Kia Seltos to get iMT gearbox option

The Kia Seltos is set to get a revised line-up for 2021. Like the revision in 2020, some variants are expected to be discontinued and some equipment is expected to be added. This time around though, a few dealer sources tell us that Kia plans to offer customers an additional gearbox option – its “clutchless manual” iMT unit.

• Revised Seltos variant line-up to be announced by late-April 2021
• 6-speed iMT gearbox expected to be paired to 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine
• Other variants are expected to get more features 

Kia Seltos iMT: expected engine and variant details

Kia is expected to offer the 6-speed iMT unit with just the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes 115hp and 144Nm of torque. This means this petrol unit will be available with three gearbox options – a 6-speed manual, a CVT auto and the iMT.

Kia Seltos: other powertrain options

With the includsion of the iMT option, the Seltos will be available with a total of seven powertrain options. Kia offers a 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine with 6-speed manual and torque convertor automatic options, along with a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit, which is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. 

Kia Seltos: competition check

That the Kia Seltos has made quite an impression in the Indian market is an understatement. It constantly appears on the list of bestselling utility vehicles every month, despite facing stiff competition from the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Renault Duster and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.