For the 2023 model year, Kia India has made significant revisions to the Seltos lineup. The compact SUV now meets BS6 Phase 2 and RDE emission norms, which go into effect on April 1, 2023.
Kia has introduced new features, a new transmission choice, and a price increase in addition to the emission changes. The updated Seltos model now has a starting price of INR 10.89 lac which is around INR 40,000 more than that of the preceding model. Unfortunately, the company has discontinued the 1.4L turbo petrol engine with the DCT unit.
The 2023 Kia Seltos currently comes with only two engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel. The 1.5L petrol engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission, whereas the 1.5L diesel engine comes with a new 6-speed iMT gearbox and retains the 6-speed torque converter option. The 6-speed manual transmission on the diesel engine has been dropped from the range.
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According to recent reports, Kia is planning to replace the 1.4 turbo petrol engine with the new 1.5L turbo petrol unit that is used in various Hyundai Group vehicles. This new engine is already being used in the new-generation Hyundai Verna and Creta, while the Kia Carens has also recently acquired the turbo petrol engine option. The 1.5L turbo engine is expected to be delivered with the Seltos facelift later this year.
Furthermore, the 2023 Kia Seltos now comes standard with an idle start-stop feature, which helps to improve fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic. As a result of these changes, the revised Seltos has seen a price hike of up to INR 50,000, depending on the trim level. The base petrol-manual HTE variation in the 2023 Kia Seltos range now costs INR 10.89 lac, while the top-of-the-line X-Line diesel automatic trim costs INR 19.65 lac.
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Like before, all Seltos variants come equipped with 6 airbags as standard. In addition, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and all-wheel disc brakes are also offered as standard with the Kia Seltos.
Despite having been on the market for more than three years, the Kia Seltos is still the best-selling vehicle in its segment in India and is in high demand, with wait times often exceeding three months. The Seltos is expected to become even more attractive for buyers when the facelift arrives in the Indian market, likely during the second half of this year.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
