Kia Seltos India vs International: Spec Comparison

Kia’s debut product for India, the Seltos, is slated to launch in August this year. The Indian market has very high expectations from the Seltos thanks to it being a global product with premium styling, feature-rich interiors, not to mention the reputation the brand ‘Kia’ carries. Question is, has Kia skimped on the Indian-spec SUV or is it the same as the global-spec SUV. Let’s find out in this detailed spec comparison.

Note: Korean-spec Seltos used for this comparison.

Styling:

We’re happy to report that the styling of the Indian-spec Seltos is almost the same as the international-spec model. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger nose grille,’ all-LED headlamps and DRLs are present in both models. But a closer look reveals that the Korean model has more aggressive-looking bumpers. In profile, the international spec gets alloy wheels which look almost the same as the ones on the Indian-spec GTX though they may be larger. Both the models look almost the same at the rear.

While the interior styling of both the models are similar, a keen eye will notice some distinguishing elements between them: Dashboard and seats on the Indian model comes in a black-beige colour combo while the Korean model can been seen in a black-brown combination. Then there’s the 10.25-inch UVO infotainment on the Indian-spec model which lacks physical buttons, something that its international sibling has.

Features:

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Both models are feature-rich and come with equipment like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘UVO’ connected car tech, 7-inch multi-info driver’s display, 8-inch heads-up display, Bose sound system, Kia’s Sound Mood lighting, automatic climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, cruise control and more.

But the Korean-spec model goes a step further and comes with heated rear seats, navigation-based cruise control and smart key remote engine start/stop.

Safety Features:

While both models have you covered with safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear sensors coupled with a 360-degree camera, ESP, traction control, hill start assist and the blind view monitor, the Korean-spec model comes with additional safety gizmos like front collision prevention assistance, lane departure warning, driver fatigue alert and rear cross collision prevention systems as well.

Powertrain Options:

The Indian-spec Kia Seltos comes with three engine and four transmission options, the most any manufacturer has ever offered in this segment. This includes a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine. Kia is expected to offer the Seltos with front-wheel-drive drivetrains only to keep costs competitive.

Also Read: Kia Carnival India Launch Confirmed For First Half Of 2020

On the other hand, the Korean-spec model comes with a 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol and diesel motors. Transmission options are limited to a 7-speed DCT. The Seltos in Korea also comes with an all-wheel-drive system.

Note: Information taken from manufacturer’s website. 

Model	Turbo Petrol	NA Petrol	Diesel
Kia Seltos India	1.4-litre T-GDI/7-speed DCT	1.5-litre NA Petrol/ 6-speed MT/CVT	1.5-litre Diesel /6-speed MT/6-speed AT
Kia Seltos Korea	1.6-litre T-GDI/7-speed DCT	-----	1.6-litre Diesel/7-speed DCT

 

The India-spec Kia Seltos does lose out on quite a few goodies when compared to its Korean version. It also comes with a lower displacement engine. But what tips the scales here in the Indian-spec model’s favour is the variety of engine and transmission options it comes with. Slated to launch in India this August, the Seltos is expected to be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).