In the months before COVID-19, Kia consistently sold over 10,000 units of the Seltos. After the launch of the 2020 Hyundai Creta, both these SUVs have become neck and neck rivals. The two are offered with multiple engine-gearbox combinations, powerful turbo-petrol motors and numerous variants.
Now Kia has thrown in more features into the Seltos to revive demand in the unlock phase and aims to one-up the Creta, especially in the mid and lower trims. The Seltos gets 10 new features and eight of the existing ones make their way to the lower variants. We normally compare the range-topping trims, but since the mid-range ones benefit from these upgrades, we will include them as well in this comparo.
The mid-range Seltos HTX seems to have gained the most after this update. It already packed premium features like LED headlamps and DRLs, 10.25-inch infotainment system, mood lighting, air purifier, and leatherette trims. It now additionally gets the emergency stop signal (standard across all variants), sunroof with LED room lamp, remote engine start (for auto variants), upgrades to the UVO connected car system and a host of cosmetic upgrades among others.
The mid-range Seltos HTX is better equipped than a mid-range Creta S, albeit the Creta S is priced lower. That said, both cars still stand out in their own ways by offering unique features. The range-topping Seltos continues to get heads-up display, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring and front parking sensors (in addition to rear sensors), while the Creta impresses enthusiasts and comfort seekers alike with paddle shifters, rear seat headrest cushions, panoramic sunroof and e-handbrake.
Find the detailed feature list of the updated Kia Seltos here
The Seltos and the Creta continue to be offered with the same set of powertrains and engine-gearbox combinations. The Creta can be had with five engine-transmission options while the Seltos offers six options. They also share the same powertrains. The BS6 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines can be had with manual and automatic gearbox options as well.
Additionally, both SUVs cater to enthusiasts with turbo power. Hyundai Motor Group’s 1.4-litre T-GDi engine makes 138bhp and 242Nm of torque in both SUVs. The Creta Turbo however can be had only with a 7-speed DCT while the turbo-petrol Seltos can be enjoyed with DCT or manual transmission as well.
With the lower and mid variants getting more features, the price increase naturally revolves around the same variants. The mid-range Seltos HTX petrol and diesel variants cost Rs 30,000 more than before, while other variants witness a marginal increase.
All in all, both SUVs are very closely priced. The Seltos might gain a slight upper hand thanks to its broader range of variants and the option of pairing the turbo-petrol engine with a manual transmission.
The minor upgrades work well in Kia’s favour and the Seltos is only slightly better armed than before to take on its rivals that now also include the new 153bhp Nissan Kicks and the updated BS6 Tata Harrier.
The Seltos’ mid-range variants, albeit being slightly dearer than earlier, match the appeal of the higher GTX trims and that’s something the regular buyers can be attracted to.
With that, the mid-variants of the Kia Seltos certainly offer more bang for your buck. However, note that these upgrades are minor and the Creta and the Seltos are still closely matched on all parameters. In the end, picking one over the other would largely come down to individual preference.