Kia Seltos IVT quick review

Kia Seltos

Naturally aspirated petrol-IVT powertrain driven

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Exterior design

  • Vertical DRLs, wide grille make for slightly busy front design

  • Cleaner, slicker side and rear styling

  • 18-inch alloy wheels

  • No visual distinction between IVT and DCT variants

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Interior

  • Twin 12.3-inch screens and 5-inch climate display

  • Lots of physical buttons

  • High-quality fit and finish

  • Good cabin storage

  • Stylish front seats are a tad narrow

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Space and comfort

  • Excellent legroom

  • Enough shoulder room for three

  • Thigh support could be better

  • Boot space: 447 litres

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Features

  • 360-degree camera

  • Bose sound system

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • Ventilated front seats

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Level 2 ADAS

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Engine and gearbox

  • 1.5-litre NA petrol: 115hp, 144Nm

  • IVT (Kia's CVT) simulates 8 stepped gear shifts

  • Paddle shifters and manual control available

  • Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Performance and refinement

  • 0-100kph: 13.07 seconds (tested)

  • Responsive in city, relaxed on highway

  • IVT feels seamless at low speeds

  • Rubberband effect can show up under hard acceleration

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Tested fuel efficiency

  • City: 10.3kpl

  • Highway: 14.2kpl

  • Average: 12.25kpl

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Ride and handling

  • Very good bump absorption at low speeds

  • Well-damped feel at highway speeds

  • Steering very light in default setting; weighs up in Sport mode

  • Corners neatly but not enthusiast-focused

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia

Price and verdict

  • Rs 13.39 lakh-19.49 lakh (ex-showroom)

  • Rs 50,000-80,000 cheaper than equivalent turbo-DCT

  • Best suited for daily commutes rather than spirited driving

19 Feb '26 • Nikhil Bhatia