Kia Motors made a splash at Auto Expo 2018 with the global unveil of the SP Concept SUV. And to underscore the importance of the global model to the Indian market today, the final product, named Kia Seltos, has made its world debut in New Delhi. The good news is the wait to get your hands on one is not going to be a long one. Kia has confirmed the Seltos will go on sale in India in late August with bookings expected to open by mid-July. The Kia Seltos will be available pan-India with the Korean carmaker announcing it will have 265 touchpoints across the country.
The Kia Seltos will be available in India with three engine options – a 1.5-litre petrol offered with a 6-speed manual and CVT auto, a 1.5-litre diesel offered with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter auto and a 1.4-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol that will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The last of the engine options will be exclusive to the Seltos GT Line, which will feature sporty detailing both inside and outside.
Kia hasn’t given down a variant-wise breakup as yet but top-spec versions will be really well equipped. Part of the package will be a 10.25-inch touchscreen with 37 connectivity functions, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, sunroof, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats and even a Bose sound system. Auto headlights and wipers and leather upholstery will also be on offer.
Kia Seltos prices will only be revealed at launch though insiders have unofficially confirmed pricing will range from Rs 11-17 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom). While the prices might seem on the higher side, it is worth noting that all versions of the Seltos will be BS6-compliant from day one. In effect, the Kia won’t see a drastic bump up in prices like some of its rivals when they do make the transition to BS6-compliant engines prior to April 1, 2020.
It will be interesting to see how Indian buyers take to the Seltos. We’ll know in a few months.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
