The Indian automotive landscape is characterized by fierce competition, especially in the mid-size SUV segment, and one name has consistently stood out since its arrival: the Kia Seltos. Now, the mantle is passed to the all-new Kia Seltos, which arrives with a refreshed design, a significant technology upgrade, and a renewed sense of authority that truly embodies its confident slogan: "Badass. Forever.".

This comprehensive review by BikeCarHub delves deep into what makes the new Seltos a game-changer, covering its striking design, luxurious cabin, diverse powertrain options, segment-first features, and the advanced safety technology it brings to the road. This is more than just a facelift; it is a full evolution that ensures the Seltos retains its crown as one of the most desirable SUVs on the market.

Design Philosophy: Commanding Presence and Bolder Stance

The moment one lays eyes on the all-new Seltos, it's clear that Kia's designers have embraced an aggressive, modern aesthetic while maintaining the vehicle's instantly recognizable silhouette. The exterior design has been meticulously re-sculpted, giving the Seltos a larger, more planted, and commanding presence on the road.

The Kia Digital Tiger Face

At the heart of the front-end redesign is the Commanding Kia Digital Tiger Face with a Black High Glossy Grille. This revised grille design is more angular and prominent, seamlessly flowing into the signature lighting elements. The headlamps, now featuring Intense Ice Cube LED Projection Headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs, create a distinct visual signature both day and night.

The front bumper is reworked to appear more robust, incorporating High-Clarity LED Front Fog Lamps and Robust Front & Rear Skid Plates with Dark Gunmetal Finish, signaling its readiness for adventure, whether navigating city traffic or exploring the open highway.

Profile and Rear Evolution

Viewing the Seltos from the side reveals an extended silhouette, which is a direct result of the increased dimensions of the all-new model. The Seltos now stands at 4,460 mm in length and features an extended wheelbase of 2,690 mm, translating directly into enhanced cabin space. The sleek side profile is accentuated by Automatic Streamline Door Handles and Premium Side Door Garnish with Body Color Accents.

A notable design highlight is the new wheel design. The Seltos rides on Iconic R18 - 46.20 cm (18") Sporty Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels that boast a dynamic look and feature striking Neon Brake Calipers on the performance-oriented variants, adding a sporty and premium touch.

The rear of the Seltos sees perhaps the most dramatic change with the introduction of the Striking Star Map LED Connected Tail Lamps. These new lamps span the width of the tailgate, creating a sophisticated and futuristic light signature that elevates the car's premium quotient. This is topped off by an Integrated Rear Spoiler with LED High Mount Stop Lamp. The overall exterior makeover makes the Seltos look undeniably contemporary and aggressive, reinforcing its 'Badass' identity.

Interior and Comfort: The Digital Cockpit Experience

Stepping inside the all-new Seltos is akin to entering a premium lounge, designed with a focus on cutting-edge technology, superior comfort, and exceptional fit and finish. The extended wheelbase has ensured a roomier cabin with more legroom for all occupants, significantly boosting comfort on longer journeys.

The Trinity Panoramic Display

The centrepiece of the completely revamped dashboard is the stunning Trinity Panoramic Display, a single, integrated curved panel housing two high-definition 12.3-inch screens. This magnificent digital setup combines the fully digital driver’s instrument cluster and the main infotainment and navigation touchscreen, offering crisp, easy-to-read graphics and a truly futuristic feel.

The infotainment system supports the latest connectivity features, including Kia Connect 2.0 with a complimentary 3-year subscription, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and seamless integration with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Below the main display, the climate control system is elegantly managed via a separate 5-inch climate control screen, ensuring a cleaner, more organized central console. For ultimate passenger comfort, the Seltos also features a Dual-Zone Fully Automatic Air Conditioner, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their own preferred temperatures.

Premium Features for Utmost Convenience

Kia has loaded the new Seltos with an array of comfort and convenience features that truly set it apart:

• Power-Adjustable and Ventilated Seats: The top-tier variants offer a 10-way Power-Adjustable Driver Seat with Memory Function and a welcome retract feature for ease of entry and exit. Coupled with Ventilated Front Seats, the Seltos makes driving in hot weather a much more pleasant experience.
• Bose Premium Sound System: Music lovers will appreciate the immersive audio experience provided by the 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound System.
• Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof: The addition of a Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof drastically enhances the sense of space and airiness in the cabin, allowing light to flood the interiors and making every drive a delightful experience.
• Ambient Lighting: The cabin is further enhanced by 64-colour Ambient Lighting, which can be customized to match the driver’s mood, providing a truly personalized environment.
• Smart Utility: Practicality is maintained with features like a Wireless Phone Charger, multiple USB-C charging ports for both rows, and useful elements like rear door sunshades and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

Impressive Performance: Engines and Driving Dynamics

The all-new Seltos ensures that its bold looks are backed by impressive performance, offering a versatile range of engine and transmission options to suit every driving style. This commitment to delivering a fun and engaging driving experience is a core reason for the Seltos's popularity.

The Trio of Powerful Engines

The Seltos is offered with a choice of three BS6 Phase 2 compliant engines, each delivering a blend of power and efficiency:

1. Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi Petrol Engine: This is the flagship powerhouse, a new-generation turbocharged engine. It delivers a thrilling 160 PS (approx. 158 bhp) of power and a robust peak torque of 253 Nm@1,500–3,500 rpm. It is paired with either a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or a quick-shifting 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), promising spirited performance for highway runs.
2. Smartstream G1.5 Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol Engine: The refined NA petrol engine is perfect for city commutes, producing a smooth 115 PS (approx. 113 bhp) of power and 144 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed Manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), known as Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT) by Kia.
3. 1.5l CRDi VGT Diesel Engine: The ever-reliable diesel motor generates 116 PS (approx. 114 bhp) of power and a strong 250 Nm of torque, providing excellent drivability across the rev range. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Manual or a smooth 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT).

