Kia Motors made headlines with their recent declaration of a voluntary recall, impacting a total of 4358 units of the Seltos SUV. This recall stems from potential complications surrounding the electronic oil pump controller situated within the vehicle’s CVT gearbox, which poses a threat to the operational efficiency of the electronic oil pump. The affected units of the Kia Seltos were assembled during the period spanning from February 28 to July 13, 2023.
In light of this development, the automaker has initiated proactive measures to engage with affected consumers and facilitate the replacement of the defective component in their vehicles. If you haven’t received communication from the automaker yet, it is advisable to promptly visit your nearest dealership for a thorough inspection of your vehicle.
Notably, the impacted IVT variants are equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivers a power output of 115bhp and 144Nm of torque. Additionally, the Seltos lineup offers multiple engine options, including a 1.5L diesel variant generating 116bhp with 250Nm, and a 1.5L turbo petrol variant delivering 160bhp with 253Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual, a CVT, a 6-speed iMT, a 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT automatic. Currently, the SUV model lineup is priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Kia Seltos facelift, introduced in July last year, has garnered over 1 lakh bookings, with an average monthly booking rate of 13,500 units. Notably, the top-end variant commands over 80 percent of total bookings, with 40 percent of customers opting for the higher ADAS-equipped variant. Variants featuring a panoramic sunroof have attracted 80 percent of total bookings.
In other updates, Kia India is exploring the introduction of hybrid products featuring its existing 1.2L and 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engines. The company aims to introduce its globally available strong hybrid technology with a higher level of localization of motor components and battery tech to ensure cost-effectiveness for the Indian market. The Kia Seltos, Sonet, and Carens are among the first models expected to receive the brand’s hybrid technology.
