The Kia Seltos, one of India's popular SUVs, is set to receive its first mid-lifecycle update this year. Recently, the Seltos facelift was spotted testing on Indian roads in its top-spec X-Line variant. The international version of the Seltos facelift was unveiled about a year ago, showcasing revised front and rear designs, an updated dashboard, and a host of new equipment. However, the engines will remain the same, with no changes to the existing 1.5-litre petrol and diesel variants. Notably, the Seltos will reintroduce a turbo-petrol engine, featuring the new 1.6-litre unit from the Verna.
Redesigned Exterior: New Front and Rear End
The spy shots of the Seltos facelift reveal significant changes focused on the front and rear sections. At the front, the updated Seltos will sport a larger grille with a new mesh pattern, while retaining the iconic 'Tiger Nose' design motif. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) will be repositioned within the grille, unlike the current model where they are placed on top. The headlamps will maintain a similar shape but will feature all-new internals with revised LED DRL signatures. These DRLs can even be partially seen through the camouflage in the spy images. Additionally, the front bumper will receive a fresh design with a revised central air intake and fog lamp enclosures.
Moving to the rear, the Seltos facelift will feature all-new vertically oriented tail lamps connected by a light bar, as evident from the spy shots. The updates extend beyond the soft plastic parts, with an entirely new tailgate design. The rear bumper will showcase a dual-tone finish with enhanced contouring, repositioned reflectors, and a faux skid plate. Moreover, the 17-inch alloy wheels will showcase a fresh design.
Updated Interior and Features
The most significant interior update in the Seltos facelift is the introduction of a new twin, connected screen layout. Currently, the instrument cluster and infotainment screen are housed within the same binnacle, but they are visually separated, with the instrument cluster set deeper. With the update, the Seltos will feature a seamlessly connected screen similar to what we've seen in the Mahindra XUV700. This change will also bring about a slight redesign of the dashboard.
Other interior updates include slimmer central AC vents, repositioned switchgear for the HVAC controls, and a new center console with a rotary drive selector for automatic variants. Furthermore, the Seltos is expected to receive notable upgrades to its equipment list. A panoramic sunroof, becoming a norm in this segment, is anticipated to be included. There may also be improvements to the infotainment software and the addition of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.
Engine Options
Mechanically, the Seltos facelift will retain the existing 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, along with their respective manual and automatic gearboxes. Although the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine will no longer be available, the Seltos will introduce a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, which made its debut in the new Hyundai Verna. This engine generates 160hp and 253Nm of peak torque. While the Verna offers a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT gearbox with this engine, it remains to be seen which gearbox options Kia will offer for the Seltos.
Launch and Rivals
According to our sources, the Seltos facelift is expected to be launched in the Indian market around July or August this year. With the updates it brings, an increase in prices can be anticipated. The Seltos will continue to compete with popular rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor. Honda and Citroen are also set to join this segment soon with the Elevate and C3 Aircross, respectively.
