The base-spec Kia Seltos comes with six airbags as standard, but it does not include an infotainment system
The Kia Seltos underwent a comprehensive makeover in July 2023, and since its release, the SUV has garnered over 50,000 bookings. The Kia Seltos facelift offers a well-equipped package, whether it’s in terms of features, safety, or powertrain options. Among the various variants of the Kia Seltos, let’s take a closer look at what the base-spec diesel HTE trim, priced at Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), of this compact SUV has to offer.
The front fascia of the 2023 Kia Seltos HTE looks very similar to its higher-specced variants. It features a large tiger-nose grille and halogen projector headlights, while higher variants boast an LED setup. Kia does not offer fog lights with this specific variant of the Seltos, but it gets a silver skid plate, a common element on other more-equipped Tech Line trims.
Moving to the side, it becomes identifiable as a base variant Kia Seltos by its 16-inch steel wheels (with wheel covers), in contrast to the alloy wheels offered from the HTX variant onward. Additionally, the turn indicator is mounted on the side fender instead of on the ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors). It comes with body-colored door handles and side mirrors, while higher variants boast chrome-finished door handles and chrome garnish on the door cladding.
While this particular variant of the 2023 Kia Seltos doesn’t feature a full LED tail lamp setup, it maintains a connected design from the base option similar to those found on higher-specced models. The brake lights and turn indicators are halogen, and it also gets a shark-fin antenna. However, it lacks a rear defogger and rear wiper in this trim of the compact SUV.
Inside, this base-spec model offers an all-black dashboard with black upholstery and maintains its overall dashboard layout minus the displays. It also features a semi-digital driver’s display with a 4.2-inch MID, but it lacks an infotainment system. The AC controls are manual, but you do get one type-C USB charger at the front, along with a 12V power outlet. Other features on board the HTE variant of the 2023 Kia Seltos include a height-adjustable driver’s seat, adjustable front headrests and power windows for all four doors.
As seen in the picture, Kia is also offering its base-variant of the Seltos with rear AC vents and two type-C USB charging ports for rear passengers as well.
In terms of safety, the Seltos comes standard with six airbags, ABS with EBD, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability program, 3-point seat belts for all passengers, rear parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Powertrain On Offer
The Seltos HTE variant comes with two engine options: 1.5-litre petrol (115PS/144Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual, and a 1.5-litre diesel (116PS/250Nm) paired with a 6-speed iMT (manual without a clutch pedal). The better equipped variants of the Seltos petrol gets a CVT gearbox, while the diesel gets an optional 6-speed torque automatic transmission. Also, from HTK+ onwards, you also get the option of a 1.5-litre T-GDi (turbo-petrol) engine (160PS/253Nm), mated to either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Price Range & Rivals
The 2023 Kia Seltos is priced from Rs 10.29 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). It takes on the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
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