The Kia Seltos launched with features galore back in 2019 in India. This was one of those cars that set a benchmark regarding features, powertrain and transmission options. How does one improve a once-set benchmark met by almost every manufacturer in the years of the ever-changing automotive industry in India? Introduced in other countries way ahead of the launch in India, the 2023 Kia Seltos is definitely a worthwhile new iteration of one of the most popular mid-size SUVs. Kia has taken all the feedback and marketing research to improve one of their most successful products in India, the 2023 Kia Seltos. The hype for this car was so high it garnered 13,424 bookings on the first day across dealerships in India, a segment record in the Indian automotive industry!
Kia Seltos is not just targeting new customers but also aims at retaining Seltos customers, offering an upgrade and update to match this time and era. The Seltos was a fantastic package, and Kia has somehow cut corners where required and added some for enthusiasts to bring multiple engine, transmission and trim options ranging from INR 10.90L - 19.99L. For a little more, Kia plans to offer a whole lot more. The marketing team has been targeting this product as a Badass 2.0, but between marketing B, and S, the ADAS is what you should concentrate on.
Verdict
A worthy successor
The 2019 Kia Seltos set a benchmark for the 2023 Kia Seltos. Kia has been taking feedback over the years and has improved the 2023 Kia Seltos as an overall product. The new Seltos has improved on a significant aspect, ride and comfort. Along with the multiple powertrain and transmission options, the car also gets a new modern, stylish fascia differentiating their performance buyers and ADAS level 2 features with one of the best implementations of 360-degree cameras. The Kia Seltos is revamped to become a substantial potential offering in India's most competitive mid-size SUV segments.
Equipoise of enthusiasm and comfort
The Kia Seltos was always known for the multiple powertrain and transmission options available; it did not disappoint with the introduction of its new avatar. There are three powertrains on offer - 1.5L NA, 1.5 turbo Diesel and 1.5 turbo petrol (4 cylinders). We got to test the latter two with healthy power figures - 116hp, 250Nm on the turbo diesel while 160hp, 253Nm on the turbo petrol. Kia also offers the 2023 Seltos with multiple transmission options - 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, IVT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT. The lucky butts we are, we drove the latter transmissions on the diesel and petrol GT-Lines, respectively. The most considerable improvement overall has to be the improved suspension setup and wheel amalgamation. The earlier Seltos was a nice driving machine, but the passengers complained of stiffer suspension feedback, especially at the rear. The 2023 Kia Seltos adheres to this issue and balances performance-oriented handling and comfortable ride quality when the roads get rough. The body roll is minimal, and body control is spot on. The car manages a beautiful equipoise.
The steering feedback and size were disappointing initially, but I guess smaller and quick firing makes the UZI a fun gun compared to a bolt-action precise shooting rifle. It’s an easy car to drive and manoeuvre through tight spots thanks to the clear cameras, sensors and that ADAS safety net warning through OVRMs and driver’s MID about every car around you. It senses your hands on wheels, and I like touching my ride, hence no comments on a handless drive, but the added safety net will teach lane departure assistance to drivers who cannot maintain their lanes when sane or intoxicated. The powertrains and NVH levels are real gems. The Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi with 7DCT is refined and rev-happy. The power delivery on this setup is linear, and the paddle shifters work charm through the 7-speed DCT. This engine is also efficient when the throttle responses are light. The drive/traction selector toggles between ECO, Normal and Sport modes while also being able to toggle between Snow, Mud and Sand traction control settings. The throttle responses are dulled in ECO mode while made responsive in Sport modes, bringing a perfect balance for Normal mode. The GT-Lines also featured a new animation and better digital MID with Mercedes-inspired mode animations. The turbo diesel variant does not feature exhaust cut-outs on the rear bumper and is a familiar engine from the current Creta. Kia has tuned the diesel engine to feel refined when in motion, and the power delivery via the 6-speed AT is responsive when required, stress-free and diesel efficient on long runs. The improved NVH levels pay dividends on the turbo diesel powertrain. All wheels have disc brakes, but the braking performance is just above average yet progressive. Overall, the multiple engine options, ADAS assistance, well-lit cabin with a panoramic sunroof and improved ride with confident handling balance make the Kia Seltos a worthwhile investment for newer and ageing car owners.
Easefulness and features galore
The new Kia Seltos is offered in multiple trim options with multiple powertrains. Trim options include HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+ and X-Line. We drove the latter with GT-Line batches on the petrol and diesel variants. These were dual-tone interiors with light grey accents and primarily black with comfortable cushioning and GT-Line brands on seats. The most significant improvement is the natural illumination from the panoramic openable sunroof. Our drive units featured six airbags, all the safety features Kia advertises and the safety net of level 2 ADAS with 17 features, similar to the Hyundai Verna ADAS. The GT-Lines also feature a flat bottom compact steering wheel with paddle shifters and ample features, including adaptive cruise control and voice commands in regional languages, including hinglish!
The seats are fairly comfortable for all passengers, with ample lumber support for front-row occupants. Rear passengers get rear door sunshade curtains, 3 adjustable headrests, an armrest, an air purifier with touch controls, two-AC vents, two Type-C ports and storage areas. The car also features dual-zone climate control, individual buttons for adjustments, a wireless charger with a dedicated bay, type-A and type-C ports up front, rollable covers for the cup-holders, an armrest with storage, and two large 10.25-inch screens. The touch infotainment setup features all ADAS controls with neat graphics and 65 connected car features via Kia Connect but supports only wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 360-degree camera with sensors is one of the highest resolution cameras in the market and features dynamic parking assistance with the help of ADAS. Electric seat adjustments allow excellent visibility and a commanding driving position. Surprisingly, there is no cooled glove box; how much do you think avoiding that saved their manufacturing cost?
Timeless and gracefully mature
The Kia Seltos was always a good-looking car. Even when you see one around on roads in India, it still has a timeless design. Banking on a similar design philosophy with added LED elements like symmetrical DRLs, and progressive indicators with parametric design both front and rear, the new Kia Seltos has also increased in dimensions measuring LxWxHxWB(mm) - 4365x1620x1800x2610. This is not significantly noticeable but improves the quality of life for passengers and dimension lovers in India. The most significant difference comes in the performance variants, which get a split bumper setup. At the same time, it’s only the Petrol variant featuring two actual exhaust cut-outs making it stand out.
Overall the newer fascia with a new grille design, symmetrical LEDs, chrome bling and a newer set of R17/18 alloys make the 2023 Kia Seltos a stunning timeless design among overcrowded mid-size SUV offerings in India. The boot space is ample at 433L, and the new key fobs look a million bucks increasing the appeal of the 2023 Kia Seltos.
Specs
Trims - Tech-Line, X-Line, GT-Line
Powertrains - Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi, 1.5L CRDi VGT, Smartstream G1.5
Transmissions - 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, IVT, 6-speed AT, 7-speed DCT
Max Power and Torque - 160HP and 253NM
ADAS Level 2 - 17 Features
