Kia Seltos Facelift: In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, Kia has once again raised the bar with its latest Seltos facelift model. This refreshed version brings a host of premium features typically found in higher-end vehicles, yet maintains a budget-friendly price point that makes it accessible to a wider audience.
The Korean automaker has strategically positioned the updated Seltos to deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality, technology, or driving experience.
Kia Seltos Facelift Striking Exterior Updates That Command Attention
The redesigned Kia Seltos makes an immediate impression with its bold, contemporary styling that enhances its road presence. The front fascia has been completely revamped, featuring a more prominent and aggressive grille design that falls in line with Kia’s latest design language. LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights create a sharp, modern look that helps the Seltos stand out in a crowded parking lot.
One of the most noticeable exterior updates is the connected tail lamp setup that spans the width of the vehicle, giving it a more premium and cohesive appearance from the rear.
This lighting signature not only looks sophisticated but also improves visibility to other road users, enhancing safety during nighttime driving.
The profile remains largely unchanged, maintaining the Seltos’s balanced proportions, but new alloy wheel designs ranging from 16 inches on base models to stylish 18-inch options on higher trims add a touch of sophistication.
Available in several striking color options, including dual-tone combinations, the Seltos allows buyers to customize the look to suit their personal style.
Ground clearance remains impressive at 190mm, providing confidence when navigating rough roads or unexpected obstacles without compromising the vehicle’s handling characteristics or stability at highway speeds.
Luxurious Interior That Exceeds Expectations
Step inside the refreshed Seltos, and you’ll immediately notice the significant upgrades to the cabin. The interior has been completely reimagined to offer a more upmarket feel with improved materials, better fit and finish, and thoughtful design elements that create a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is the impressive dual 10.25-inch panoramic display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system in a seamless, connected layout.
This premium feature, typically found in luxury vehicles, provides a modern and tech-forward appearance while improving functionality and information accessibility.
Seat comfort has been enhanced with better bolstering and premium upholstery options, including leatherette and ventilated front seats on higher trims.
The panoramic sunroof—a standout feature that’s now available in more affordable variants—floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy, spacious feel that belies the compact exterior dimensions.
Ambient lighting with customizable color options adds a touch of sophistication during night driving, while the improved sound insulation makes for a quieter, more refined cabin experience.
Rear passengers haven’t been forgotten, with dedicated AC vents, USB charging ports, and comfortable seating that makes long journeys more pleasant for everyone aboard.
Powerful and Efficient Powertrain Options
The Kia Seltos facelift continues to offer multiple engine choices to suit various driving preferences and requirements. The range includes a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 146 horsepower, a 1.5-liter turbo diesel delivering excellent fuel efficiency, and the highlight—a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine that replaces the previous 1.4-liter unit, now generating an impressive 160 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque.
Transmission options remain comprehensive, with choices including a 6-speed manual, intelligent variable transmission (IVT), 6-speed automatic, and the sporty 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) available with the turbo petrol engine.
This variety allows buyers to select the perfect combination that matches their driving style and budget constraints.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong point across the range, with the naturally aspirated petrol delivering around 16.5 km/l, the diesel reaching up to 21 km/l, and the turbo petrol achieving approximately 17 km/l under mixed driving conditions.
The generous 50-liter fuel tank ensures a substantial driving range between fill-ups, making the Seltos an ideal companion for both city commuting and highway cruising.
Advanced Technology Features at Your Fingertips
The technology package in the refreshed Seltos is where Kia has truly excelled, bringing premium features down to a more accessible price point.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration without the clutter of cables. The user interface has been improved for better responsiveness and ease of use, with intuitive menus and customizable shortcuts.
Connected car technology has been enhanced, allowing owners to remotely access various vehicle functions through their smartphones, including location tracking, geofencing, remote engine start/stop, climate control, and vehicle status information.
This connected ecosystem extends to voice recognition, which now understands natural language commands for various vehicle functions, reducing driver distraction.
The premium Bose sound system with 8 speakers and a subwoofer delivers impressive audio quality, while the wireless charging pad with cooling function prevents smartphones from overheating during longer charging sessions.
USB Type-C ports throughout the cabin ensure faster charging for modern devices, keeping everyone connected throughout the journey.
The digital instrument cluster is highly customizable, allowing drivers to prioritize the information most relevant to them, while the upgraded head-up display projects essential driving information directly onto the windshield, minimizing the need to look away from the road.
Comprehensive Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Safety has clearly been a priority for Kia with the Seltos facelift, which now offers an impressive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that were previously exclusive to luxury vehicles.
The Level 2 ADAS package includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality.
Additional safety technologies include Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and a 360-degree camera system with high-resolution display for confidence during parking maneuvers.
The structural integrity of the vehicle has been further enhanced, with high-strength steel comprising a larger percentage of the body structure for improved crash protection.
The comprehensive airbag system includes front, side, and curtain airbags, providing protection for all occupants in the event of a collision. Electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management work together to maintain control in challenging driving conditions, while the tire pressure monitoring system alerts drivers to potentially unsafe tire conditions before they become problematic.
Budget-Friendly Pricing Strategy
Despite the significant upgrades in design, features, and technology, Kia has managed to keep the Seltos remarkably affordable, with prices starting around ₹11.13 lakh for the base variant and extending to ₹20.51 lakh for the fully-loaded models.
This pricing strategy positions the Seltos as an exceptional value proposition in the compact SUV segment, undercutting many competitors while offering more premium features.
