Kia Seltos : Kia’s Seltos has always turned heads in India, but the 2026 model cranks things up a notch. Launched early this year, it blends bold looks, smart tech, and real-world practicality that city drivers crave.
A Design That Demands Attention
Spot a new Seltos on the road, and you’ll do a double-take. The front grille stretches wide with those sharp, gunmetal accents that scream premium SUV vibes, pulling inspiration from Kia’s bigger global beasts.
It’s not just showy—those sleek LED headlights slice through night traffic like a hot knife, and the sculpted hood adds muscle without feeling overdone.
I remember test-driving an older Seltos during monsoon season; it handled puddles like a champ.
This one ups the ante with chunkier wheel arches and available X-Line trim that wraps everything in a stealthy blacked-out finish.
Around back, connected taillights and a beefier bumper make it stand out in parking lots. At roughly 4.3 meters long, it’s compact enough for Delhi’s chaos but roomy inside, with a 447-liter boot that swallows weekend gear effortlessly.
Powertrains Built for Every Drive
Under the hood, Kia keeps it familiar yet refined. The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol churns out 115hp and pairs with a slick six-speed manual or CVT—perfect for relaxed highway cruises.
Want more kick? The 1.5 turbo-petrol delivers 160hp and 253Nm, hooked to an iMT or seven-speed DCT that shifts faster than my morning coffee brews.
Diesel fans rejoice: the 1.5 CRDi VGT offers 116hp and a torquey 250Nm, with a six-speed auto for effortless overtakes.
All-wheel drive? Not here, but front-wheel setups grip well, especially with drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport tweaking throttle response on the fly.
Mileage hovers around 15-20kmpl depending on your foot, making it wallet-friendly amid rising fuel costs. No hybrid drama yet, but Kia hints at electrification down the line.
Tech That Feels Like the Future
Step inside, and the cockpit wraps you in luxury. A 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto just work, and over-the-air updates mean fresh features without a dealership visit.
Bose eight-speaker audio thumps hard enough for road trips, while 64-color ambient lighting sets the mood—think purple glows for late-night drives.
Ventilated front seats cool you during summer gridlock, and the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light.
Dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a powered driver’s seat with memory make long hauls comfy.
The steering wheel’s new three-spoke design hides handy mode buttons, and rear passengers get USB ports and AC vents. It’s thoughtful stuff that punches above its price.
Safety Smarts for Peace of Mind
Kia didn’t skimp here. Level 2 ADAS brings adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and auto emergency braking, tuned sharp for Indian roads—potholes and cows included.
A 360-degree camera makes tight U-turns a breeze, and six airbags are standard across the board. Tyre pressure monitors, hill-hold assist, and traction control round it out.
In my chats with owners, the blind-spot alerts have saved fender-benders more than once. It’s not invincible, but crash test scores should impress when they drop.
Pricing and Variants That Make Sense
Starting at ₹10.99 lakh ex-showroom, it climbs to around ₹20 lakh for top GT-Line diesels. Base HTE petrol is value-packed with basics like a touchscreen and rear camera.
Mid-spec HTX adds sunroof and alloys; GTX throws in Bose and ventilated seats. X-Line GT-Line? That’s the halo variant for enthusiasts, exclusive with its rugged flair.
On-road in Delhi, expect ₹12-23 lakh after taxes. Rivals like Hyundai Creta and VW Taigun bite hard, but Seltos edges with flair and features. Waiting periods? Two to four weeks now, easing from launch hype.
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Why Kia Seltos It Wins in India’s SUV Jungle
The Seltos isn’t reinventing the wheel—it’s polishing it to shine brighter. Service networks span 200+ Kia spots, warranties hit five years/unlimited km, and resale holds strong.
Fuel efficiency suits urban grind, and that bold face cuts through bland crossovers. Sure, turbo lag nags at low speeds, and rear space squeezes tall adults.
But for young families or solo adventurers, it’s spot-on. Kia sold over a lakh last year; this refresh should keep the streak alive. Head to a showroom—test drive one. You might just drive off grinning.