2023 Kia Seltos Review - More Than Just A Nip & Tuck Upgrade

Updated: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 10:04 [IST]

In 2019, Kia entered India with a bang, pushing out the brand-new Seltos from its facility in Andhra Pradesh as it looked to take down sister brand Hyundai's Crta SUV.

In the four years since, the Seltos has become a sales success story, helping Kia become the 5th largest carmaker in the country thanks to its appeal and that of its smaller and larger siblings for India.

However, over the same period, new rivals have emerged from players like Maruti Suzuki, MG, and Toyota have emerged on the scene, attracting customers away from the Seltos.

Keen to return to its old highs, Kia has updated the India-spec Seltos to the SUV's international level. So do these more than skin-deep changes to the Kia Seltos make it the compact SUV to buy, or is this another case of the emperor's new clothes? We drove the facelifted 2023 Kia Seltos in Nagpur to find the answers.

2023 Kia Seltos Design & Features - Nip & Tuck And So Much More

At first glance, not much seems to have changed in the Seltos 2.0 compared to its predecessor. However, look closer at the compact SUV, and the changes are more visible.

The front end features a new grille (without any variant badging) and daytime running lights streaking through its centre. The front bumper is a revised unit, with the GT and X line models continuing to sport slightly different setups from the other variant options.

The sides remain mostly unchanged though the wheels feature a new design. Depending on the variant, the new Seltos comes with up to five wheel choices - four alloys and a single steelie ranging from 16 to 18 inches in size.

The changes at the rear are easier to spot, with the Seltos sporting connected LED taillights instead of the chrome bar on the previous Seltos. GT line models also sport a dual-exhaust setup which exits out either side of the faux rear bash plate.

Step inside the new 2023 Seltos facelift, and the changes made to the updated SUV are easier to spot. While each trim line sports a different upholstery setup, the dash and the roof are where the transformations are most visible.

Sitting on the dash are two 10.25-inch displays borrowed from the EV6, with the one on the right acting as a digital driver's display while the one on the left is an HD touchscreen screen for the infotainment.

The infotainment unit supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and comes connected to a premium audio system from Bose. This screen is where you'll also be able to pair up with the Kia Connect, which allows you to pair your smartwatch or phone with the car to access a boatload of connected car features.

The Seltos cabin also sports a dual-zone fully automatic air conditioning system, which keeps the owners cool or hot when needed. The seats are comfortable to sit in, with the front seats featuring ventilation, while the ones at the rear offer decent room for even those on the higher side of six feet.

Enhancing the roomy and airy feel of the cabin is the massive dual-pane sunroof that can be opened and closed with voice commands. Other features onboard include a wireless phone charger, air purifier, electric parking brake, 360-degree camera, heads-up display and leatherette seat upholstery.

The new Seltos also comes packed to the gills with safety equipment like six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control, Vehicle Stability Management, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX and all-wheel disc brakes among others.

The Seltos also sports ADAS Level 2 driving aids which include the likes of cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, front collision warning and avoidance assist (FCW and FCA), Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning and more.

2023 Kia Seltos Specs & Dimensions: Options Galore

The Kia Seltos sports three engine options and a total of 4 gearboxes. The facelifted Seltos retains the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 113bhp and 144Nm of peak torque and comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or an iVT gearbox.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine remains unchanged, with the oil burner still producing 114bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. The diesel comes paired with iMT and automatic 6-speed transmission options.

The new kid under the hood is the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. This new force-fed powerplant churns out 158bhp and 253Nm of peak torque. The new engine comes with 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox options.

Dimensionally, the Seltos remains unchanged - 4,365mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,645mm tall with a 2,610mm long wheelbase. The Seltos offers 190mm ground clearance and a 433-litre boot.

2023 Kia Seltos Driving Impressions - More Boost For The Win

During our time with the facelifted Seltos, we got to experience the SUV with its new turbocharged engine and 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. The engine is the most powerful in the segment producing 158bhp at 5,500rpm and 253Nm of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,500rpm.

The power delivery from the engine right from the start is quite responsive. The turbo spools up quickly, and the powerplant offers a good mid-range and a very usable top end. There are three engine modes on offer - Eco, Normal and Sport, with the throttle response sharpening as you move from Eco to Sport.

The 7-speed DCT gearbox shifts through the ratios quite smoothly, making the Seltos easy to use in the city. However, when you want to overtake, it takes a few seconds before shifting down the ratios to the required gear.

The suspension setup for the facelifted Seltos continues to be the best of both worlds despite being slightly on the stiffer end. It deals with the bumps and ruts of our roads while being stiff enough to take on the curves without rolling about too much.

The steering feels light and easy to use, allowing you to switch lanes with a quick flick of the wheel. Changing driving modes also see the steering wheel weigh up and get sharper as you move up from Eco to Sport.

The addition of ADAS is a welcome one. The different systems work seamlessly, keeping you safe on the move and are a brilliant addition to the Seltos' safety shield for its occupants.

Final Thoughts On The 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift: More Than A Regular Nip & Tuck

The facelifted Kia Seltos brings several changes, including a brand new turbo petrol engine, ADAS and more standard kit. These changes combine to make the new Kia Seltos the perfect SUV in its class for both the daily city commute and a bit of fun when you want as well.