Kia Motors entered the Indian market with the Seltos mid-size SUV. Despite being a new manufacturer, the SUV received an overwhelming response and the Seltos outsold the MG Hector and the Hyundai Creta. However, then other manufacturers updated their vehicles and Hyundai launched an all-new Creta so the sales of the Seltos did fall. Now, there are rumours that to gain back at competitors, Kia will be updating the Seltos with a new gearbox option and an added feature of a panoramic sunroof.
The rumours suggest that the Seltos will be offered with an iMT or intelligent manual transmission. It is basically a gearbox where you would need to shift gears manually while the clutch is operated by a computer. So, the driver does not need to operate the clutch and this can save a lot of fatigue while driving in bumper to bumper traffic. It also offers the best of both worlds. You get the feel of manual stick shifting while not operating the clutch.
The iMT gearbox will be a 6-speed unit just like the current one. It will be offered only with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine produces 115 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 144 Nm. The iMT gearbox will be available from the HTK+ variant onwards. Currently, the naturally aspirated petrol engine is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an IVT automatic gearbox.
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There are also rumours of a new variant for the turbocharged engine. The new variant will be the top of the line variant for the manual gearbox. It will be known as GTX (O) Turbo MT and will be offered with a panoramic sunroof. It is expected to start around Rs. 17 lakhs ex-showroom. There were already rumours of the Seltos being offered with a panoramic sunroof soon. Currently, the Seltos is the only mid-size SUV that is offered with an electric sunroof, while other competitors are now offering a panoramic sunroof and in India sunroof is considered to be a premium feature.
The new variant will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine. The engine produces 138 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 242 Nm. Currently, the turbo engine is being offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed Dual-Clutch gearbox.
The Seltos will also come with Kia’s new logo that is designed by keeping the brand’s new marketing strategy. The manufacturer now also has a new slogan that says “Movement that inspires”. The Seltos will be the first vehicle in India to wear the new Kia’s logo.
Kia is getting ready to release the new update to the Seltos on April 27. There are also rumours that the manufacturer will be launching the Gravity Edition of the Seltos which will come with cosmetic upgrades and the 18-inch alloy wheels.
Kia Seltos currently starts at Rs. 9.89 lakhs ex-showroom and goes all the way up to Rs. 17.45 lakhs ex-showroom. The Seltos goes against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Tata Harrier, Skoda Kushaq, MG Hector and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.
The post Kia Motors to launch Seltos iMT HTK+ & Turbo GTX(O) variants shortly first appeared on Cartoq.
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