Transmission and Efficiency

The availability of six distinct powertrain combinations ensures that there is a Seltos for everyone, from the budget-conscious commuter to the performance enthusiast. The 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT automatic variants also benefit from features like Paddle Shifters for manual gear control and multiple Drive Mode Select options (Eco/Normal/Sport), along with specialized Traction Control Modes (Sand/Mud/Snow) to enhance control in challenging conditions.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Seltos remains competitive:

Safety First: The Introduction of ADAS Level 2

Safety has been prioritized in the new Seltos, with Kia providing a robust package that starts with structural integrity and ends with a suite of advanced electronic aids.

Standard and Passive Safety

Kia now offers six airbags as standard across all variants of the Seltos, ensuring maximum occupant protection regardless of the trim level. This commitment to safety is backed by a comprehensive suite of passive safety features that are standard even on the base model:

• All-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages

ADAS Level 2: Advanced Driver Assistance System

The most significant safety upgrade is the integration of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the top variants (HTX (A) and GTX (A)/X-Line (A)). This advanced suite utilizes a combination of cameras and radars to offer semi-autonomous driving capabilities, thereby enhancing driver vigilance and overall road safety.

The ADAS Level 2 suite includes up to 21 autonomous features, such as:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) (covering car, pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning).
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA).
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go functionality, which manages speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
• Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA).
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
• High Beam Assist (HBA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
• 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor (BVM) projected onto the digital cluster for unparalleled parking and maneuvering visibility.

Kia Seltos Specifications and Features Overview

To provide a clear picture of the all-new Seltos, here is a consolidated overview of its key specifications and a breakdown of must-have features.

Key Specifications Table

Dimensions and Capacity

Top-Tier Feature Highlights

The Kia Seltos, especially in its GTX and X-Line trims, is a feature powerhouse. While lower trims (HTE, HTK) are already well-equipped, the top-spec models offer an impressive list:

• Trinity Panoramic Display: Dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster.
• Safety Suite: Level 2 ADAS with 17+ autonomous features.
• Comfort: Ventilated Front Seats, 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat with Memory Function, Dual-Zone Auto AC.
• Convenience: 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, Wireless Phone Charger.
• Style: Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof, LED Projector Headlamps, 64-Colour Ambient Lighting, and 18-inch Alloy Wheels.
• Audio: Bose Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers.

Variant Breakdown: A Seltos for Every Need

The Kia Seltos is strategically divided into three key lines—Tech Line, GT Line, and X Line—each offering a distinct personality and feature set. Understanding the variants is key to choosing the right vehicle.

Tech Line (HTE, HTK, HTX)

The Tech Line forms the core of the Seltos offering, balancing value and functionality.

• HTE & HTE (O): The entry points are surprisingly well-equipped, now featuring 6 airbags, ESC, All-Wheel Disc Brakes, and a 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with Wireless Smartphone Connectivity as standard. The HTE(O) adds practical features like a 60:40 split rear seat and three adjustable rear headrests.
• HTK & HTK (O): These variants introduce significant convenience features, including Smart Key with Push Button Start/Stop, Auto-Folding ORVMs, Rear Wiper and Defogger, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. The HTK(O) further sweetens the deal with a Panoramic Sunroof and Wireless Phone Charger.
• HTX & HTX (A): The HTX is the luxury sweet spot, boasting the 12.3-inch Touchscreen, Bose 8-speaker system, Dual-Zone Auto AC, and Front Ventilated Seats. The HTX(A) is the first variant to introduce a partial Level 2 ADAS suite, making advanced safety accessible.

GT Line and X-Line (GTX, X-Line)

These lines are aimed at the enthusiast who desires top-tier features, performance, and aggressive styling.

• GTX & GTX (A): The GTX line is visually sporty, featuring dark chrome accents, gloss black cladding, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, and sportier interiors. The highlight is the powerful 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT engine option. The GTX(A) adds the full Level 2 ADAS suite, the 360-Degree Camera, and the full digital cluster.
• X-Line: Representing the absolute pinnacle, the X-Line offers an exclusive, all-black styling package with subtle green or satin metal accents, along with all the features of the GTX(A). It is the ultimate expression of the Seltos's "Badass. Forever." attitude.

Conclusion: The SUV That Re-Defined the Segment, Again

The all-new Kia Seltos is a perfect embodiment of a modern mid-size SUV. It takes an already successful formula and dramatically improves upon every aspect—design, interior technology, engine performance, and, most importantly, safety. The muscular new stance, combined with a luxurious, feature-packed cabin defined by the massive Trinity Panoramic Display, positions the Seltos at the forefront of its segment.

For customers looking for a vehicle that offers powerful performance, high fuel efficiency across its varied engine lineup, and the cutting-edge assurance of Level 2 ADAS, the Seltos presents a near-unbeatable package. Whether you prioritize the responsive performance of the T-GDi engine or the long-distance comfort of the feature-rich cabin, the Seltos delivers. It has successfully evolved to meet the demands of the modern driver, re-establishing itself not just as a competitor, but as the benchmark in the mid-size SUV space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the All-New KIA Seltos

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