Kia Motors has unveiled the 2024 update for its popular compact SUV, the Kia Seltos. This update might seem minor at first glance, focusing on strategic tweaks rather than introducing entirely new features. However, these tweaks significantly enhance the value proposition of the Seltos, making it more competitive and appealing to a wider range of buyers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key changes in the 2024 Kia Seltos:
2024 Kia Seltos: More Affordable Automatic Transmission Options
One of the most significant changes in the 2024 Seltos is the introduction of automatic transmission options in the mid-spec HTK Plus variant. Previously, automatic transmissions were only available from the higher-end HTX trim onwards. This move makes the convenience of an automatic gearbox significantly more accessible to buyers.
Why is this a big deal?
Market data suggests that the HTK Plus is the most popular variant for the Kia Seltos. By offering the automatic option in this trim level, Kia caters directly to a large segment of potential customers who prioritize both features and affordability. The automatic gearbox options include the 1.5-liter petrol CVT and the 1.5-liter diesel AT.
Price Advantage:
The introduction of automatics in the HTK Plus trim translates to a price advantage of up to Rs 1.3 lakh for buyers opting for the convenience of an automatic transmission. This price difference can be a major deciding factor for many consumers in the compact SUV segment.
Here’s a quick comparison table highlighting the price difference for the automatic variants across trims:
| Engine Option | HTX (Ex-showroom Price) | HTK Plus (Ex-showroom Price) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-liter Petrol CVT | Rs 16.72 lakh | Rs 15.42 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
| 1.5-liter Diesel AT | Rs 18.22 lakh | Rs 16.92 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
2024 Kia Seltos: Feature Reshuffle
The 2024 Seltos witnesses a strategic reshuffle of features across its variants. This essentially means that some features previously exclusive to higher trims are now being offered in the mid-spec HTK and HTK Plus variants. This upgrade in features further enhances the value proposition of these trims.
What features are we talking about?
Here’s a breakdown of the new features introduced in the HTK and HTK Plus variants:
- HTK Variant: Gains LED DRLs, keyless entry with push-button start, remote engine start/stop functionality, and connected LED tail lamps.
- HTK Plus Variant: Now includes LED fog lamps, LED reading lamps, drive and traction modes (for automatic transmission variants only), paddle shifters (for automatic transmission variants only), and a panoramic sunroof.
Previously, features like the panoramic sunroof and LED cabin lamps were limited to the turbo-petrol powertrain in the HTK Plus variant. These limitations have been removed in the 2024 update.
2024 Kia Seltos: Revamped Color Options
The 2024 Seltos also sees a revision in the color options available across its variants. This refresh aims to broaden the appeal of the SUV and cater to a wider range of buyer preferences.
What’s new on the color palette?
The base HTE variant, which previously offered only two color options (Sparkling Silver and Clear White), now gets access to a wider selection. Here’s a list of the new colors introduced for the HTE variant:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Gravity Grey
- Intense Red
- Pewter Olive
- Imperial Blue
The mid-spec HTK Plus variant also benefits from the expanded color palette and now includes Aurora Black Pearl as an additional option.
2024 Kia Seltos: A More Competitive Package
The strategic changes implemented in the 2024 Kia Seltos make it a more compelling contender in the compact SUV segment. The introduction of affordable automatic options in the popular HTK Plus variant, the feature reshuffle enhancing the mid-spec trims, and the expanded color choices all contribute to this.
Beyond the 2024 Update:
For a comprehensive understanding of the Kia Seltos’ capabilities and performance, you can refer to our in-depth first-drive review of the facelifted compact SUV launched in July 2023.
FAQs:
Q: How much more affordable are the automatic options in the 2024 Seltos?
A: The introduction of automatics in the HTK Plus trim translates to a price advantage of up to Rs 1.3 lakh compared to the higher-end HTX trim with automatic transmission.
Q: Which variants of the 2024 Seltos get new features?
A: The HTK variant gains LED DRLs, keyless entry with push-button start, remote engine start/stop functionality, and connected LED tail lamps. The HTK Plus variant now includes LED fog lamps, LED reading lamps, drive and traction modes (for automatic transmission variants only), paddle shifters (for automatic transmission variants only), and a panoramic sunroof.
Q: Which variants get new color options in the 2024 Seltos?
A: The base HTE variant gets access to a wider selection of colors, including Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey, Intense Red, Pewter Olive, and Imperial Blue. The HTK Plus variant now includes Aurora Black Pearl as an additional option.
Q: What are the main competitors of the 2024 Kia Seltos?
A: The Kia Seltos competes with several popular compact SUVs in the Indian market, including the Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
