Facelifted Kia Seltos Sheds More Camo In India

• Other design changes include new alloy wheels, and connected tail lamps.

• The cabin could gain a digital driver display; ADAS should be one of the SUV’s new features.

• Should retain the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Kia revealed the facelifted Seltos SUV in its home market and now, the pre-production version of the same has once again been spotted in India. This time however, the test mule has shed a bit more camouflage, offering more glimpses of what will change. 

The latest images show off the front end of the updated Seltos which has changes that match the model revealed abroad. They include a new LED DRL setup that extends to the retained Tiger nose grille mesh, as well as a tweaked front bumper. While other areas are still under camouflage, the South Korean firm’s SUV comes with new alloy wheels, as well as snazzier LED tail lamps connected by a light bar.   

Although cabin shots of the Indian model are yet to surface, we know that majority of the changes in the model sold abroad has been to the dashboard, thanks to the introduction of a digital instrument cluster which merges with the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Look closer and it’ll be evident that the car now has thinner AC vents, new climate control switches, and a rotary gear dial (automatic variants).

Expect bits such as a 360-degree camera, head-up display, and ventilated front seats to be retained in the India-spec model. But, the big addition will likely be ADAS, since the India-bound facelifted Hyundai Creta is expected to get it. 

Mechanically things should remain the same, with 140PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 115PS 1.5-litre petrol, and 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engine options and a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Automatic transmission options include a 6-speed unit, a 7-speed DCT and a CVT – depending on the engine – as well as a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual gearbox) for the 1.5-litre petrol mill. 

Kia could launch the updated Seltos by early 2023, around the Auto Expo that is scheduled to take place between January 13 and 18, 2023. Prices should come at a premium over the current model that retails from Rs 10.19 lakh to Rs 18.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Aside from the upcoming facelifted Hyundai Creta, it’ll rival the VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor/Hector, Tata Harrier, and the Mahindra XUV700 five-seater.