Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
Engine Type
1.5l CRDi VGT
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
Fuel Type
Diesel
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
Max Power (bhp@rpm)
114 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
Max Torque (Nm@rpm)
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
Mileage (ARAI)
19.1 kmpl
This is the maximum fuel efficiency that an engine gives. All numbers are provided by the manufacturer based on tests conducted and specified by the standards of the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
Such fuel efficiency attained while driving in special conditions makes it unlikely to get it in real-world conditions
Driving Range
955 km
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Drivetrain
FWD
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Emission Standard
BS6 Phase 2
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Turbocharger / Supercharger
Turbocharged
Manufacturers today offer turbochargers to boost engine power without affecting its fuel economy. Superchargers are found in more expensive cars but on the downside, they are not very efficient.
Turbochargers are more effective but require plenty of heat management. Superchargers, meanwhile, offer linear bump in power but they are comparatively more complex.
Electric Motor
No
Tests reveal that electric cars are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Others
Idle Start/Stop
Valve/Cylinder (Configuration)
4, DOHC
Dimensions & Weight
Length
4365 mm
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Length: 4365
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
Width
1800 mm
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Width: 1800
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
Height
1645 mm
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Height: 1645
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
Wheelbase
2610 mm
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
Wheelbase: 2610
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
Capacity
Doors
5 Doors
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
Doors: 5
Seating Capacity
5 Person
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
No of Rows
2 Rows
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Bootspace
433 litres
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
Bootspace: 433
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 litres
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Front Suspension
McPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Front Brake Type
Disc
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
Rear Brake Type
Disc
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
Steering Type
Power assisted (Electric)
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
Wheels
Alloy Wheels
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Spare Wheel
Steel
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
Front Tyres
215 / 55 R18
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
Rear Tyres
215 / 55 R18
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Features
Exterior
Sunroof / Moonroof
Panoramic
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
Roof-mounted Antenna
Yes
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Body-coloured Bumpers
Yes
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Chrome Finish Exhaust Pipe
No
Body Kit
No
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
Rub-strips
Black
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Braking & Traction
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Yes
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Yes
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
Brake Assist (BA)
Yes
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Yes
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
Four-Wheel-Drive
No
A system that sends the car's power to all the four wheels at the same time
Hill Hold Control
Yes
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
Traction Control System (TC/TCS)
Yes
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
Ride Height Adjustment
No
A feature that allows the user to alter the ride height of the car
Be it driving over tall obstacles or unloading heavy baggage from the boot; a helpful feature indeed
Hill Descent Control
Yes
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
Differential Lock
No
Locking differentials split power/torque evenly among both tyres on an axle.
In off-road vehicles, locking differentials allows for better traction when one of the wheels is in the air, in FWD/AWD cars allows for better corner traction and in RWD sports cars allows for drifting around corners.
Safety
Overspeed Warning
1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
This function detects when the car is drifting out of its lane and cautions the driver through audio/visual alerts
Emergency Brake Light Flashing
Yes
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
Puncture Repair Kit
No
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Yes
The driver is warned of an impending crash due to stopped/slowing vehicles ahead of them
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
No
This system automatically stops the car if it senses an obstacle where the driver fails to take action
It is imperative to pay attention while driving and rely less on such systems
High-beam Assist
Yes
This feature spots oncoming vehicles at night to shift the headlight between high and low beam
NCAP Rating
3 Star (Global NCAP)
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Blind Spot Detection
Yes
Blind Spot Detection systems use sensors to detect and alert the driver of any sudden movements in his/her blind spot
Lane Departure Prevention
Yes
This feature automatically steers the car to prevent it from moving out of the lane when there is no driver input
Rear Cross-traffic Assist
Yes
An assistance feature that alerts the driver who is backing out of a parking space if another vehicle is approaching
One must always be cautious of pedestrians, children and other obstacles when backing up.
Dashcam
No
A windscreen-mounted camera that records the frontal view. Its primary usage is to record and gather evidence in case of an accident. A dash cam can also be used to record incidents when the car is parked and the user is away. Certain models come with both front and rear view recording.
