KIA Seltos

2023 Kia Seltos - Cabin updates and feature list

The cabin of the Seltos continues to offer the same amount of space and comfort as was available in the preceding models. This means that while it is a great option for even five passengers, the relatively small rear windows remain unchanged. But a lot has changed in almost every other way.

Continuing with the over-arching ideas of offering a mile-long list of options to choose from, the 2023 Seltos gets multiple upholstery colour options depending on the trim line. The Tech Line can be had with Brown leatherette seats and Black interiors with Brown inserts - tacky for my personal senses. It can also be had with Black and Beige Leatherette seats with Black and Beige interiors, and Beige leatherette seats with Black and Beige interiors. There are all black interiors too with fabric seats. Then there is the GT Line with Black leatherette seats and all-Black interiors with White inserts. And the top-end X-Line comes with Sage Green Leatherette seats with all-Black interiors with Sage Green inserts.

In terms of features, the Seltos now gets its 10.25-inch main display and the 10.25-inch MID encapsulated in a stretched housing. This is across variants and trims although the functionalities, obviously, would differ. The display units are typically sharp and intuitive to use.

On top is a dual-pane sunroof while the other highlights include rain-sensing wipers, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker Bose sound system, D-shaped steering wheel with mounted controls, air-purification system, wireless phone charging, plenty of USB charging slots and plethora of storage spaces all around. Small details like rear window shade across variants is a good move.

2023 Kia Seltos - Drive dynamics and ADAS

The latest Kia Seltos is offered across three engine options - two petrol and one diesel. The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor continues to offer 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and an iVT. Then there is the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel motor that puts out 114 bhp and serves 250 Nm of torque. We did not get a chance to drive either of these in this review.

The spotlight, however, is clearly on the return of the turbo petrol motor, now in a 1.5-litre guise. This engine is paired to a six-speed iMT and a seven-speed DCT. There is a delicious dose of power and torque - 158 bhp and 253 Nm - and this is not just restricted to figures but manifests itself into performance in the real world.

The turbo petrol motor - paired with the seven-speed DCT - is the clear winner in the Seltos lineup, a romance made in automotive heaven. The power delivery is linear, yet strong, with the gearbox effortlessly working the right numbers in response to the intensity of throttle inputs. While the Eco drive mode has enough power to perform on highways, the Normal and Sport modes further elevate the spirit of the SUV.

But when the engine gets paired to the semi-automatic gearbox or iMT, it is a comparatively calmer experience where you would have to work the gearbox with precision to extract the performance of a similar nature. On its own, it is hardly shabby but it really has nothing on the much-acclaimed DCT.

Because triple-digit speeds are fairly easy for the Seltos, credit is due for a very firm grip on exterior noise because whether it is the engine or ambient sounds, not much manages to filter into the cabin of the Seltos. Keep a light grip on the throttle and the well-weighted steering and the Seltos pushes forward well while remaining planted for most parts.

And then there is the ADAS technology which seeks to be the cherry on the proverbial cake. I may personally continue doubting the feasibility of ADAS in Indian conditions but it is still billed as a key safety features by many. The Seltos makes use of one front camera and three radars - one in front and two at the rear - to offer as many as 17 safety and preventive drive highlights. During the course of this review, we put features like Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Foward Collision Warning to the test and it worked precisely. Do note that all of these were done on an open and clear stretch of highway with a second Seltos review unit for testing.

2023 Kia Seltos - Verdict

Not every Kia move in India has paid it rich dividends. The Carnival was a big gamble while the EV6 is a flagship that is more a statement than a sales driver. The Sonet sub-compact SUV sells in good numbers but is not a leader in its segment. The Seltos, therefore, is the most formidable Kia India model and now with its slew of changes, updates and additions, emerges as a very, very solid option.

Compared to some of its rivals, the new Seltos still does not have certain highlights like all-wheel drive capabilities and/or strong hybrid technology. But enhancing its core strengths while also offering ADAS should hold it in very good stead in the market, at least till the time Hyundai updates its Creta in a similar manner.