The revised variant structure includes more affordable options with features that were previously restricted to top-end models. For instance, the panoramic sunroof is now available in mid-spec variants, making this highly desirable feature accessible to more buyers without requiring them to opt for the most expensive trim levels.
The introduction of the new HTK (O) variant is particularly noteworthy, offering a dual-pane panoramic sunroof at a price point that makes it the most affordable vehicle in its segment with this feature.
This strategic positioning demonstrates Kia’s understanding of the Indian market, where consumers increasingly expect premium features at accessible price points.
Driving Dynamics That Don’t Disappoint
Beyond the impressive features and value proposition, the Seltos continues to deliver a driving experience that balances comfort, control, and confidence.
The suspension setup has been finely tuned to handle India’s varied road conditions, soaking up bumps and imperfections while maintaining composure through corners.
The steering offers good feedback and precision, with a weight that feels natural and progressive as speeds increase. The braking system provides strong, consistent stopping power with good pedal feel, inspiring confidence during emergency maneuvers or everyday driving situations.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels have been improved across the range, with better insulation materials and structural enhancements contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin environment.
This attention to detail elevates the overall driving experience, making the Seltos feel more premium than its price tag would suggest.
The various drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences or driving conditions, adjusting throttle sensitivity, steering weight, and transmission behavior accordingly.
This versatility ensures the Seltos can be both a comfortable daily driver and an engaging companion on winding roads when the mood strikes.
Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
Kia continues to strengthen its position in the market not just through product excellence but also by focusing on the overall ownership experience.
The industry-leading warranty package includes a standard 3-year/unlimited kilometer coverage, extendable to 5 years for additional peace of mind. Regular maintenance costs remain competitive, with service intervals set at 10,000 kilometers or 12 months, whichever comes first.
The growing dealership network ensures convenient access to sales and service facilities across the country, while the Kia Care app simplifies the service booking process and provides transparent maintenance pricing.
The roadside assistance program offers 24/7 support for any unexpected situations, reflecting Kia’s commitment to customer satisfaction beyond the initial purchase.
Kia Seltos Facelift Conclusion: Redefining Value in the Compact SUV Segment
The Kia Seltos facelift represents a significant step forward in democratizing premium features in the compact SUV segment. By bringing high-end technology, refined design elements, and enhanced safety features to more accessible price points, Kia has created a compelling proposition for buyers who refuse to compromise on quality and features despite budget constraints.
In a market where consumers are increasingly value-conscious, the refreshed Seltos delivers on multiple fronts—style, technology, safety, performance, and comfort—without the premium price tag typically associated with such a comprehensive package.
This strategic positioning will likely strengthen Kia’s already impressive market share and continue the Seltos’s success story in the competitive compact SUV segment.
For buyers seeking a modern, well-equipped, and reliable compact SUV that offers premium features without breaking the bank, the Kia Seltos facelift deserves serious consideration.
It successfully bridges the gap between budget-friendly practicality and upmarket sophistication, establishing a new benchmark for value in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the key premium features in the Kia Seltos facelift?
The Seltos facelift offers several premium features including dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, ADAS Level 2 safety suite, connected car technology, Bose premium sound system, ambient lighting, and wireless smartphone integration. Many of these features are now available in more affordable variants than before.
Q: How does the pricing of the Kia Seltos facelift compare to its competitors?
The Seltos facelift is priced competitively, starting at approximately ₹11.13 lakh and extending to ₹20.51 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing strategy positions it favorably against competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Volkswagen Taigun, especially considering the premium features offered at each price point.
Q: What engine options are available in the Kia Seltos facelift?
The Seltos offers three engine options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol (146 hp), a 1.5-liter turbo diesel, and a new 1.5-liter turbo petrol (160 hp) that replaces the previous 1.4-liter unit. Transmission choices include 6-speed manual, IVT, 6-speed automatic, and 7-speed DCT, depending on the engine selected.
Q: How fuel-efficient is the Kia Seltos facelift?
The Seltos delivers impressive fuel efficiency across its range, with the naturally aspirated petrol achieving around 16.5 km/l, the diesel reaching up to 21 km/l, and the turbo petrol delivering approximately 17 km/l under mixed driving conditions. The 50-liter fuel tank ensures a substantial driving range between fill-ups.
Q: What safety features does the Kia Seltos facelift offer?
The Seltos comes with comprehensive safety features including six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-start Assist Control, and ADAS Level 2 features (on higher trims) like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning.
Q:Has the ground clearance changed in the Kia Seltos facelift?
The ground clearance remains unchanged at 190mm, which is suitable for Indian road conditions while maintaining good handling characteristics and stability at higher speeds.
Q: What is the warranty offered with the Kia Seltos facelift?
Kia offers a standard 3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended to 5 years for additional peace of mind. This warranty package is among the best in the segment and reflects Kia’s confidence in the vehicle’s reliability.
Q: Is the panoramic sunroof available in affordable variants?
Yes, one of the highlights of the Seltos facelift is the availability of the panoramic sunroof in more affordable variants, including the new HTK (O) trim, making it the most accessible vehicle in its segment to offer this premium feature.
Q: What connected car features are available in the Seltos facelift?
The Seltos offers comprehensive connected car technology that allows remote access to various vehicle functions through a smartphone app, including location tracking, geofencing, remote engine start/stop, climate control, vehicle status information, and emergency assistance.
Q: How does the interior space compare to other compact SUVs?
The Seltos offers competitive interior space with comfortable seating for five adults, adequate headroom despite the panoramic sunroof, and a generous boot capacity of 433 liters, expandable by folding the rear seats. The thoughtful interior design maximizes the available space for both passengers and cargo.