Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: The Diesel-Manual Showdown Begins!

The Kia Seltos SUV has recently expanded its lineup with the introduction of five new diesel-manual variants following its mid-life update last year. These new configurations are an extension to the Seltos' 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine range, which is known for its robust performance, delivering 116bhp and 250Nm of torque.

The diesel-manual option now graces the Seltos trims including HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, and HTX+, with prices starting at Rs 12 lakh and climbing up to Rs 18.28 lakh, all ex-showroom across India. This strategic move seems to be in response to the competition, particularly the Hyundai Creta, which also boasts a diesel-manual lineup.

Kia Seltos Diesel-Manual Variants

The newly introduced variants cater to a broad spectrum of buyers with varied budgets and feature preferences. The HTE base variant starts at a competitive Rs 12 lakh, while the top-tier HTX+ is priced at Rs 18.28 lakh.

These options bridge the gap between budget-conscious consumers and those seeking more premium features in their diesel SUVs. The Seltos has been a popular choice among Indian consumers, and these new variants are expected to boost its appeal even further.

Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta – Price War

In a direct price comparison with its closest rival, the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos diesel-manual variants offer a slight edge in pricing. For instance, the Seltos HTE is priced at Rs 12 lakh, undercutting the equivalent Creta E variant, which comes in at Rs 12.45 lakh.

This pattern holds true across other corresponding trims as well, providing consumers with competitively priced alternatives in the bustling SUV market.

Engine and Transmission Choices

The Seltos doesn't limit its offerings to just diesel-manual combinations. The vehicle also includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing 115bhp and 144Nm, and a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivering a punchy 160bhp and 253Nm.

These engines are paired with transmission options that range from a 6-speed manual and CVT for the regular petrol, to a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT automatic for the turbocharged variant, catering to different driving preferences.

Feature-Packed Variants

The diesel-manual variants of the Kia Seltos don't just compete on price but also on the wealth of features they offer. They come equipped with dual 10.25-inch screens, one for the infotainment and the other serving as the instrument cluster, along with cutting-edge technology such as voice command functionality, connected car technology with updates over the air, and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other notable features include ambient lighting, a dual-zone climate control system, 360-degree cameras, a Heads-Up Display, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and much more. Safety is also a priority with six airbags and an array of advanced driver assistance systems.

DriveSpark Thinks

The introduction of these diesel-manual variants indicates Kia's intent to solidify its position in the competitive SUV segment in India. By offering a comprehensive range of options and features at competitive prices, the Kia Seltos is poised to appeal to a wide demographic of Indian automobile enthusiasts who value both functionality and financial accessibility.

With these new variants, customers now have an even greater choice when it comes to selecting a vehicle that suits their specific needs and lifestyle, all while enjoying the reliability and style that Kia is known for.