Kia Seltos: Petrol Variant Demand Outpaces Diesel

Kia India recently surpassed the one lakh unit bookings milestone for the Seltos in the country, approximately six months after the updated model was launched. The carmaker, which has sold a total of more than six lakh Seltos since its introduction in August 2019, revealed key booking details of the car on this occasion, details of which we will now delve into. While both petrol and diesel variants of the Seltos have found favor among consumers, recent market trends indicate a notable shift in demand towards the petrol-powered models.

Overview of the Kia Seltos

According to Kia, the ratio of petrol to diesel bookings currently stands at 58:42 per cent. Further, the automatic versions accounted for nearly 50 per cent of the total bookings. Additionally, 40 per cent of Seltos customers chose the car equipped with an ADAS suite, while 80 per cent of bookings included the model with a panoramic sunroof. Further, 80 per cent of buyers purchased the top variant, although it is to be noted that Kia refers to top variants for all trims starting from the HTK+ variant.

Factors Driving Petrol Variant Demand

1. Fuel Price Disparity : One of the primary factors influencing the preference for petrol variants of the Kia Seltos is the significant price difference between petrol and diesel fuels. In many markets, including India, petrol is generally priced lower than diesel, making petrol-powered vehicles more attractive from a running cost perspective. With rising fuel prices, consumers are increasingly drawn towards petrol variants for their affordability and cost-effectiveness.
2. Improved Petrol Engine Technology : Modern petrol engines have witnessed significant advancements in terms of efficiency, performance, and refinement. The petrol engines offered in the Kia Seltos deliver impressive power output, smooth acceleration, and commendable fuel efficiency, rivaling their diesel counterparts in performance while offering a more refined driving experience.
3. Reduced Maintenance Costs : Petrol engines are generally simpler and less complex than diesel engines, resulting in lower maintenance and servicing costs over the vehicle's lifespan.
4. Environmental Considerations : With growing concerns over environmental pollution and climate change, there is a heightened awareness among consumers regarding the environmental impact of their vehicle choices. As a result, consumers opting for petrol variants of the Kia Seltos may be motivated by their desire to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation.

Comparison of Petrol and Diesel Variants

While both petrol and diesel variants of the Kia Seltos offer impressive performance, features, and value for money, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Engine Performance : The petrol variants of the Seltos are powered by refined and efficient petrol engines, delivering smooth power delivery and responsive performance across the rev range. On the other hand, the diesel variants feature torquey diesel engines that offer strong low-end grunt and excellent highway cruising capabilities.
2. Fuel Efficiency : While diesel engines are traditionally known for their superior fuel efficiency, modern petrol engines have narrowed the gap significantly.
3. Cost of Ownership : In terms of initial purchase price, diesel variants of the Seltos may command a slight premium over their petrol counterparts due to the higher cost of diesel engines and associated components. However, the lower running costs and higher resale value of diesel-powered vehicles may offset this initial investment for some consumers over the vehicle's ownership period.
4. Driving Dynamics : Petrol variants of the Seltos are often praised for their smoother and more refined driving experience, with less noise, vibration, and harshness compared to diesel variants.

Implications for Consumers and the Automotive Industry

The shift in demand towards petrol variants of the Kia Seltos carries several implications for both consumers and the automotive industry:

1. Consumer Preference : The increasing preference for petrol variants indicates a changing consumer mindset influenced by factors such as fuel prices, technology advancements, and environmental awareness. Automakers like Kia must adapt to these evolving preferences by offering a diverse range of powertrain options to cater to different consumer needs and preferences.
2. Product Strategy : Kia and other automakers may need to reassess their product strategies and focus on developing more efficient and eco-friendly petrol engines to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
3. Market Dynamics : The shift towards petrol variants of popular models like the Seltos may have ripple effects on the automotive market, including changes in inventory management, dealership strategies, and marketing campaigns.
4. Sustainability Initiatives : Automakers need to give sustainability programs like lowering emissions, increasing fuel economy, and advancing alternative energy sources a priority since environment stability is becoming a top concern for both customers and regulatory. Automakers can help ensure a greener and more viable future for the automotive industry by providing cleaner and more efficient cars, such as the petrol versions of the Seltos.

1. Conclusion

The growing demand for petrol variants of the Kia Seltos reflects changing consumer preferences driven by factors such as fuel prices, technology advancements, and environmental awareness. While both petrol and diesel variants of the Seltos offer compelling features and performance, the shift towards petrol-powered models underscores the importance of offering diverse powertrain options to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. As Kia and other automakers adapt to these changing market dynamics, they must continue to innovate and invest in sustainable mobility solutions to shape the future of the automotive industry. The Kia Seltos, which is priced in India from Rs. 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom), onwards, is offered in seven variants across 10 paint options. Customers can choose from a 1.2-litre NA petrol motor, 1.5-litre diesel mill, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, all of which are offered with a range of transmission options.