The Indian arm of the South Korean manufacturer Kia announced that it has received over 31,000 bookings for the Seltos facelift, which was launched on July 21, 2023. Kia India enabled online bookings for the updated SUV on July 14, thus garnering more than 13,000 bookings on the first day itself, out of which 1,973 reservations were made using the unique K-Code delivery system. According to this system, Seltos buyers, including those who own the second-hand SUV, get priority deliveries based on the K-Code if they choose to buy a new model. Prices for the 2023 Kia Seltos start at Rs 10.89 lakh for the entry-level HTE trim, with the top ADAS-equipped GT-line and X-Line trim levels costing Rs 19.80 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, respectively. Prices are ex-showroom.
The 2023 version of the Seltos SUV is offered in 7 variants spread across 3 trim levels - HTE, HTK, HTK Plus, HTX, HTX Plus, GTX Plus, and X Line.
Also Read: 2023 Kia Seltos SUV Review: Taking the Fight to Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Around 55% Bookings Are For HTX and Above
Out of 31,716 orders received within a month of its launch, 17,412 bookings were made for the top-spec variants, including the HTX, HTX Plus, GTX Plus, and the X Line. Whereas, the new Pewter Olive shade, which the updated SUV now comes in, made up nearly 19 per cent of the total bookings.
The Seltos marked Kia's entry into the Indian market in August 2019. The compact SUV was Kia's first product in India and was a runaway success in the B-SUV segment. And since then, the Seltos SUV has been one of the company's top sellers, surpassing the 5 lakh sales milestone in less than four years.
2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Powertrain & Performance
Underneath the bonnet, the updated Seltos SUV retains the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel motors. In the petrol mode, the SUV churns out 113bhp/144Nm and is mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. The turbo-diesel mill, on the other hand, generates 114.4bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. This mill is paired with a 6-speed iMT and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In addition, a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is also available as a replacement for a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. The turbo-petrol unit, which is already available with the Kia Carens, cranks out 158bhp and 253Nm of torque. It is connected to either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed iMT. The new Smartstream 1.5-litre TGDi petrol powertrain of the Seltos yields an ARAI-certified 17.7km/l with iMT and 17.9km/l with DCT automatic gears.
2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Other Highlights
The Seltos facelift features a sculpted bonnet, a tiger-nose grille, wrap-around LED taillamps, LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, 18-inch wheels, etc. Inside, the car gets ventillated front seats, a Bose music system, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, two 10.25-inch screens, and more. As far as safety goes, the SUV boasts a 360-degree camera, ESC, hill hold assist, as well as Level-2 ADAS functionalities, including lane-keeping assist, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and so on.
Also Read: Kia Seltos Facelift Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed; Details Here
2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Market Rivals
The 2023 version of the SUV is priced between Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. In terms of market rivalry, it locks horns with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, and the forthcoming Honda Elevate and the Citroen C3 Aircross.
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