The 2023 Kia Seltos: A Tech-Forward Mid-Sized SUV That Offers Safety and Convenience in Equal Measure
The Kia Seltos has been a popular choice for buyers in India since its launch in 2019. It’s a mid-sized SUV that’s equally adept at navigating city streets and cruising down highways. But what truly sets it apart is its feature-packed approach, offering a wide range of technology and safety features. The new 2023 facelift builds upon this foundation, introducing a premium X-line trim, enhanced engine and transmission options, and an even more impressive suite of features. Having driven the new Seltos, I can confidently say it’s a car that makes a statement, both in terms of its technology and its overall driving experience.
Kia Seltos (2023) Price, Variants, and Engine Options
The 2023 Kia Seltos is priced competitively, starting at Rs. 10.90 lakh and going up to Rs. 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant chosen. The price reflects the variety of engine, transmission, and trim combinations available. From the entry-level HTE trim to the top-of-the-line X-line, which boasts a unique Matte Graphite color, there’s an option for every preference and budget.
You have a choice between petrol, diesel, and turbo petrol variants, each paired with different transmission options, including manual, iMT (clutchless manual), and three automatics: CVT, torque converter, and DCT. Some variants even come with paddle shifters for manual control.
For my test drive, I was behind the wheel of the Kia Seltos (2023) GT-line, equipped with the Turbo Petrol engine in Pewter Olive, a variant that includes all the key safety and technological features.
Kia Seltos (2023): Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for Enhanced Safety
The 2023 Kia Seltos places ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) at the forefront of its safety features, complementing the standard six airbags and disc brakes on all four wheels. ADAS is a technology that assists drivers in various ways, and the Seltos offers Level 2 automation, meaning it can provide a certain degree of hands-off control in specific situations.
This was my first experience with a car featuring ADAS, and while initially a little unnerving to have the system take over certain aspects of driving, it quickly became reassuring. The Seltos boasts 17 ADAS functions, most of which provide crucial support in preventing collisions and enhancing safety.
Some features, such as forward collision warning and forward collision assistance, are designed to be used only in emergencies. Others, like lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision assist, and smart cruise control, were showcased in safe environments during the test drive and proved to be incredibly valuable.
The 360-degree camera system is a standout feature that offers a clear view of the car’s surroundings, proving especially helpful when parking or navigating tight spaces.
During those controlled environments, Kia drivers demonstrated the car’s ability to autonomously apply brakes, provide loud audio warnings, and counter-steer in situations where a collision was imminent, whether with another vehicle or even an opened door.
While navigating the highway myself, I witnessed the effectiveness of lane-keep assist, which kept the car within its lane for the most part, offering minor steering corrections when necessary. The fully-digital instrument cluster displayed the blind-spot clearly when I signaled a turn, while smart cruise control smoothly adjusted speed, based on the traffic ahead.
Although initially a bit unsettling to have the car take over certain functions, the ADAS features proved to be effective and reassuring. While I maintained primary control at all times, the system’s subtle feedback through the steering wheel and the array of warnings provided an extra layer of safety. However, the Driver Attention Warning that chimed every 15 minutes to remind me to take a break quickly became tiresome.
Kia Seltos (2023): Kia Connect, Voice Commands, and Spacious Displays
Kia Connect is a connected car system I previously tested on the Kia Sonet (then known as Kia UVO), and it has significantly evolved since then. A major factor in this improvement is the addition of a 10.25-inch touch infotainment system that sits alongside an equally impressive 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. This combination creates a futuristic feel and puts a wealth of information about the car within easy reach.
While you can always connect your smartphone via USB for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality, Kia Connect offers a seamless and comprehensive experience. The car relies on its own data connection to power various features, including voice commands, detailed mapping for navigation, and more. During my drive, even in relatively remote areas like the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, I was able to navigate to specific locations and utilize voice commands effectively.
For entertainment, the Kia Seltos (2023) offers wired and wireless connectivity to various devices, and the Bose speaker system in my test drive variant delivered impressive sound quality, even over Bluetooth. A collection of ambient soundtracks preloaded within Kia Connect provided a serene listening experience.
The Kia Connect app offers a range of capabilities, including viewing car data such as fuel range, status, and location. It also allows for remote starting and stopping of the car, even when you’re not inside. Additional tech features include full vehicle diagnostics, ADAS control through the screens, navigation setup via smartphone with instructions sent to the car, remote climate control, and a convenient air purifier for clean air inside the Seltos.
The voice commands are remarkably intuitive and responsive, allowing you to control various functions, including:
- Opening the panoramic sunroof
- Navigating to specific locations
- Turning the air conditioning on or off
- Opening/closing windows
- And much more
While there were occasional instances where I needed to repeat commands, the system responded accurately most of the time. Impressively, voice commands are available in both English and bilingual (Hindi with English), with commands like ‘sunroof kholo’ (open sunroof) and ‘AC band karo’ (turn off AC) working flawlessly.
Kia Seltos (2023): The Driving Experience
The Kia Seltos (2023) offers three different engine variants, with various transmission options linked to specific trim levels. My test drive featured the new turbo petrol variant, which is the most powerful option, delivering impressive horsepower and torque. This variant was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. The manual override with paddle shifters provided an additional layer of control when desired, although I rarely found the need to switch to manual mode. The DCT gearbox handled shifts seamlessly, and the throttle response was impressive, even when tackling inclines.
The Seltos shines in both city and highway driving, offering a comfortable and sedan-like ride. When cruising at highway speeds in seventh gear, it delivered a smooth and efficient ride with minimal engine noise. The DCT gearbox quickly adapted to changing conditions, allowing for smooth lane changes and confident overtaking.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Kia Seltos stands out as a leader in its segment, boasting impressive safety features, advanced technology, and a comfortable driving experience. The Level 2 ADAS system sets it apart by offering a level of automation that enhances safety and minimizes potential accidents. The 360-degree camera system and additional safety features like lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring add an extra layer of protection. While some ADAS features, like the Driver Attention Warning, may become a bit repetitive, you have the option to disable features as needed.
On the technological front, the Seltos delivers a truly connected driving experience, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive technology. Voice control for car functions and navigation, combined with the Kia Connect app and its suite of features, make it a remarkably convenient and user-friendly car.
The Seltos’ overall driving experience is undeniably smooth and enjoyable. However, considering the wide price range across different variants, potential buyers should carefully consider their needs and budget. The well-equipped variants cost considerably more than the basic options, with the top-end X-line variants nearly double the price of the entry-level models.
Ultimately, the 2023 Kia Seltos is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling mix of safety, technology, and driving enjoyment. If you’re looking for a car that offers a touch of the future and prioritizes both convenience and safety, the Seltos is a strong contender worthy of your consideration.
