Kia Motors has launched the much-awaited Seltos SUV in India, with prices starting at Rs 9.69 lakh. Entering this segment is a bold move, considering that this is a highly competitive segment that is currently ruled by the Hyundai Creta. Last year, the Tata Harrier joined the frey followed by the MG Hector rather recently. We have driven the Kia Seltos in Goa’s monsoon and it impressed with its quality, driving dynamics and the vast list of features. And now, we finally know what it costs.
Drivetrains
The Seltos will be available in five Tech Line trims and three GT Line trims. The Tech Line come with the option of two engines. The first is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor that develops 113.4bhp of power and 144Nm of torque. It comes with the option of a six-speed manual, or a CVT. The second is a 1.5-litre diesel that makes 113.4bhp of power and 250Nm of torque and is capable of sprinting to 100kmph in 11.5 seconds. This motor is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Meanwhile, the GT Line is a more sporty offering and gets the 1.4 direct-injection turbo-petrol motor. The motor puts out 138bhp and 242Nm of torque capable of propelling the mid-size SUV to 100kmph in 9.7 seconds when specced with the dual-clutch transmission. There's also a manual on offer with this engine.
Stunning looks
“The right blend of style and bling,” says the Ed, Sirish Chandran. The Kia Seltos has modern and very strong character lines with sporty looks and features that are designed to appeal to ‘millennials’ according to Kia. Immense focus has been given to the tiger-nose grille which also houses a part of the LED lighting strip that flows from the LED headlamps. The taillamps of the Seltos are also LED units and get a heartbeat shape element. The wheelarches that house the 17-inch crystal cut wheels (GT-line) add to the beefy SUV look of the Seltos. There is also an option of a dual-tone black roof with black roof rails. The GTX+ is the only trim that comes fitted with a sunroof.
The Tech Line is available with the option of a 1.5-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel motor and a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed auto or a CVT transmission. The GT Line trims get the 1.4-litre turbo petrol with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT transmission. The HTX+ variant gets hill start assist and electronic stability control available only with the automatic transmission. The GTX+ variant gets multiple drive modes and road grip control which is available only in the DCT.
The Cabin
The interiors of the Seltos are very European in terms of quality and looks. The GTX trim gets flat-bottom steering wheel and red trimming to contrast with the optional all-black interiors. GT Line variants get GT Line inscriptions on the seat along with red stitching. It gets a large 7-inch screen set in the instrument cluster that shows trip, trip economy readouts, projects infotainment details and on the GTX+ variant it even alerts about objects in the blind spot using the 360-view cameras. The dials also get shift light and gear shift indicator when using the manual mode on the DCT. The Seltos also features a segment-first heads-up display that pops up from the dash.
Also seen on the dash is a massive 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen that is available in the HTX, HTX+, GTX and GTX+ variants. It has 37 features that can be operated via Kia’s UVO application which can be downloaded on your smartphone. The lower variants get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple Carplay . For audio enthusiasts, the Seltos gets Arkamys sound system as standard while the GTX+ gets an 8-speaker 400W Bose sound system that includes an 8-inch subwoofer in the boot. The speakers also get mood lighting that pulses to the beats of the music along with a party mode.
The Prices
The most affordable Kia Seltos is the base HTE variant with the 1.5 petrol engine and a manual transmission at Rs 6.69 lakh. Prices for the Seltos with this drivetrain go up to Rs 12.79 lakh on the HTX trim, while the CVT will cost Rs 13.79 lakh.
The diesel Seltos starts at Rs 9.99 lakh, with prices going up to Rs 14.99 lakh for the top-end manual and Rs 15.99 lakh for the top-end automatic. The GT Line turbo petrol is a little more pricey. It starts at Rs 13.49 lakh, and goes up to 15.99 lakh for the GTX+ with a manual. This GTX+ trim doesn't get the DCT though – that is only available on the standard GTX trim and costs Rs 15.99 lakh too. These are introductory prices and could increase in the near future. This is extremely competitive pricing from Kia, as it hits the Creta, Harrier and Hector hard and base variants will also tempt buyers looking at SUVs a segment below.