Kia Seltos Ownership Review
The Kia Seltos has become extremely popular in the Indian SUV market thanks to its modern design, modern technology and great performance. The car owner Tanmay Choudhary bought the Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo Petrol in March 2024 and has completed 10,000 km of driving. Priced at ₹ 22,80,000, this SUV is a blend of luxury, comfort and power. In this review, we will explore his ownership experience, highlighting the pros and cons of the vehicle.
Kia Seltos Exterior Design and Features
The Kia Seltos stands out on the road because to its brash and elegant appearance. Its design combines luxury and athletic components, adding to its allure.
- The 18-inch alloy wheels give it a dynamic and powerful look.
- Fully automatic functions like auto headlights and wipers add convenience.
- The 360-degree camera enhances parking safety, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- ADAS Level 2 offers advanced driver assistance features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The build quality of the Seltos is solid, and its aggressive front grille and LED lights enhance its road presence. Kia has ensured that the SUV looks stylish and up-to-date with the latest design trends.
Kia Seltos Interior Comfort and Technology
The Kia Seltos has a spacious and feature-packed interior that enhances the overall driving experience.
- The large boot space offers ample space for luggage, making it ideal for long trips.
- Sunshades for rear passengers improve comfort, especially during summers.
- Interior comfort is excellent with premium-quality materials and well-cushioned seats.
- Warning sensors alert the driver about nearby obstacles and lane departures.
- Wireless charging allows for easy and convenient smartphone charging on the go.
The Seltos cabin feels modern and practical, suitable for both daily commutes and long-distance travel.
Kia Seltos Performance and Driving Experience
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine in the Kia Seltos offers a smooth and powerful drive. The combination of refined power delivery and nimble handling makes the SUV fun to drive.
- Handling is one of the best in its segment, offering great control on highways and in city traffic.
- Two driving modes: Normal mode for everyday driving and Sports mode for more aggressive throttle response.
- Engine performance is strong, with crisp acceleration and minimal turbo lag.
- Mileage is low, ranging between 4-5 kmpl, which could be a concern for some buyers.
While the engine power and response are impressive, fuel efficiency is below expectations, especially for city driving conditions.
Kia Seltos Safety and Features
Kia has equipped the Seltos with a number of safety features to ensure maximum safety of passengers.
- Six airbags provide comprehensive protection in case of a collision.
- The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS Level 2) offers features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and emergency braking.
- The sunroof enhances the premium feel of the car and improves cabin ventilation.
Although the ADAS system is beneficial for safety, owners have pointed out one drawback – the automatic braking system can sometimes activate unnecessarily, which can be frustrating in certain situations.
Kia Seltos Braking Performance and Stability
Braking is a crucial factor in any vehicle, and the Kia Seltos offers good overall stability. However, owners have experienced some issues with its braking system.
- The brakes don’t feel as sharp as expected, especially at high speeds.
- The ADAS Level 2 automatic braking can sometimes engage unexpectedly, which isn’t always ideal in real-world driving conditions.
- Despite these concerns, the SUV remains stable at high speeds and during sudden maneuvers.
For city driving and highway cruising, the Kia Seltos’ stability is commendable, but Kia could improve the braking response for better confidence on the road.
Kia Seltos Maintenance and Service Costs
Owning a Kia Seltos comes with reasonable maintenance costs, making it an affordable SUV to maintain.
- The first service at 1,000 km included a basic check without any significant cost.
- The second service at 10,000 km was a normal service with regular maintenance.
So far, service costs have been manageable, and Kia’s service network ensures that owners do not face any difficulties with after-sales support.
Drawbacks of the Kia Seltos
Despite its many advantages, the Kia Seltos has a few drawbacks that prospective buyers should consider.
- Braking Performance – The braking system doesn’t feel as responsive as expected, which could be a concern in emergency situations.
- ADAS Automatic Braking Issue – The Level 2 ADAS system sometimes activates the brakes unnecessarily, which could be annoying.
- Low Mileage – The SUV returns only 4-5 kmpl, which is much less than what many buyers expect from a petrol engine.
While these drawbacks might not be dealbreakers for everyone, these are things to keep in mind before buying the Kia Seltos.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo Petrol is a great SUV with a modern design, strong performance and advanced technology. The handling is superb, the interior is spacious and the safety features are top-notch. However, low fuel efficiency and braking issues are some of the concerns that buyers should be aware of.
If you are looking for an SUV with a premium feel, strong performance and advanced safety features, the Kia Seltos is a great option. However, if fuel efficiency and braking response are your top priorities, it is advisable to take a test drive and evaluate whether it lives up to your expectations.
Would you consider buying the Kia Seltos 1.5 Turbo Petrol? Let us know what you think.
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