2023 Kia Seltos SUV India Debut on July 4, Here's What to Expect

A revamped avatar of the Kia Seltos SUV will be launched in India on July 4. Ahead of its introduction in our market, the model has been caught several times undergoing road testing. For 2023, the SUV is expected to come equipped with several improvements over the existing model. It will likely get a new front grille with integrated LED DRLs, a reworked faux skid plate, LED projector headlamps, and a bumper. Currently, there is no official update on the powertrain. However, industry reports hint that the redesigned Seltos SUV will continue with the same engine options as the existing version. It will offer the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. However, a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol could also be available with the car. Let's learn more about the SUV, which will start rolling on the Indian streets soon.

Also Read: Kia Seltos SUV Surpasses 5 Lakh Sales Milestone in India

2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Design Updates

Latest spy photos of the Seltos facelift being tested on our streets offered us our first glimpse of the car's undisguised exterior, highlighting a distinctive front bumper believed to be exclusive to the GT Line trim. The standard HT Line models, however, are expected to maintain a bumper style similar to the international-spec model. This implies that the HT Line and GT Line models will be more distinctive than they were before the redesign. 

A completely new headlamp assembly with reworked internals and LED Daytime Running Lamps, as well as a much wider and altered grille, will be included in the Seltos facelift. Additionally, the bumper has brand-new fog light housings, with an ADAS module. The new LED light bar connecting the new, more streamlined taillamps will be the main talking point of the Seltos facelift's reworked tailgate. The GT Line variant of the car also receives a revised rear bumper with two aggressive exhaust points and a noticeable faux silver skid plate; however, it is unclear whether these changes are practical or only cosmetic. The silhouette hasn't changed much, but depending on the model, the 17-inch alloy wheels have a new design.

2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Seltos will most likely have improved versions of the current model's 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine might also be on the table. The 1.5-litre petrol engine can produce 113bhp of maximum power and 144Nm of peak torque, while the turbo diesel engine can churn out 114bhp and 250Nm. In contrast, the 1.5-litre new turbo-petrol engine is estimated to produce 158bhp and 253Nm. Available engines will most likely get iMT (clutchless manual gearbox) and automated gearboxes for transmission.

2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Interior and Safety Features

The cabin of the all-new Kia Seltos is probably going to include two 10.25-inch displays with an EV6-like configuration from the international-spec model. Additionally, a new central console is expected to be present. The automated versions may feature a rotary gear selector. Apart from this, the Kia Seltos will also gain a host of new features, including a panoramic sunroof. Furthermore, we anticipate that the 2023 iteration will also include heated seats like the Verna sedan. 

The car’s safety suit will have a number of cutting-edge safety features, including smart cruise control with stop and go, blind spot collision warning, intelligent speed limit assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, highway driving assist, and safe exit warning.

Also Read: 2023 Kia Seltos X Line Facelift Spotted Testing Ahead of India Launch

2023 Kia Seltos SUV: Competition Check

The Seltos is expected to demand a significant premium over the existing model, which starts at Rs 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom), given the latest improvements. The Hyundai Creta, the Skoda Kushaq, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Volkswagen Taigun, and the soon-to-arrive Citroen C3 Aircross will continue to be its direct market rivals in India.