Discover the Kia Seltos HTE: A Base Model with Premium Features
The Kia Seltos HTE is the base model that redefines expectations. This compact SUV offers a comprehensive set of features, often seen in higher variants of other cars in its segment. With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹10,99,000, the Seltos HTE delivers impressive value.
Stylish Exterior Design
The front of the Seltos HTE features a broad, muscular grille in a matte black finish, prominently displaying the ‘K’ logo. It comes with an LED automatic headlamp setup, distinct DRLs, and integrated turn indicators. The lower grille also sports a matte black finish and includes a tow hook option. While fog lamps are not standard, they can be added as an accessory. The Seltos HTE boasts a good ground clearance of around 200 mm. The roof design is plain, complemented by a dual wiper and washer system.
From the side, the Seltos HTE maintains its robust SUV look. It comes with body-colored wheel covers and door handles. The tires are 16-inch radial, sized 205/65, ensuring a stable ride. Both the front and rear wheels are equipped with disc brakes for effective stopping power. Matte black cladding runs along the side, adding to its rugged appeal. The ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) are body-colored and include turn indicators. The A-pillar is blacked out, and the B-pillar has a matte black finish. It features flush door handles, which do not pop out automatically. The Seltos HTE comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended for an additional cost. The fuel tank capacity is 47 liters, supporting both petrol and diesel options. Diesel variants will also require AdBlue/Urea.
The Seltos has increased dimensions compared to its previous generation, offering more interior space. The overall length is 4460 mm, making it one of the longest SUVs in its segment. It has a width of 1830 mm, a height of 1635 mm, and a wheelbase of 2690 mm.
At the rear, the Seltos HTE features LED taillights, though not fully functional in this base model. The ‘K’ logo is centrally placed, along with a reverse parking camera, which is a standard feature. A high-mounted stop lamp and a shark fin antenna are also included. However, a rear wiper or defogger is not available. The ‘Seltos’ badging is clearly visible. The dual-tone bumper integrates four reverse parking sensors and reflectors, along with a skid plate. The rear suspension setup and exhaust pipe are visible beneath.
Spacious Boot and Practicality
The Seltos HTE offers a generous boot space of 447 liters, an increase from the previous 433 liters. While a parcel tray is not included as standard, it can be fitted later. The rear seat is 100% foldable, providing ample cargo flexibility. The boot area includes a boot light and hooks on both sides. A normal steel rim spare tire, along with a jack and toolkit, is conveniently stored underneath. Additional box-type storage is also available.
Comfortable and Feature-Packed Interior
The interior of the Seltos HTE impresses with its dual-tone door trims in grey and black. The seats are upholstered in fabric and offer good comfort, legroom, and thigh support for rear passengers. Rear AC vents are provided for enhanced comfort, along with a phone holder. Interestingly, Type-C charging sockets are available on the back of both front seats, allowing rear passengers to easily charge their devices. The floor has a slight rise.
For safety, the Seltos HTE comes with two fixed headrests for the rear passengers and three-point seatbelts. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also included for securing child seats. The seatbelt height is adjustable. A white LED roof light illuminates the cabin. Six airbags are standard from this base model.
On the driver’s side, the door trim mirrors the dual-tone design. It includes controls for all four power windows, central lock/unlock buttons, and adjustable ORVMs. The door opener has a grey finish. Speakers and bottle holders are integrated into the doors. The fabric seats offer both height adjustment and recline options. A lever to open the fuel lid is located on the driver’s side. The car comes with ABC pedals for manual transmission and a dead pedal. Controls for Hill Descent Control, Traction Control, and headlamp leveler are placed conveniently.
The Seltos HTE features a fully digital instrument cluster with various check lights. The steering wheel, with the ‘K’ logo, is tilt-adjustable. It incorporates telephonic controls for mode, volume adjustment, and calls. MID controls are also present. A notable feature for a base model is the inclusion of cruise control, allowing drivers to set their desired speed. Automatic headlamps and wiper controls are also standard.
The center console is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and USB connectivity. This system also displays the feed from the reverse parking camera, which can be activated with a dedicated view button. A hazard light switch and physical buttons for the touchscreen and AC controls (fan speed, temperature) are easily accessible.
Below the AC controls, there are three Type-C USB ports in the front, two for charging and one for USB data. Two additional Type-C USB ports are provided in the rear cabin. Storage space is available for small items. The Seltos HTE features a six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic option also available. Two glass holders and a small storage area are situated near the manual handbrake. An armrest with storage and a 12V charging output is also provided. The glove box offers space for documents and other essentials. Other interior features include a manually adjustable IRVM, a sunglass holder, a microphone, white LED roof lights, a vanity mirror on the passenger sun visor, and a ticket holder on the driver’s sun visor.
Powerful Engine Options
The Kia Seltos offers both petrol and diesel engine options. The base model, as described, comes with a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 114 bhp of power and approximately 143-144 Nm of torque. It is expected to deliver a mileage of 15-17 kmpl, depending on driving style. The bonnet is supported by hydraulic struts for ease of opening and closing, and it includes insulation.
For those preferring diesel, a 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine is also available. It generates 114 bhp of power and a higher torque of 250 Nm. The diesel variant offers an impressive mileage of 20+ kmpl.
Pricing and Comprehensive Safety
The ex-showroom price for the Kia Seltos HTE petrol model is ₹10,99,000, with the on-road price estimated to be around ₹13,20,000. The diesel HTE model is priced at ₹11,69,000 (ex-showroom), with an on-road price of approximately ₹14,00,000.
Safety is a priority in the Seltos HTE, featuring:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Six airbags
- Reverse parking sensors
- Reverse parking camera
- Seat belt warning
- Engine crash sensor
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Hill Descent Control
- Automatic LED headlamps
The Kia Seltos HTE truly stands out by offering a host of standard features in its base model, making it a highly competitive and attractive option in the compact SUV segment.
