Kia Seltos compact SUV: New test drive review reveals more [Video]

Kia will launch its Hyundai Creta rivalling SUV, the Seltos, on the 22nd on this month. It will be the first vehicle by the South Korean manufacturer in India and hence the compact SUV has been equipped with several segment-leading features along with multiple engines and gearbox options. To let you know, the next-generation Creta will also be based on the same platform as the Seltos. Bookings for the Seltos have already begun and Kia received around 6,000 bookings on the first day of bookings. While there is still some time in the launch of this new compact SUV, the video below by AutoIndustriya.com takes you through a tour of the Seltos in its first-drive review.

On the outside, the Seltos gets several features as well as design patterns that make it look attractive and muscular at the same time. All the lights on the exterior of the SUV are LEDs including the DRLs, headlamps, fog lamps and the tail lamps. It gets stylish rims which further enhances the aesthetics of the vehicle.

On the inside, Kia has equipped the Seltos to its brim with features and amenities in order to woo the buyers. It gets a slew of premium features which includes an 8 speaker Bose sound system, a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, internet connectivity and navigation along with UVO smart connect feature which is similar to Hyundai Venue’s BlueLink technology. Other features include an electric sunroof, 8 colour and 6 themes ambient lighting, smart air purifier, LED projector headlamps, power-adjustable driver’s seat with ventilation, leather interiors, and reclining rear seats among others.

Talking about the engine options Kia will offer with the Seltos in India, the compact SUV will get three engines to choose from. Two among them are petrol engines while one is diesel and all of them get a different type of automatic gearbox each. This means that the Seltos will come with three different types of automatic transmission which is a first for any car sold in India. The base petrol engine will be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit that generates a maximum power of 113 Bhp and a peak torque of 144 Nm. It comes mated with a 6-speed manual box and a CVT automatic gearbox. Next up is the diesel engine which is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit.

This engine produces a maximum power of 113 Bhp along with a peak torque of 250 Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.  Next is the most powerful engine on offer which is the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine will only be available with the GT Line sporty variants of the car. This turbo petrol engine pumps out a good 138 Bhp of power along with a peak torque of 242 Nm. It gets a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. To let you know, the Tata Harrier’s 2.0-litre diesel engine also produces 138 Bhp of power, though it has a much higher torque output of 350 Bhp.