It outshines the other two new compact SUVs due to arrive this year – Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross
The compact SUV segment is currently the most popular automotive segment in India. With seven brands already competing, Honda and Citroen are set to enter the market in 2023 with new offerings. However, the recently launched facelifted Kia Seltos may have already stolen the spotlight from the upcoming Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The Seltos has undergone its first major update since its launch four years ago and has once again set a new standard for features in the compact SUV segment. Here are 10 features that the Seltos offers over the Elevate and C3 Aircross, even though the Elevate is a premium offering:
Panoramic sunroof
The Seltos now comes with a panoramic sunroof, a highly desired feature in the compact SUV segment. While the Elevate has a single-pane sunroof, the Citroen C3 Aircross does not offer a sunroof at all.
Digital instrument cluster
The Seltos comes with a connected display setup, including a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The Elevate has a semi-digital setup, while the C3 Aircross features a digitized instrument cluster.
Dual-zone climate control
Kia is the first in the compact SUV segment to offer dual-zone climate control. This feature enhances the premium experience for the front passengers by allowing them to have different climate settings.
Multiple powertrain options
The Seltos is one of the few compact SUVs in the segment, along with the Hyundai Creta, to offer a diesel engine option. It also offers naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. In comparison, the Elevate will only be available with a single petrol engine option, while the C3 Aircross will only have a turbo-petrol engine.
Multiple types of automatic transmissions and iMT
The Seltos offers a wide range of engines, each with its own choice of automatic transmission. The N.A. petrol unit has a CVT, the diesel has a 6-speed torque converter, and the turbo-petrol can be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In comparison, the C3 Aircross will not have an automatic option at launch, while the Elevate will only have a CVT.
360-degree camera
The Seltos has a 360-degree camera feature, which is not available in the Elevate and C3 Aircross. This feature is useful in crowded and tight spaces in the city.
Powered driver’s seat
The Seltos has an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, offering eight-way adjustments including recline, slide, height, and seat base angle. This feature adds to the premium feel of the car. The upcoming Honda and Citroen SUVs do not offer this feature.
Ventilated front seats
The Seltos has ventilated front seats, allowing users to adjust the fan speed for desired cooling. This feature is not available in the Elevate and C3 Aircross, making it a desirable comfort feature for India’s climate.
Bose sound system
The Seltos is equipped with a premium 8-speaker audio system from Bose, while the Honda and Citroen SUVs do not offer a branded audio setup.
8-inch head-up display
The Seltos offers a head-up display, displaying basic vehicle information such as speed, fuel levels, and basic navigation directions. This feature is not available in the Elevate and C3 Aircross.
Added features come at added cost
The Kia Seltos facelift is priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the pricier models in the segment due to its premium features. The Elevate and C3 Aircross, on the other hand, are expected to be more affordable, with prices starting at around Rs 12 lakh and Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. The Honda Elevate is scheduled to launch in September, while the Citroen SUV could arrive around the same time.
Read More on : Kia Seltos on road price