Kia Seltos, a stalwart in the Kia India lineup and the competitive compact SUV segment, is undergoing a noteworthy transformation – a strategic price cut coupled with a feature adjustment and Kia wants to strengthen its market position and provide an even more attractive value proposition for this vehicle which is one of the top models in the company's lineup. Let's examine this deliberate choice made by Kia in more detail.
Price Cut Overview - Feature Deletion
The focal point of this price adjustment revolves around a specific feature – the one-touch up and down function for all four windows, a convenience offered in HTX and above trims. However, Kia has opted to refine this feature, restricting it to the driver's window only. Notably, the top-tier X-Line trim retains the one-touch up-and-down function for all four windows. This strategic revision results in a varied price reduction across different variants, with a maximum decrease of Rs. 2,000.
Variants Affected by Price Cut
Here's a breakdown of the specific variants that have witnessed a downward price revision:
- 1.5 Petrol MT variant of HTX
- 1.5 Turbo-Petrol iMT and 1.5 Diesel iMT variants of HTX+
- 1.5L Turbo-Petrol DCT variants of GTX+ and GTX+(S) trims
- 1.5 Diesel variant of GTX+(S) AT trim
Kia Seltos Facelift – Elevating the Segment Benchmark
Beyond the strategic price adjustment, the Kia Seltos facelift stands as the second-highest seller in its segment, a testament to its enduring popularity and the facelift introduces a host of feature updates and aesthetic enhancements reinforcing its position as a segment benchmark.
Exterior Highlights
- New LED headlamps and DRLs
- Revised bumper design
- Distinctive Tiger Nose front grille
- New LED tail lamps
- Striking alloy wheels
- Stylish body cladding and roof rails
- Integrated rear spoiler
- alloy 18-inch wheels with a shark-fin antenna
Interior Revamp
The cabin receives a refresh, featuring twin 10.25-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Kia Connect telematics, and a Bose premium 8-speaker sound system and these updates contribute to a more modern and connected driving experience.
Enhanced Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Seltos facelift prioritizes safety with the incorporation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and this comprehensive safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, active lane assistance, blind-spot monitoring system, drowsiness alert, auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. It also boasts features such as 6 airbags, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, ABS, EBD, and ESC as standard.
Powerful Engine Options and Transmission Choices
The Seltos continues to offer a versatile range of engine options, including a 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5L turbo petrol motor. Transmission choices encompass a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, iVT (CVT), 6-speed TC, and 7-speed DCT.
Segment Competition
The Seltos facelift confidently competes with other prominent models in the segment, including the MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Citroen C3 Aircross, alongside its Hyundai counterpart, the Creta.
Conclusion
Kia's strategic move of refining features while ensuring competitive pricing positions the Seltos as a compelling choice in the vibrant Indian compact SUV market and the facelift not only addresses evolving consumer preferences but also enhances the overall appeal of this popular SUV reinforcing its status as a key player in its segment.