2023 Kia Seltos facelift unveiled, bookings start on July 14
After teasing it for some time, Kia has finally unveiled the facelifted Seltos in India. Launched in 2019, the Kia Seltos has been the most-selling Kia in India. This mid-cycle facelift after four years of the SUV has brought about significant updates, including a refreshed appearance, a new interior, and the addition of notable features such as a panoramic sunroof and ADAS. A new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine has also made its way to the facelifted model.
2023 Kia Seltos exteriors
The refreshed Seltos showcases significant updates compared to its previous model. The facelifted model boasts a revised front end, featuring a slightly larger bumper and body-coloured inserts in the fog lamp housing. The headlights have been redesigned and now incorporate new LED daytime running lamps that seamlessly flow into the grille. Notably, the fog lamps adopt a stylish four-block design.
Moving to the side profile, the Seltos facelift stands out with its new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheel design. The side mirrors feature sequential turn indicators. The rear has also undergone numerous changes to conform to the new Kia design language. An LED light bar connects the inverted L-shaped taillights at the rear. Additionally, the reverse light has been relocated to the redesigned bumper. The rear now has fewer chrome elements compared to its predecessor. Notably, the turbo-petrol variants have dual exhaust tips. When compared to the Tech Line variants, the GT Line and X Line receive a subtly different body kit.
Kia also offers a fresh colour option called Pewter Olive, joining the lineup of eight solid colours and two dual-tone combinations.
2023 Kia Seltos interiors
The Seltos facelift introduces a revamped interior with a dual-screen setup consisting of two 10.25-inch displays, one serving as the digital instrument cluster, and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The centre console has also been updated and now features slimmer AC vents and a redesigned panel for HVAC and audio controls. In terms of interior colour schemes, the X Line trim offers a new sage green interior option, while the GT Line variants come with a black and white theme.
The Seltos incorporates numerous novel features in the facelifted model. Features like dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch heads-up display, an electronic parking brake, and a Bose-tuned 8-speaker system with sound mood lamps are incorporated into the SUV. Additionally, the SUV has 17 different advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning assist, blind-spot collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Also included as standard equipment are a tyre pressure monitoring system, Hill Assist Control, electronic stability control (ESC), and six airbags.
2023 Kia Seltos powertrain
The Seltos facelift will retain the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113bhp and 144Nm of torque, as well as the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine generating 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. The petrol engine will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT, while the diesel engine will offer a choice between a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
In addition, Kia has introduced the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrain option that was seen doing its duties on the Hyundai Verna and the Hyundai Alcazar. This new turbocharged engine is a 1.5-litre unit that replaces the previous 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, which was discontinued earlier in March 2023. This new engine delivers 158bhp and 253Nm of torque. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine produced 138bhp and 242Nm which is 20bhp and almost 10Nm lesser than the engine on offer. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
2023 Kia Seltos rivals
Kia has said that bookings for the facelifted Seltos will start on July 14. After its launch, the SUV will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, as well as the upcoming Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross.
