Kia Seltos HT: A Look at the Feature-Rich Base Model SUV
The Kia Seltos stands out in its segment as a muscular and feature-loaded SUV. Today, we focus on its lowest base model, the HT Diesel, which offers an impressive array of standard features.
Kia Seltos Pricing and Engine Options
The Kia Seltos is available with both diesel and petrol engine options. The base model HT Diesel starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹12,40,000. For those preferring petrol, the HT base model is priced at ₹10,90,000 ex-showroom. On-road prices (Lucknow) for the diesel variant are around ₹14,37,000, while the petrol variant costs approximately ₹12,65,000.
The 1.5-liter diesel engine delivers 114 BHP power and 250 Nm of torque, offering a mileage of approximately 21 kmpl. The 1.5-liter petrol engine produces 113 BHP power and 144 Nm of torque, with a mileage of about 18-19 kmpl. Both engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Exterior Design and Features
The Seltos HT base model boasts a muscular look. At the front, it features the prominent Kia logo and a matte black Tiger Nose Grille. While upper variants have DRLs, this model gets a sleek silver finish. It includes side parking lights, indicators, and a projector headlamp setup with yellow projectors. Fog lamps housing is present, allowing for accessory installation later. The lower grille is blacked out, complemented by a silver skid plate. The ground clearance for the Seltos is 190 mm.
From the side, the Seltos HT features 16-inch steel rims with wheel covers and radial tires (205/65 R16 profile). Both front and rear wheels are equipped with disc brakes, even in this base model. Black cladding runs along the side. The outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are body-colored, manually adjustable, and manually foldable. Door handles are also body-colored. A notable feature is the sun blind, available from the base model, for added shade. The fuel tank capacity is 45 liters, and being a diesel vehicle, it requires AdBlue.
The rear profile includes LED taillights with integrated indicators. A Kia logo is in the center, alongside the Seltos badging. The nameplate light is yellow. The bumper features reflectors, a reverse light, and four reverse parking sensors. A towing hook option is also present. Similar to the front, a silver skid plate enhances the rear’s robust look. This variant does not come with a rear wiper or defogger. It includes a high mount stop lamp and a shark fin antenna. The Seltos comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended.
Spacious Boot and Practical Interior
The Seltos offers a generous boot space of 433 liters, providing ample room for luggage. The rear seats are 100% foldable for increased cargo flexibility. This base model does not include a parcel tray. The spare wheel is a 16-inch steel rim, matching the size of the main wheels, and a complete tool kit is stored below.
Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort and practicality. The rear cabin features black door trims with power window controls and bottle holders. The fabric seats provide comfortable seating for two, with space for a third person. There are three fixed headrests and a grab handle. AC vents and two Type-C USB ports are provided for rear passengers. The roof light uses a regular halogen bulb. The seat belts are adjustable.
The driver’s side features a flip remote central locking key with lock/unlock controls. The black door trim includes a grey door opener and standard power window controls for all four windows. The driver’s seat offers height adjustment. Below, you’ll find the fuel lid opener, manual transmission pedals, and a lever for opening the bonnet. Switches for traction control, idle start/stop, and headlamp leveling are located on the side.
Advanced Driver Features and Safety
The Seltos HT base model comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that is colorful and provides comprehensive information. This includes a speedometer, RPM meter, and an MID screen displaying trip details, drive information, cluster light settings, door status, convenience unit, reset options, and language settings. For the diesel variant, the AdBlue level is also displayed, along with fuel gauge and temperature bars.
The steering wheel has a Kia logo and controls for the MID screen, though it lacks audio controls in this base model. The steering column is tilt-adjustable. Manual headlamp and wiper controls are located on either side of the steering wheel.
The center console is predominantly black. While a touchscreen infotainment system is not included in this variant, it can be added as an accessory. It features a hazard light switch, manual AC controls, a 12V charging outlet, and a Type-C USB port. There is also a dedicated space for phone storage. The car comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other features include two glass holders, a manual handbrake, and an armrest with storage space for small items.
For convenience, a manually adjustable IRVM, a sunglass holder, and a regular halogen roof light are provided. The driver’s side sun visor includes a ticket holder, while the co-driver’s side has a vanity mirror. The glove box is a standard type, without cooling.
Safety is a priority in the Kia Seltos. The HT base model is equipped with ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, reverse parking sensors, a speed alert system, seat belt warning, an engine immobilizer, and a crash sensor. These features contribute to a safe driving experience in this compact SUV.