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
Rear Middle Head Rest
Yes
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Yes
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Child Seat Anchor Points
Yes
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Comfort & Convenience
Air Purifier
Yes
Used to improve the air quality within the cabin by removing contaminants
Umbrella Storage in Door
No
Electronic Parking Brake
Auto Hold
Air Conditioner
Yes (Automatic Dual Zone)
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
Front AC
Two Zones, Individual Fan Speed Controls
Rear AC
Blower, Vents Behind Front Armrest
Third Row AC Zone
-
Heater
Yes
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Vanity Mirrors on Sun Visors
Co-Driver Only
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
Cabin Boot Access
Yes
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
Anti-glare Mirrors
Electronic - Internal Only
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
Parking Assist
360 Degree Camera
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Cruise Control
Yes
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
Headlight and Ignition On Reminder
Yes
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
Keyless Start/ Button Start
Yes
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
12V Power Outlets
1
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Lighting
Ambient Interior Count
-
Headlights
LED
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
Cornering Headlights
No
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Taillights
LED
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
Fog Lights
LED on front
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Ambient Interior Lighting
Yes
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Puddle Lamps
No
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
Cabin Lamps
Front and Rear
Light on Vanity Mirrors
No
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Rear Reading Lamp
Yes
Glovebox Lamp
No
Headlight Height Adjuster
Yes
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Locks & Security
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
Central Locking
Keyless
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
Speed Sensing Door Lock
Yes
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
ORVM Colour
Body Coloured
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
Scuff Plates
Metallic
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
Power Windows
Front & Rear
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
One Touch Down
All
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
One Touch Up
All
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Adjustable ORVMs
Auto Folding
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn Indicators on ORVMs
Yes
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
Rear Defogger
Yes
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Rear Wiper
Yes
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
Exterior Door Handles
Chrome
Rain-sensing Wipers
Yes
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
Interior Door Handles
Silver
Door Pockets
Front & Rear
Side Window Blinds
Rear - Manual
These protective shields keep the sun's rays from affecting the occupants
With restrictions on darker sun films, these blinds are a huge relief on sunny days.
Bootlid Opener
Electric Tailgate Release
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Rear Windshield Blind
Manual
A manually/electrically operated, usually translucent, screen designed to reduce the sunlight filtering into the cabin through the rear windshield to improve rear-cabin comfort and privacy
Entertainment, Information & Communication
Android Auto
Wired
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
Apple CarPlay
Wired
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
Display
Touch-screen Display
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
Touchscreen Size
10.25 inch
Integrated (in-dash) Music System
Yes
The music player that comes factory fitted
Speakers
8
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
Steering-mounted controls
Yes
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
Voice Command
Yes
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
GPS Navigation System
Yes
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Bluetooth Compatibility
Phone & Audio Streaming
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
AUX Compatibility
Yes
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
AM/FM Radio
Yes
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
USB Compatibility
Yes
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
Wireless Charger
Yes
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
Head Unit Size
Not Applicable
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
iPod Compatibility
Yes
Mobile App Features
Find My Car
Yes
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
Check Vehicle Status via App
Yes
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
Geo-fence
Yes
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
Emergency Call
Yes
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
Over The Air (OTA) Updates
Yes
Similar to how smartphones receive updates, a vehicle too (if equipped with connected car features) receives updates over the air via a cellular or WiFi connection
Timely installation of updates keeps the system up-to-date
Remote AC: On / Off via App
Yes
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
Remote Car Lock/Unlock via App
Yes
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
Remote Sunroof: Open / Close via App
No
The smartphone app lets you remotely open/close the sunroof of your car
This function saves valuable time by not having to be physically present to shut the sunroof, which could otherwise result in the interiors getting damaged by rain/intruders.
