kia Seltos Ride Comfort and Handling

Suspension tweaks improve the balance between comfort and handling. Stiffer front damping helps cornering, while softer rear damping improves ride quality. Despite 18-inch wheels on the X-Line, the ride remains composed. At low speeds, it feels slightly stiff but improves when loaded and as speeds rise. It handles bumps well and feels stable on highways. The steering gains weight in Sport mode, though feedback is limited. Braking performance is confident and progressive.

Kia Seltos Features and Safety

The facelifted Seltos is packed with feel-good features: panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, twin 10.25-inch displays, radar-based ADAS, and a premium-feel key. Top variants get a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, HUD, auto headlamps and wipers, Bose sound system, powered and ventilated front seats, and more.

Standard safety includes six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, TPMS, and hill-hold assist. The ADAS suite has 17 features like forward collision warning, autonomous braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. It uses five cameras and three radar sensors. The system works well but can be alert-heavy – most can be turned off.

Kia Seltos Price and Verdict

Priced between Rs 11.19 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom), the Seltos facelift competes with models like the Grand Vitara and Hyryder at the top end, and undercuts others like the Astor, Taigun, and Creta in lower variants. Despite lacking hybrid options, it remains a solid value proposition. Kia didn’t overhaul the Seltos – it didn’t need to. Smart updates across design, features, and performance make it more refined, modern, and desirable than ever. As such, it’s the benchmark in the midsize SUV segment.

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