Kia Seltos 2023 Review: Sharper Look, Better Features, Panoramic Sunroof And More — IN PICS

The new Kia Kia Seltos Facelift 1.5 HTX+ fulfills many demands that customers have been asking. Here's all about it.

New and better Kia Seltos Facelift 1.5 HTX+

The Seltos has been the most successful Kia and it is not hard to see why with its right mix of engines, variants and features. Now though with more competition, Kia has finally launched the new Seltos with a lot of updates thrown in. You have a new turbo petrol powertrain plus more equipment including ADAS. However, before we get to that, we must discuss the changing segment that the new Seltos operates in. Demand for new technology and features has meant that the Seltos also needed more to compete successfully and that is exactly what has been done here. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

It also looks sharper, the new Seltos and the facelift is not too subtle yet also does not change the overall look in terms of the shape. That said, you can easily distinguish it for a larger grille along with new DRLs which stretch into the grille along with new LED headlamps plus the 'ice-cube' like LED fog lamps are divided into four of them. The skid plate is new and so is the bumper. This does add some bulk to the design while also increasing the length. Do note that the X-Line and the GT-Line have different design elements too. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

Back to the car we had and the Seltos at the sidem maintains the look of the earlier one but now has new design 17-inch wheels plus the rear styling has larger connected LED tail-lamps which are larger now with a vertical design. You can get a variety of colours though the pewter Olive shade which is new, looks the best amongst all. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

Inside, you also get a new dashboard with a twin screen layout including a new digital instrument cluster plus a new infotainment system. The digital dials are simple and easy to read while the touchscreen is also crisp in its operation with a slick touch response. This is the HTX+ hence, you miss out on a 360 degree camera or ADAS or a powered handbrake but you do get dual zone climate control which is first in its segment plus connected car tech, air purifier, wireless charging, excellent Bose audio, powered driver's seat and more. However, plenty of prospective buyers were waiting for the panoramic sunroof and that has been given here too with a thick sunroof blind we might add. Quality is excellent and there are soft touch bits too. The HTX+ variant as seen here comes with tan leatherette which looks more premium than the all black GT ones. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

If we talk about space then the Seltos rear seat has good enough room for three at the back though it can be a squeeze width wise in getting the middle passenger. The legroom on offer is quite good and headroom is excellent too while the window line is ample with sunblinds too. We do wish for better thigh support as you sit a bit low. Boot space is also ample with a convenient loading lip. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

Let us talk about performance and on paper the new Seltos with the 1.5l petrol is now the new benchmark with 160 hp and 253Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed iMT or a clutchless manual or a 7-speed DCT with paddles. We drove the iMT first and here immediately the engine impressed with its smoothness along with more refinement. It is more refined than the earlier 1.4l turbo and smoother while using the iMT without a clutch means driving in traffic is easier too. For enthusiasts there is a lot to like about this engine with its power on offer which means instant performance plus the iMT does a good job as an enthusiasts choice too. The iMT is fairly quick in being nearly as responsive as a manual while being more convenient. It is not an automatic though and you need to drive it like a manual but it is easy and does work as an everyday choice or when you want some fun. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

The engine though has a linear power delivery with no turbo rush but it is one of the quickest cars right now below 20 lakh with the power on offer. It is tuned for everyday useability and in that way it works while now it is a wee bit more efficient too. The handling too is sharp and nice with a sense of lightness with the easy to use steering which we think is an improvement over the even lighter earlier Seltos plus stable handling. Body roll is well contained and it feels stable. We would also say that unlike the previous Seltos the ride is now much less sharp or firm but overall it is still on the firm side but way more compliant than the earlier Seltos. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

As an everyday compact SUV with the right mix of features and performance, the new Seltos has a lot going for it while hardly lacking in any department. It is now better looking with more features while the new turbo engine along with softer ride gives it a more allrounder appeal. The version tested here is Rs 18.3 lakh and that might be the best Seltos to buy in terms of value for money while overall it is surely one of the best buys in its class right now. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)

What we like- Looks, quality, performance, value, 1.5l turbo engine, better ride. What we do not like- Ride quality still on the firm side, rear seat thigh support. (Image Credit: Somnath Chatterjee)