From its cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Kia India has rolled out its one-millionth car, the new Seltos facelift. The South Korean automaker's Indian subsidiary thus reached the 1 million production milestone four years after it began operations in the country, turning Kia into India's fastest manufacturer to do so. Commenting on the latest milestone, Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director and CEO, of Kia India, remarked, “This is a big moment for us, our employees, and our partners who have lived and supported our journey and helped us in making Kia an integral part of Indian consumer’s lives today. We are extremely grateful for their support and the love of our customers. I feel that the future is bright for Kia India, and the new Seltos marks the beginning of an exhilarating chapter as we continue to drive toward automotive excellence in the Indian market. We will remain dedicated to driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of mobility in India."
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Kia Clocks 10 Lakh Units Production Milestone
In August 2019, Kia entered the Indian market with the debut of the Seltos mid-size SUV, which exploded on the sales charts. In a record-breaking 46 months, the Seltos sold more than 5 lakh units, making it one of India's best-selling SUVs. For those who are unaware, the Indian portfolio of the auto manufacturer comprises several popular models such as the Carens MPV, the Carnival premium MPV, the Sonet subcompact SUV, and the EV6 electric crossover. The newly-debuted Kia Seltos facelift is the brand's one-millionth car heading out of the Anantapur manufacturing facility. It signals the beginning of the production process for the facelifted Kia Seltos, the prices of which will be revealed the following month. Distinguished guests from the Andhra Pradesh government, as well as dignitaries from Kia, graced the occasion.
2023 Kia Seltos: Design Updates
The redesigned Kia Seltos for India was finally unveiled on July 04, and the compact SUV appears better than ever. Although there haven't been many aesthetic modifications, the interior and feature set have been thoroughly upgraded. The model will be offered in three variants - Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line. The Seltos' overall appearance hasn't changed but the updated model has new LED DRLs for a more modern light signature along with reworked bumpers, an updated grille, and other cosmetic changes. The new linked taillamps and all the modifications associated with the new rear bumper at the back make the improvements more apparent. Although the SUV has new 18-inch alloy wheels that give it an upscale look than earlier, its shape nevertheless resembles that of the previous model rather closely.
2023 Kia Seltos: Cabin and Feature Set
To make room for the new integrated displays and climate control panel, the dashboard of the facelifted Kia Seltos has been modified. The SUV's GT Line variation maintains the all-black interior theme, and the remainder of the console design is the same with its driver-focused arrangement. When the Kia Seltos made its debut in 2019, it established a new standard for features, but it has already been overtaken by fresh and improved rivals. With the facelift, the Seltos get a variety of extras they needed to catch up, such as a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, and dual-zone climate control. Notably, only the GT Line versions will have twin exhaust tips.
The additional major boost is ADAS (advanced driver assist systems), which includes 17 functions including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, high beam assist, and autonomous emergency braking. Six airbags, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX, and electronic stability control (ESC) are still part of its safety package. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, heads-up display, wireless phone charging, LED sound mood lighting, and integrated air purifier remain its standard features.
Also Read: Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta Feature Comparison: Which is Better?
2023 Kia Seltos: Powertrain and Rivals
The 1.5-litre petrol engine with 113bhp and 144Nm and the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 114.4bhp and 250Nm remain under the hood of the Seltos facelift. The diesel engine has a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the petrol engine continues to come with a 6-speed manual or CVT. Both engines are BS6 Phase II-compliant. Further, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which replaces the earlier 1.4-litre unit, puts out 158bhp of maximum power and 253Nm. With the Carens, the new engine made its debut in the lineup of Kia vehicles. It is available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The automaker is anticipated to launch the Seltos in India shortly, with costs beginning at probably about Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The refreshed SUV will continue to compete against vehicles like the MG Astor, the Toyota Hyryder, the Hyundai Creta, and the Skoda Kushaq.
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