New Kia Seltos First Drive Review: Sharper, Smarter, and More Premium Than Ever
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| image credits: carwale.com |
Introduction: Real-World First Drive Experience
The Kia Seltos has always been one of the most familiar names on Indian roads. I’ve driven multiple generations of the Seltos — from early petrol manuals to turbo automatics — and this new Seltos facelift immediately feels more mature the moment you get behind the wheel. This first drive involved typical Indian conditions: congested city traffic, broken patches, and open highways. That makes it a perfect test to judge whether Kia has genuinely improved the Seltos or just added more screens and features.
What stood out instantly was the refinement. The steering, throttle response, and suspension tuning feel noticeably more polished than before. Kia hasn’t reinvented the wheel here — it has refined a proven formula.
What’s New in the Kia Seltos Facelift?
Kia has focused on three major areas: design, technology, and safety.
Key Updates at a Glance
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New LED DRL signature and redesigned grille
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Connected twin 10.25-inch screens
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Level-2 ADAS (segment highlight)
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Improved cabin materials
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Revised suspension tuning
This isn’t just a cosmetic update. The changes are functional and aimed at making the Seltos feel more premium and safer.
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| image credits: carwale.com |
Engine Options & Driving Performance
Engine Line-up
The new Kia Seltos continues with a wide engine selection, catering to different buyer needs:
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1.5L NA Petrol – Smooth, city-friendly
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1.5L Turbo Petrol – Enthusiast-focused
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1.5L Diesel – Torque-rich and efficient
Transmission options include:
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6-speed manual
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IVT (CVT)
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7-speed DCT
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6-speed automatic (diesel)
On-Road Driving Feel
During the first drive, the 1.5 turbo-petrol DCT stood out. Throttle response is crisp, and mid-range acceleration feels confident — ideal for highway overtakes. The diesel remains the most relaxed option, especially for long-distance users.
Steering is now slightly heavier at higher speeds, improving stability without making city driving tiring.
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| image credits: carwale.com |
Ride Quality, Handling & Comfort
This is where the new Seltos shows the most improvement.
Suspension & Ride
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Absorbs potholes better than earlier model
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Less vertical movement over speed breakers
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Better rear-seat comfort on rough roads
Kia has clearly softened the suspension without compromising high-speed control.
Highway Manners
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Stable at triple-digit speeds
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Reduced road noise
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Confident braking feel
The Seltos now feels more European in tuning, which will appeal to buyers upgrading from premium hatchbacks or sedans.
Interior, Features & Technology
Step inside, and the cabin feels one segment above.
Cabin Highlights
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Dual-screen layout (digital cluster + infotainment)
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Ventilated front seats
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Panoramic sunroof
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Premium leatherette upholstery
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Bose sound system
ADAS: A Big Step Forward (Authoritativeness)
The introduction of Level-2 ADAS is a game changer:
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Adaptive cruise control
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Lane keep assist
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Forward collision warning
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Blind-spot monitoring
These systems are similar to what you’d find in cars costing much more.
Real-World Examples & Case Studies
Case Study 1: Daily City Commuter (Bengaluru)
A petrol CVT owner reported smoother traffic driving and reduced fatigue thanks to lighter steering and better suspension tuning.
Case Study 2: Highway User (Pune–Mumbai)
A diesel automatic user appreciated the improved stability and confidence during long highway runs, especially at high speeds.
Case Study 3: Family Buyer Upgrade
A family upgrading from a Hyundai Creta felt the Seltos offered more features and better interior ambience at a similar price point.
Comparison Table: Kia Seltos vs Key Rivals
| Feature | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta | VW Taigun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Petrol + Turbo + Diesel | Petrol + Diesel | Petrol only |
| ADAS | Yes (Level-2) | Limited | No |
| Ride Comfort | Improved, balanced | Soft | Firm |
| Interior Tech | High | High | Moderate |
| Value for Money | Strong | Strong | Niche |
Safety, Mileage & Ownership Trust (Trustworthiness)
Safety Package
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6 airbags standard
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Electronic Stability Control
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ADAS (top variants)
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Strong body structure
Fuel Efficiency (Real-World)
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Petrol: ~11–13 km/l
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Turbo-petrol: ~10–12 km/l
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Diesel: ~17–19 km/l
Kia’s expanding service network and transparent service packages improve ownership confidence. The brand also maintains secure official websites, clear warranty policies, and visible customer support channels, reinforcing trust.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Feature-rich and tech-forward
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Improved ride quality
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Multiple engine-gearbox choices
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ADAS enhances safety
Cons
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Top variants are expensive
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DCT not ideal for heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic
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No AWD option
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the New Kia Seltos?
The new Kia Seltos isn’t just a facelift — it’s a thoughtful upgrade that fixes past shortcomings while doubling down on what buyers already loved. It now feels more refined, safer, and premium without losing its mass appeal.
If you want a well-rounded midsize SUV that works equally well for city, highway, and family use, the Seltos remains one of the strongest choices in the segment.
Conclusion & Call to Action (CTA)
Kia has clearly listened to customer feedback and raised the bar with the new Seltos. It’s smarter, safer, and more comfortable than before.
👉 What’s your take on the new Kia Seltos?
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