Kia had launched the Carens MPV earlier this year. It is the only model in its segment to offer 6 airbags as standard. It was speculated that Kia will soon launch the Seltos facelift with design changes & upgraded cabin along with 6 airbags as standard. Instead of introducing new model, Kia has added 6 airbags as standard with the current Kia Seltos SUV.
Earlier, the Kia Seltos was offered with 4 airbags from the base variant. Kia could also offer 6 airbags as standard with the Sonet, which is currently offered with 4 airbags as standard. Earlier, the company was offering 6 airbags only on the top-spec HTX+, X-Line, and GTX(O) and GTX+ (GT Line) variants of the Seltos.
The Kia Seltos SUV is also available with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), HAC (Hill Assist Control), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) along with all disc brakes as standard safety features. In terms of features, the SUV gets 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 360 degree camera, an air purifier, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting.
The Kia Seltos compact SUV is available with two petrol and diesel engine options. The engine options include a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol, a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel. The NA engine produces 115PS and 144Nm, while the turbo engine produces 140PS and 242Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard. The petrol engines also come with iMT and automatic gearbox options.
The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine churns out a maximum power output of 115PS and 250Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The SUV is available in the price bracket of Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.45 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV directly rivals the MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta and the VW Taigun. It will also rival the soon-to-be-launched Maruti Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
