The new, second-generation Seltos has been a runaway success for Kia India. Launched in January this year, it has already become the carmaker’s best-seller here, capturing around 15 percent market share in the 4.2 to 4.5 metre SUV segment. Kia is now set to introduce two new trims on the SUV- the GTX (O) and X Line (O). The new Seltos is now available in 10 trims- HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, HTX (A), GTX, GTX (A), X-Line and X-Line (A). With the new ones joining, the number will rise to 12.
The Seltos is an important product for Kia in India. It was the first model that they launched in the country and the one gave the brand a strong foothold here. Even today, it has a solid reputation and healthy monthly numbers.
The 10-variant game plan seems smart and well thought-about. However, it has one glaring gap that the new variants aim to fill- offering the buyer a middle ground of opting for more premium features without having to go for ADAS-equipped variants. The logic is simple- not everyone would want ADAS in their cars.
In the Seltos’ variant lineup, the GTX (O) and X-Line (O) will be positioned above GTX and X-Line trims, and likely below the GTX (A) and X-Line (A) trims. These will be more accessible than the ADAS-equipped variants in terms of pricing.
In terms of features, the new variants are expected to get a dashcamera, head-up display (HUD), and maybe even an air purifier. Dashcams can be really useful in Indian driving conditions. Air purifier and HUD were available on the previous generation Seltos. Surprisingly, these were both removed from the new model and are likely to return on these variants. Having these features back will strengthen the Seltos’ appeal further and make it more competitive in the mid-size SUV race.
Kia’s approach with these new variants is clearly focused on simplifying the buying experience. The lineup is already extensive, and adding optional variants allows customers to access more features without navigating a complex variant structure. In a way, it is creating curated variant packages for individual preferences.
Another possibility is of the carmaker launching GTX (O) (A) and X-Line (O) (A) trims. If materialised, these would become the new range-topping trims of the new Seltos.
The current GTX and X-Line trims are quite tech-heavy. The GTX is the less sporty of the two. It has its focus on ensuring a plush, comfortable experience inside. It comes with Ice Cube LED projector headlamps, 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, and Neon-coloured brake callipers. Inside, this trim gets a 10-way powered driver seat with lumbar support and memory function, electric ORVMs with memory function, a ‘relax’ mode for the driver’s seat, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, support for OTA updates, 5-inch HVAC touchscreen, ambient lighting, auto-dimming IRVM, front ventilated seats, 8-speaker Bose audio, and more.
The X-Line, on the other hand, is more about visual differentiation. It features blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, rugged skid plates, and sporty exterior accents. Even inside, it gets a dual-tone theme with satin metal highlights and leatherette upholstery. It comes with an exclusive Matte Graphite colour option.
Built on the third-generation K3 platform, the second-generation Seltos comes with three engine options- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (115 hp and 144 Nm ), 1.5L turbocharged diesel ( 116hp and 250Nm) and 1.5L turbocharged petrol (158hp and 253Nm). Both manual and automatic transmissions ( CVT, torque converter, and DCT) are available.
The new Seltos excels even on the safety front. It recently scored a full five-star safety from in Bharat NCAP crash tests, and comes with safety features like six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and all-wheel disc brakes.
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