The 2021 Kia Seltos has been launched in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 9.95 lakh with prices going up to Rs 17.65 lakh for the top-spec GTX+ diesel automatic variant. The Kia Seltos’ design and styling remains similar to the outgoing model. The engine and transmission options too remain the same. However, it gets two new variants and 17 new features that make it feel more upmarket.
The Seltos was Kia’s first model in the Indian market. It debuted as the Kia SP Concept at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo only to be launched later, in August 2019. The Kia Seltos soon became the best-seller in its segment and Kia soon became one of the household names in the Indian auto industry.
Now, just under two years after the Kia Seltos was first launched, the brand has now launched the 2021 model. Kia has undertaken a brand-transformation with a new logo and is hence updating its products in India. The new, more stylish and modern Kia logo is proudly displayed on the bonnet.
The 2021 Kia Seltos retains the design and style from the outgoing model. It still gets that familiar front-fascia with wraparound LED headlamps, tiger-nose grille and the muscular bumper. The top-spec variants ride on dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and the SUV is available in dual-tone colour options as well.
The 2021 Kia Seltos is powered by the same range of engines as the outgoing model – one diesel engine and two petrol engines. The Smartstream 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine puts out 113.4bhp at 6,300rpm and 144Nm at 4,500rpm. It is paired either to a 6-speed manual transmission or an IVT gearbox.
The only diesel engine on offer is a 1.5-litre CDRi VGT engine with a maximum power output of 113.4bhp at 4,000rpm and a peak torque output of 250Nm between 1,500 and 2,750rpm. This motor is available with either a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic gearbox.
The HTX Plus trim with the 1.5-litre diesel automatic configuration has been discontinued. Two new trims have been added to the lineup – HTK+ with the 1.5-litre petrol and IVT combination, and GTX (O) with the 1.4 turbo-petrol engine and 6-speed manual.
The base variants of the Kia Seltos remains the same but the mid and top spec variants receive a few new features. The HTK variants now get wireless phone projection with the eight-inch touchscreen. The HTK+ variant gets the remote engine start on the smart key. It also gets a beige fabric seat, electric sunroof, automatic temperature control, etc.
The Kia Seltos is without doubt, one of the favourites in its segment. Now, with the addition of new features, there are more reasons to buy the Seltos.
