Following its market launch in June this year, the Kia Seltos became available on its domestic market of South Korea in July and will soon arrive in India as well.
Unlike its South Korean counterpart, which is considered international and is being sold in a number of other countries including the USA, the Indian Seltos is special. For one thing, at 4,315 mm (14.16 ft.) long with 2,610 mm (8.56 ft.) between the axles, it is 60 mm (2.4”) shorter than the international version and has 20 mm (0.8”) less of a wheelbase.
Inside, the Indian Seltos sports differently styled air blowers and a multimedia display that is combined with the dashboard, whereas the global model has two standalone displays. The screen diagonals still measure up to 10.25 inches in the higher trims. The newcomer additionally gets a ‘sported-up’ variant called the GT Line, which mainly boils down to red stitching and a squared-off steering wheel.
The engine range includes a gasoline turbo-four engine with 140 hp / 104 kW (GT Line only), its naturally aspirated counterpart with 115 hp (86 kW), and a 1.5-liter diesel unit with 115 hp (86 kW). The non-turbo mill supports manual and CVT, the turbo-4 offers a choice between six-speed manual and 7DCT, and the diesel one can be partnered up with six-speed manual or automatic. All-wheel drive is not available no matter what.
By default, the SUV ships with two airbags, ABS + EBD, keyless entry, and an audio system. In the top trim version, Kia throws in LED headlights, a power-assisted panoramic glass roof, a HUD, an infotainment system, climate control, all-around view cameras, six airbags, leather cabin trim, ventilated front seats, and blind spot monitor.
Prices for the new Kia Seltos start from 969,000 Indian Rupees, which roughly amounts to U.S. $13,500.