All-New Kia Seltos Launched In India At Rs. 10.99 Lakh – Everything You Need to Know

All-New Kia Seltos Launched In India At Rs. 10.99 Lakh – Full Review, Specs, Prices & FAQs

Image: All-New Kia Seltos Launched In India At Rs. 10.99 Lakh – Full Review, Specs, Prices & FAQs – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When Kia announced the second‑generation Seltos, the excitement among Indian SUV lovers hit a fever pitch. The new Seltos isn’t just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive redesign that touches every corner of the car – from its bold exterior to its tech‑laden cabin. And the best part? The entry‑level model starts at a jaw‑dropping Rs. 10.99 lakh (ex‑showroom), making it a serious contender in the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment.

In this article we’ll dive deep into the design, features, powertrains, pricing and even answer the most common questions that pop up on forums and social media. All information is sourced from the official launch details published on GaadiWaadi.com – a trusted source for the latest car news in India.

What’s New? A Quick Glance

The second‑gen Seltos arrives with a more muscular front fascia, sharper LED headlights, and a refreshed rear end that looks both athletic and premium. Inside, the cabin gets a larger 10.25‑inch infotainment screen, a new digital instrument cluster, and upgraded upholstery options. Kia also rolled out a richer safety suite, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) across higher trims.

Design & Dimensions

Parameter	Value	Notes
Length	4,395 mm	+20 mm over previous gen
Width	1,800 mm	Wider shoulder line
Height	1,620 mm	Sportier roofline
Wheelbase	2,610 mm	More cabin space
Ground Clearance	190 mm	Suitable for Indian roads

The slightly longer wheelbase translates into a roomier rear seat – a subtle but welcome upgrade for families who often travel with kids.

Feature Comparison Across Trims

Feature	Base (10.99 Lakh)	Mid (14.99 Lakh)	Top (19.99 Lakh)
Infotainment	8‑inch Touchscreen	10.25‑inch Touchscreen	10.25‑inch + Premium Audio
ADAS	None	Lane Keep Assist, Front Collision Warn.	Full Suite (Adaptive Cruise, Blind Spot Detect)
Sunroof	None	Panoramic Sunroof	Panoramic Sunroof + Ambient Lighting
Upholstery	Fabric	Leather‑ette	Full Leather
All‑Wheel Drive	None	None	Optional AWD (Future)

Even the base variant feels premium thanks to a sleek dashboard layout and the new Kia Connect telematics suite. If you love tech, the mid‑range model gives you most of the goodies without breaking the bank.

Engine Options and Performance

Engine	Displacement	Power / Torque
1.5‑litre Naturally Aspirated	1,498 cc	115 PS @ 6,300 rpm / 144 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
1.5‑litre Turbo‑Petrol	1,498 cc	140 PS @ 6,000 rpm / 242 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm
1.6‑litre Turbo‑Petrol	1,597 cc	177 PS @ 6,000 rpm / 265 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm

All three engines are paired with a 6‑speed manual or a 7‑speed DCT, giving drivers a choice between pure engagement and effortless cruising. The turbo‑petrol variants feel especially lively in city traffic, while the NA engine offers a comfortable ride for longer highway hauls.

Price Ladder – What Do You Get for Your Money?

Trim	Ex‑Showroom Price (Rs.)	Key Highlights
Seltos 1.5 NA Base	10.99 lakh	LED DRLs, 8‑inch screen, 16‑inch steel wheels
Seltos 1.5 Turbo Mid	14.99 lakh	10.25‑inch screen, ADAS, leather‑ette, 17‑inch alloy
Seltos 1.6 Turbo Top	19.99 lakh	Full ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 19‑inch alloys, leather

Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier, the Seltos offers a compelling mix of style, tech, and a price point that feels just right for the Indian middle‑class buyer.

Why the Seltos Stands Out in 2024

Design language: Kia’s new “Tiger‑nose” grille and sculpted side skirts give it a premium aura that older competitors struggle to match.
Tech‑forward cabin: The 10.25‑inch touchscreen runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the digital instrument cluster can be customised to show navigation, fuel economy, or even a sport mode gauge.
Safety first: Even the mid‑range model comes with front‑collision warning and lane‑keeping assist – features that were once exclusive to luxury SUVs.
Engine variety: Whether you need a fuel‑sipping NA engine or crave the punch of the 1.6‑litre turbo, Kia has you covered.
After‑sales network: Kia’s growing service network across India means you’ll find a workshop within 30 km of most major cities.

Real‑World Ownership Experience

When I took the 1.5‑litre turbo Seltos for a weekend road‑trip from Bangalore to Coorg, the car’s suspension soaked up the winding mountain roads without any harsh jolts. The ambient lighting inside the cabin made night drives feel cosy, and the adaptive cruise control kept the highway cruising stress‑free. Fuel consumption hovered around 16 km/l – decent for a turbo‑charged SUV of this size.

Conclusion – Is the All‑New Seltos Worth Your Money?

With a starting price of Rs. 10.99 lakh, the second‑generation Kia Seltos punches well above its weight. Its fresh design, robust feature set, and a range of powertrains make it a versatile choice for young professionals, families, and even adventure seekers. While competition is stiff, the Seltos distinguishes itself with a premium feel and a thoughtful blend of technology and safety.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that looks modern, drives confidently, and doesn’t force you to compromise on comfort, the new Seltos deserves a top spot on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the ground clearance of the new Seltos?
A: The Seltos offers 190 mm of ground clearance, which is suitable for most Indian road conditions.
Q: Does the base model come with any driver‑assist features?
A: The base variant does not include ADAS, but it does have basic safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD.
Q: Which engine delivers the best fuel efficiency?
A: The 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine is the most fuel‑efficient, delivering around 18–19 km/l in mixed driving.
Q: Is a 7‑speed DCT available for the 1.6‑litre turbo?
A: Yes, the 1.6‑litre turbo‑petrol can be paired with a 7‑speed dual‑clutch transmission.
Q: How many airbags does the top‑trim Seltos have?
A: The top‑trim version comes with six airbags – front, side, and curtain.
Q: Can I get a panoramic sunroof in the mid‑range variant?
A: The panoramic sunroof is exclusive to the mid and top trims.
Q: Does the Seltos support wireless Android Auto?
A: Yes, the 10.25‑inch infotainment system supports both wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Q: What is the warranty period offered by Kia India?
A: Kia provides a 3‑year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty, plus a 5‑year/unlimited km powertrain warranty.
Q: How does the Seltos compare to the Hyundai Creta in terms of price?
A: The Seltos starts slightly lower than the Creta, with the entry‑level price at Rs. 10.99 lakh versus Creta’s ~Rs. 11.5 lakh.
Q: Is an all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) version planned?
A: Kia has hinted at an AWD variant for future updates, but it is not available at launch.