The Seltos, a feature-rich and one of the best-selling mid-size SUVs, has helped Kia, Hyundai's sibling brand, build a distinctive customer base over the last few years. Given the car's popularity, the firm decided to give it a facelift, which is expected to be available in India in July 2023. The model has been seen spotted several times throughout its testing phase, revealing a lot of crucial details before its public debut. Recently, the all-new Kia Seltos was once again spotted while being tested near the company's manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. However, this time, it was seen without any disguise. The new spy shots clearly reveal how the India-bound Seltos will differ from the global-spec variant in terms of appearance. Read on to know more about the design details.
Also Read: Kia Seltos SUV Surpasses 5 Lakh Sales Milestone in India
Kia Seltos Facelift: Exterior Design
The India-bound Kia Seltos facelift will have body-coloured inserts in the fog lamp housing, a slightly wider front bumper, and more body cladding than the version sold globally. There are similarities up front, such as the newly revised headlights with new LED daytime running lamps stretching into the grille. It's interesting to note that the bumper has a little box, indicating that it will get ADAS. In terms of the side profile, only door cladding has been modified, and while the alloy wheels on the globally sold models have changed, those on the India-spec model are identical to the ones found on the previous-gen Seltos X-Line.
The 2023 Kia Seltos facelift will feature a back bumper that would be distinct from that one on the international-spec model, along with body-coloured inserts for the housing of the reverse light. These inlays will only be available on the top-of-the-line version of the Seltos facelift – the GT Line trim. Further, it is also easy to identify two exhaust tips on this facelift, unlike the previous vehicle and the international model. However, it is unclear if they are functional or only decorative.
Kia Seltos Facelift: Features
Coming to the cabin area, the twin-screen setup with a digital instrument cluster will be the most significant interior upgrade for the Seltos facelift. While the infotainment system and instrument cluster on the outgoing model shares a single binnacle, the former had a much deeper set and only featured a MID between the two analogue gauges. Along with revised HVAC controls, the 2023 Seltos will also feature somewhat slimmer central AC vents underneath the infotainment system. Instead of a usual lever, the automatic models will now come with a rotary drive selector.
The installation of the panoramic sunroof, which has practically become standard in this segment, will be one of the main new features of the upcoming Seltos. As was already known, it is also probably going to get ADAS, making it the very first offering from the Korean automaker in India to have this safety suite. The midsize SUV will also include additional safety technologies, including hill-assist control, vehicle stability management, and six airbags as standard equipment.
Kia Seltos Facelift: Powertrain Options
In terms of the powertrain, the current model's engine options will continue to be available. However, there is a chance that a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine will replace the older 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. The former produces 160bhp of maximum power and 253Nm of peak torque. The car is expected to offer both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT gearbox as options. A 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with 115bhp and 144Nm is one of the currently available engine options. Both a 6-speed manual and an IVT gearbox are available as options. Moreover, 250Nm and 116bhp are produced by the 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is mated to either a 6-speed iMT unit or a 6AT gearbox.
Also Read: 2023 Kia Seltos X Line Facelift Spotted Testing Ahead of India Launch
Kia Seltos Facelift: Market Rivals
The Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor are a few models that will be in direct competition with the Kia Seltos facelift when it is launched. The much-anticipated SUV is expected to go on sale in the Indian market in early July.
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