Tag: Seltos Mileage Test

When Kia first launched the Seltos in India, it didn’t just enter the market; it kicked the door down. It taught us that “premium” doesn’t have to mean “expensive European car.” Now, the New-Gen Kia Seltos (technically a massive facelift) is here to reclaim its throne from the Hyundai Creta.

Is it just a cosmetic job? Absolutely not. With a new 160 BHP Turbo engine, Level 2 ADAS, and a panoramic sunroof, Kia has thrown the kitchen sink at this car.

The Price: It starts at an aggressive ₹10.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom) for the base HTE, but the one you actually want—the top-spec GTX+ or X-Line—will set you back nearly ₹20.30 Lakh (Ex-showroom). That puts it deep into XUV700 territory. Is it worth it? I drove the GTX+ Turbo DCT for 500 km to find out.

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Parameter	Specification
Engine Options	1.5L NA Petrol | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Diesel
Power (Turbo)	160 BHP @ 5500 rpm (Segment Best)
Torque (Turbo)	253 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Transmission	6MT, IVT (CVT), 7DCT, 6AT
Boot Space	433 Litres
Ground Clearance	190 mm
Fuel Tank	50 Litres

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The old Seltos was handsome; the new one is aggressive.

• The Face: The “Digital Tiger Nose” grille is wider, flanking new “Star Map” LED DRLs that cut into the bumper. It looks significantly wider in the rear-view mirror.
• The Wheels: The 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels (on GTX+/X-Line) are arguably the best-looking stock rims in the mass market segment.
• The Rear: The connected tail lamps with the sequential “Audi-style” indicators give it a very upmarket feel at night.
• The Stance: It retains the upright SUV posture but looks more muscular. The new ‘Pewter Olive’ and ‘Matte Graphite’ colors are absolute head-turners.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and the Seltos humiliates some cars costing twice as much.

• The Dashboard: The highlight is the Dual 10.25-inch Panoramic Display (one for the cluster, one for infotainment). It’s crisp, responsive, and looks integrated, unlike the iPad-stuck-on-dash look of some rivals.
• Cabin Feel: The interior quality is top-notch. Soft-touch materials are used generously. The “Sage Green” interior on the X-Line is polarizing—you either love it or hate it (I personally prefer the Black/White of the GT Line).
• Space: The rear seat is spacious enough for two adults and a child. The under-thigh support is decent, but the middle passenger will complain about the slightly firm backrest.
• Features:
  • Panoramic Sunroof: Finally! It opens wide and changes the cabin ambience.
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control: A segment-first when launched. Driver and passenger can fight over temperatures comfortably.
  • Ventilated Seats: A lifesaver in Indian summers.

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

I tested the 1.5L Turbo Petrol with 7-Speed DCT. This is the enthusiast’s choice.

City Drive

The engine is refined, but the DCT gearbox has typical characteristics. It can be a bit “jerky” in bumper-to-bumper traffic at crawling speeds. The steering is light, making parking easy, but you need to be gentle on the throttle to avoid sudden surges.

Highway Drive

This is where the Seltos shines. The 160 BHP is addictive. Overtaking is effortless—just a tap on the pedal, the gearbox drops two gears, and you are flying past trucks. It is stable at triple-digit speeds.

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• Suspension: Kia has retuned the suspension. It is slightly softer than the 1st Gen (which was bone-jarring), but it is still firm. You will feel the sharp potholes and expansion joints. It handles corners flat, but don’t expect a plush “magic carpet” ride like the Creta.

5. SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Kia has addressed the biggest criticism of the previous model: Safety Perception.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS/EBD, All-Wheel Disc Brakes, and ESP are standard across ALL variants.
• ADAS Level 2: The top trims get 17 autonomous features.
  • Real World Use: The Adaptive Cruise Control works brilliantly on expressways like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. However, the Lane Keep Assist can be intrusive on narrow city roads—I found myself turning it off often.
• Build Quality: The doors feel heavier than before, and the overall fit and finish are reassuring.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Let’s talk numbers, not brochures. The Turbo Petrol is powerful, but it drinks fuel if you have a heavy foot.

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT:
  • ARAI Claimed: 17.9 kmpl
  • Real City: 9 – 10.5 kmpl (Stop-and-go traffic kills it).
  • Real Highway: 14 – 16 kmpl (Cruising at 90-100 kmph).
• 1.5L Diesel Auto:
  • Real City: 13 – 15 kmpl
  • Real Highway: 19 – 21 kmpl
  • Note: If your monthly running is over 1,500 km, buy the Diesel blindly.

7. THE COMPETITION: Seltos vs The World

The mid-size SUV segment is a war zone.

Feature	Kia Seltos (New-Gen)	Hyundai Creta	Maruti Grand Vitara
Engine Power	160 BHP (Turbo)	160 BHP (Turbo)	103 BHP (Hybrid)
Fuel Efficiency	Low/Moderate	Moderate	High (27+ kmpl Hybrid)
Tech/Features	10/10 (Heads-up Display)	9/10	8/10
Ride Quality	Sporty/Firm	Soft/Plush	Balanced
VFM Score	8/10	8.5/10	9/10 (Hybrid)

Winner:

• Choose Grand Vitara if you want to save money on fuel (Hybrid).
• Choose Hyundai Creta if you want a comfortable family car with softer suspension.
• Choose Kia Seltos if you want the Best Looks, Best Tech, and Driving Fun.

8. FINAL VERDICT

Score: 8.5/10

The 2026 Kia Seltos is the “iPhone Pro” of SUVs. It looks expensive, feels premium, and performs flawlessly. It isn’t the most fuel-efficient (Petrol), nor the softest ride, but it is the most desirable SUV in its class.

Buy it if:

• You love driving: The 160 BHP engine is a rocket ship.
• You are a Tech Geek: The dual screens and ADAS features are class-leading.
• You want Road Presence: It looks far more aggressive than the Creta or Vitara.

Skip it if:

• Mileage is your #1 priority: The Turbo Petrol will hurt your wallet in traffic.
• You have back problems: The suspension is still on the stiffer side.
• You are on a tight budget: The top variants are pricey (₹24L+ On-road).

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)