The Kia Seltos makes its India and global debut today. We take a look at what Kia Motors India is planning to offer us with its first-ever product here.
Well, undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cars of the year, the Kia Seltos, has finally been unveiled. While a fair bit about the car's exterior and the interior has already been revealed via the design sketches earlier, the unveiling has given us some crucial insights into the Seltos' segment-first feature offerings & powertrain options.
Performance
The Kia Seltos will arrive with the Korean carmaker's SmartStream range of BS-6 compliant engines. The range will consist of turbo petrol, petrol and diesel engine options. Further, customers will have a wide array of choices for the engine-transmission options as Kia will offer the Seltos with three automatic gearbox options - an IVT (Intelligent continuously Variable Transmission), a 7-Speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) and a regular 6-Speed torque converter. Those looking for a manual will have to make do with a 6-Speed option.
The turbo petrol motor will be a 1.4 Turbo GDI unit which will be paired to the 7-speed DCT box. We're guessing this powertrain option will make its way onto the top-spec GT Line model (Yes, Kia will also debut the GT Line in India with the Seltos). The remaining engine options include 1.5-litre petrol & diesel derivatives. All powertrain options will feature three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport for a dynamic drive experience. The Normal Mode further features three grip levels: Mud, Wet & Sand. While we don't have the figures yet, Kia claims the Seltos will boast of the best acceleration figures in its segment (from 20-80 km/h).
Connectivity & Safety
In terms of connectivity & tech, the Seltos will come equipped with Kia's UVO Connect (similar to Hyundai's BlueLink), which has under its belt as many as 37 different smart features under five categories - Navigation, Safety & Security, Vehicle Management, Remote Control and Convenience. Kia will offer a free three-year subscription for UVO services. Coming to the smart features, the UVO Connect system will be able to help the driver & passengers with AI Voice Command, stolen vehicle immobilisation & tracking, auto collision notification, remote engine start/stop, remote-operated air purifier & air quality monitor (both in-built) and safety alerts like Geo Fencing, etc.
The Seltos also scores high on safety & security features, as it comes with an SOS & Emergency Services button integrated into the IRVM (Inner Rear-View Mirror). The standard list of driving & safety aids includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TCS, Brake Assist, Hill-Assist Control (HAC) & Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Kia also promised a long list of segment-first features with the Seltos, one of which is a 360-degree camera with a Blind Spot View Monitor, Driving Rear View Monitor (DRVM) & rear parking sensors. The Seltos also gets front parking sensors (another segment-first).
Convenience & Infotainment
To make the Seltos more appealing to new-age, younger car buyers, Kia has also fitted the Seltos with a 'Sound Mood' lighting setup, which is essentially mood lighting connected to the car's audio system. This brings a club-like music experience to the car's passengers. The audio system will be a Bose 8-speaker unit. Coming to the screens fitted in the Seltos, it features a 10.25-inch central touchscreen which forms the interface for a majority of the car's controls & features. The driver will find himself sitting in front of a 7-inch LCD Multi-Information Display (MID). The top-spec version will also feature an 8-inch Heads-Up Display (HUD). Other convenience features include auto climate control, ventilated seats and a reclinable second row of seats.
Kia has also focussed on the Indian driving conditions and to make the Seltos an easy car to drive here, it features a lighter clutch action and optimised air conditioning.
Sales & Pricing
Kia officials have given us a hint that the Seltos is most likely to be launched with prices in the range of ₹ 11-17 lakh (ex-showroom), which, if plausible, will make it a very strong contender in its segment. Further, Kia Motors India is intent on making its sales operations live with 265 authorised sales touch points across 160 cities in India.
You can read more about the Kia Seltos' Exterior and Interior design by heading over to the links given below.
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