Back in the crowded midsize SUV segment of India, where every city now has its me-too’s taking sales from one another for their very survival in this hyper-competitive context; refreshed Seltos from Kia is a package of thoughtfully designed premium experiences without premium prices. Not just another facelift (aha), but a paradigm how to take already successful formula and make it better with smarter tech, improved dynamics and everyday usability that Indian families really need
RETAIL FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Bold yet Sophisticated on the Road
Just from entering the new Seltos as it displays its evolutionary design language, you’re literally going pop. Now all that unashamed nighttime identify thanks to that unmistakable tiger nose grille etched with intricate geometric patterns in the signature LED headlights evolving with a heartbeat DRLs.
The 17-inch diamond-cut alloys and the changed rear lightbar also continues with its premium feel, though the real highlight showstop exit ramps comes courtesy of new matte paint options that uplifts the range`s presence in a showroom.
It is remarkable what Kia’s designers have managed to squeeze out within the confines of keeping the footprint relatively unchanged. The new length is an additional 100mm for improved rear knee room…and a slimmer floor above the front seats that not only helps make long-distance travel more comfortable, it’s downright enjoyable too.
Though the 433-litre boot (escalating to 1,391L) is still the in-class king, augmented with a cleverly designed second-level floor and hooks for your shopping trolley.
Powertrain: More refined Performance for Indian Drivability
At the heart of this is a 1.5L Me-Drive turbo-petrol (160PS and 253Nm), as well as Korean’s Hong Kong-bound 1.5L MI (116PS and 250Nm), now joined by improved gearboxes. Kia has done its homework in the Indian driving conditions with this new 6 manual torque converter gearbox (replaces DCT) delivering slick shifts but just never quite overheating over the course of several months on end.
While on the diesel, its fuel efficiency make a special call for having an ARAI-certified mileage of 21kmpl & also offers immense highway cruising enjoyment. Steering mounted paddles shifters (first segment in diesel) deliver an original dollop of driver fun as you hit the ghat sections.
Cabin: Techy but Comfy Space
Get behind the wheel and the Seltos sets segment standards even further. The slide-over and panoramic curve display (10.25-inch digital cluster+ 10.25 inch in touch) is no mere pretense it is powered with latest Kia connected car tech consists over 70 features such as :
- Recognizes Hinglish by just your AI-enabled voice — Real-time
- Over-the-air updates for nav and more
- Far-reaching parking from mobile (first segment)
- Drive modes: mood lighting you on the same bandwagon.
Some of the practical features:
All new Ventilated front seats (extended thigh support)
Two (1) sunshades in the rear and USB-C Charging for all the seats
8-speaker Bose Audio tuned for Indian music
One touch 2nd row entry
Ride and Handling: A blend of maturity with agility
Revised suspension for the Seltos are a testament to Kia taking its learnings in India. Frequency-sensitive dampers (front MacPherson struts and around rear torsion beam) for superior comfort ranging from potholes to street stability; in addition, the front of the car feels lighter and the suspension works more on-center feel at highway speed.
At 5.3m the turning circle might just creep into mid city parking (what an SUV!) to it’s 190mm of ground clearance which you can appreciate as you cruise over local broken roads ( more so than many pretenders “off-road” SUVs).
Still, even with 5-wheel disc brakes and added tech options, the Seltos walks the talk of its structure built around flexibility with corners.
Safety: Best in Segment
Kia will be boosting the Seltos by way of a powerful array of safety features;
- Comes with 6 airbags as per all the variants
- Level 2 ADASH( Smart Cruise Control, Stop & Go
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Front Collision Avoidance
- Highway Driving Assist
- 360 camera blind spot monitoring
Electronic Stability Control + torque-sensing 4WD modes
Surprisingly ECONOMICAL running costs for the Seltos:
- 1 kilometre per liter (ARMI) in diesel
- 3 year/Unlimited km warranty
- intervals/pro l ervice every 15k
- Kia app-based transparent service packages
Running costs (~₹5.20/km): for motorists regularly travelling 15,000 Kms per annum diesel is competitive even with some SUVs at similar segment.
Verdict – The Best Of Mid Size Premium SUVs in General Package
The 2024 Kia Seltos does better by means of improvement and not overhauling its winning playbook. It provides a package that is at once recognisable and new -unchanged its core components that made it a segment leader but with improvements in the places that matter most.
For customers who care about:
- latest connected car features
- cabin comfort and luxury
- Robust Reliability
- Sporty yet Comfortable Driving Dynamics
Comprehensive set of safety features
And maybe thus, the Seltos is still the most complete SUV in the ₹15-20 lacs segment. You can not name it as the most off-roady or classy SUV on offer, but it comes close as a win many ways — offering complete on every parameter and leaving buyers no choice but to compromise unnecessary.
In a time of SUVs both being too basic or too complex, the Seltos is the midsize SUV from hell back to how good a well designed one can be. The 2024 Seltos is the most considered car for Indian families who needed tech, space and manners in a more or less glued on package.