Car Light Flashing & Honking via App
Yes
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Alexa Compatibility
Yes
Alexa is a virtual assistant technology that allows voice interaction to perform various tasks
An invaluable function that allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road
Storage
Cup Holders
Front & Rear
Driver Armrest Storage
Yes
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
Cooled Glovebox
No
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Sunglass Holder
Yes
Seats & Upholstery
Driver Seat Adjustment
8 way electrically adjustable (seat forward / back, backrest tilt forward / back, seat height up / down, seat base angle up / down) + 2 way manually adjustable (headrest up / down)
Front Passenger Seat Adjustment
6 way manually adjustable (seat forward / back, backrest tilt forward / back, headrest up / down)
Rear Row Seat Adjustment
4 way manually adjustable (backrest tilt forward / back, headrest up / down)
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
Seat Upholstery
Leatherette
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
No
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
Leather-wrapped Gear Knob
No
Driver Armrest
Yes
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Rear Passenger Seat Type
Bench
Ventilated Seats
Front only
Cooled air from the AC system passes through the perforations on the seat to comfort the occupant
Ventilated Seat Type
Cooled
Interiors
Dual Tone
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
Interior Colours
Black & White
The various color shades used within the cabin
Rear Armrest
With Cup Holder
Folding Rear Seat
Full
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Split Rear Seat
60:40 split
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
Split Third Row Seat
No
Sections of the third-row seat are capable of being folded down separately
Front Seatback Pockets
Yes
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
Headrests
Front & Rear
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Instrumentation
Instantaneous Consumption
Yes
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
Instrument Cluster
Analogue - Digital
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
Trip Meter
Electronic 2 Trips
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
Average Speed
Yes
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
Distance to Empty
Yes
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
Clock
Digital
Low Fuel Level Warning
Yes
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
Adjustable Cluster Brightness
Yes
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
Gear Indicator
Yes
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Shift Indicator
No
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
Heads Up Display (HUD)
Yes
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
Tachometer
Analogue
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Manufacturer Warranty
Battery Warranty (In Years)
Not Applicable
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
Battery Warranty (In Kilometres)
Not Applicable
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
Warranty (In Years)
3
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Warranty (In Kilometres)
Unlimited
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The Kia Seltos had been on my shortlist ever since its launch but with the launch of the facelift, its intrigue grew even more, I had been in search of a compact SUV since 2022 but one or more reasons prevented me from taking the plunge. When the news of the Kia Seltos facelift started making the rounds, I immediately made a booking with the Incheon Kia dealership in Thrissur, and the waiting began. I went for the GTX+ Diesel AT variant in Gravity Grey and the car definitely looks great in this shade.
The experience from the dealership from booking to delivery was absolutely seamless and my sales executive regularly updated me with the details of the car, expected delivery timelines, and features of the car. I got a test drive immediately within a week of the official launch and I was immediately sold on the car. The price of the car ex-showroom was Rs. 19,79,900 and it came to Rs. 24,16,852 on-road in Kerala, we, however, opted for Kia's My Convenience Plus Luxury Package as well which provided us with the triple benefits of a 5-year maintenance package, an Extended warranty with 5-years' coverage, and 5-year Roadside assistance, and tyre alloy protection in the first year as well. Along with this, a few accessories like a sidestep, premium dual-layer mats, boot mats, body side molding, side fenders, and an underbody coating jacked the price up to over twenty-five lakh rupees. however, for what it offers, I definitely feel it is worth the price paid. The car was delivered on time as expected and we were treated to an extensive delivery ceremony by the dealership. I literally got goosebumps and was absolutely overjoyed to get my hands on my brand-new car.
The initial impressions are great, the car is definitely a looker with a bold stance, tall 18-inch tyres, and excellent styling all around. The elegantly designed cuts and lines, connected tail lights, sequential turn signals, a big and bold front grill, DRLs, and fog lights all add to the imposing nature of the car.
The car is practical with lots of space to store your stuff including cup holders at the front and back, bottle holders in all the doors, phone charging spaces, and so on. The boot is large at 433 litres and can hold more than enough luggage for a weekend trip or for ferrying luggage to the airport. The features in the car are definitely the talk of the town with almost everything you could ask for in this budget. The wireless charging pad with cooling function, drive, and traction control modes, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 360-degree camera, dual 10.25-inch screens, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, voice commands, panoramic sunroof, Kia Connect, Air purifier and Bose Sound System provide you with a wholesome experience and make you feel like you are in a car from a class above. The safety features in the car are also top-notch with 6 airbags standard, ABS, EBD, VSM, TPMS, TCS, ESP, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, ADAS, and a lot more as part of the package.
