Kia Seltos Facelift

The Kia Seltos, which was first launched in 2019 and has been the automaker's top-selling model, has received an update in India after much speculation, spy shots, and teasers. This latest iteration is similar to the one introduced in several global markets earlier, incorporating attractive design elements, new features, a new engine option, and advanced technology. Here's a closer look at its finer details.

The updated Seltos gets a new fascia thanks to several small but interesting exterior design changes. For example, the grille is more complex now with a different integration of DRLs than before. These DRLs are also part of LED headlamps. The bumper has been revised too, and it gets a faux skid plate and LED fog lamps. Although the silhouette remains more or less the same, the SUV now rides on a new pattern of alloy wheels. At the back, the taillights are redesigned with LED inserts and look elongated and connected due to the LED light bar. The bumper has also been re-sculpted with a sporty look. It even gets a faux skid plate and boasts two dual exhaust tips. Also, for the exterior body colour options, Kia India is offering the Seltos in eight monotone colours including the exclusive matte graphite finish for the X-Line variant. Then there are two dual-tone paint options.

Inside, things have changed more in terms of feel-good factors rather than its layout or space. The car gets a nice sleek display which houses the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Even the climate control module has also been reworked. Also, whether you are in the front seat or the second row, you still are in a spacious cabin with good room for four. Notwithstanding, the incorporation of a panoramic sunroof has now made the cabin feel even more airy with more sense of space inside. Otherwise, ergonomics, quality of materials, and fit and finish, all continue to be good. Furthermore, there's no change with the 433 litre boot space. It continues to be large and accommodating with a wide opening area. The feel-good factor here could have been an automatic opening tailgate, but alas, that's not there.

While a lot of equipment has been carried over from the outgoing model, there are many new features and even segment-firsts that we will focus on. For example, the instrument cluster, which is a fully digital console now and shows quite a lot of driver-related information along with many other details. Also, the infotainment system is a 10.25-inch screen on this top-spec version. It gets Android Auto and Carplay. Also, it continues to boast the brand's modern connected tech while also incorporating a 360-degree camera as a part of the latest update. Then, there's dual-zone climate control that will be appreciated by customers; it's also a segment-first. Besides, it gets cooled front seats like the outgoing model. Another noteworthy update comes in the form of ADAS or Advanced driver-assistance systems. The MG Astor was the first in this segment to get this and now the Seltos also gets level 2 tech. This includes 17 autonomous features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, follow, and more.

The powertrains on the Seltos include 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options. However, there's a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which comes mated to either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT. The other transmission options for the other engines continue as is. Not to mention, there are seven trims including the X-Line.

The Kia Seltos is now one of the most attractive SUVs in its segment. And now with the updated features and technology, it has become more competitive. Its rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, and the new Honda Elevate. While official bookings for the Seltos have not yet begun, interested customers can visit a dealership and register their interest. The launch date has not been announced yet, but the Seltos initially arrived in India on August 22, and we hope that the automaker will launch it on the same date this year.

Pictures by Aditya Nadkarni