The fit, finish, and quality levels in the car are also up to segment standards and you won't feel anything cheap in the car. The space at the back is adequate for three average-sized adults with everyone getting their own headrests as well. The rear occupants also get a charging port with USB-C, sunshades, rear AC vents, and an armrest with cup holders as well, so the comfort levels are definitely top-notch.
The ride is a bit on the firmer side, but it adds to the sporty nature of the car, however, I feel it is definitely much better than the pre-facelift version with the facelift offering a more mature suspension setup. The steering is light at slower speeds but builds up weight as you pick up the pace which is definitely confidence-inspiring. The car keeps its composure even on twisted roads and feels planted with body roll well contained.
The mileage has been great so far, with it hovering around the 19 to 20 km/l mark while on the highway and around the 14 to 15 km/l range in the city. The performance is adequate with the car able to build up power and pick up the pace smoothly with seamless shifts from the torque converter gearbox. The engine noise, road noise, and wind noise are well contained with the engine getting audible once you floor the throttle. It's a calm and composed mile-muncher that will happily serve you well be it on the highway or in the city.
The most intriguing feature while driving is the Level 2 ADAS which definitely helps with all the 17 or so ADAS functions. they assist the driver while on the road with timely interventions when required. Be it adaptive cruise control which is a boon on the highways as it steers the car ahead at an appropriate distance from the car in front, braking and accelerating in tow to maintain the fixed distance, forward collision warning which warns the driver of cars coming right at you, auto emergency braking which applies the brakes when the car senses obstacles very close by, blind spot warning which alerts the driver of vehicles coming in from his blind spot, lane keep assist which helps you drive perfectly within the lanes on marked roads and a host of others as well. The ADAS functions can be turned off or on at your convenience using the touchscreen infotainment system, along with customizing the level of assistance, warning sound levels, etc.
Now moving on to service and maintenance, with Kia introducing the My Convenience Plus package in the facelift Seltos and with me opting for the same in the Luxury package, service has been taken care of for 5 years with almost everything covered, with the first service coming in one month or 1,000 km, the next at the one year mark or 10,000 km and thereafter at the second year or 20,000 km and so on till the five years or 50,00 km. So far, I have completed the first service within one month of my ownership and it has been absolutely hassle-free, with the dealership providing free pick up and drop, moreover, during the service, the service personnel regularly sends pictures of the car undergoing service and you feel assured that your car is in good hands. Service costs even without the maintenance package are on the lower side and definitely won't burn a hole in your pocket. However, with an all-in-one comprehensive ownership package at Rs. 46,995 for petrol cars and Rs. 51.995 for diesel cars, the Luxury package in My Convenience Plus is definitely value for money for all the benefits it offers.
Overall, the Kia Seltos facelift provides you with everything you need in a compact SUV and then some, it's loaded to the brim with features without compromising on anything noticeable as such. The drive is great, the mileage is excellent, the fit, finish, and quality levels are top-notch and it has a good amount of interior space on offer too. However, the ride is a bit firm, so it doesn't sail over bumpy roads or rough patches with ease like a car with a softer ride would have, there are a few omissions that Kia could have taken care of like providing an adjustable armrest instead of the fixed one currently on offer and the lack of Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in an otherwise well-connected car. However, despite the minor shortcomings, if you are looking for a well-rounded compact SUV that is modern. loaded with technology, provides a great mix of features, engine options, drive, and comfort, The Kia Seltos facelift should definitely be on your shortlist, it is definitely a cut above the rest.
Rating parameters(out of 5)
5
Exterior
4
Comfort
5
Performance
5
Fuel Economy
5
Value For Money
About the Reviewer
Purchase New
Driven forFew hundred kilometers
Read More
Was this review helpful?
29
5
Interior quality is impeccable
The performance of turbo petrol is really strong. Nice and sporty. The interiors look great. Quality, design and features take the car to some other level from the competition. But the Price of the facelift on the higher versions is very steep though.