Maxxd.com – Modified and Performance Car News

oi-Dennis Abraham James

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.

Source

The
Hyundai
Exter
sees
the
South
Korean
firm
jump
into
the
world
of
micro
SUVs
as
it
looks
to
solidify
its
place
as
India’s
second
best-selling
carmaker.

So
how
does
the
all-new
Hyundai
Exter
perform
on
the
road?
Is
it
a
proper
counter
to
the
Tata
Punch?
DriveSpark’s
Promeet
Ghosh
got
behind
the
wheel
of
the
Hyundai
Exter
micro
SUV
to
get
the
answers
for
you.

So
what
do
you
think
of
the
Hyundai
Exter?
Did
it
sway
your
opinion
enough
that
you
would
want
to
get
behind
its
wheel?
We
hope
our
Hyundai
Exter
Video
review
answered
all
your
questions.

Do
let
us
know
what
you
think
about
the
Hyundai
Exter
Video
review
in
the
comments
below
or
by
commenting
and
liking
the
video
on
Youtube.

Source

oi-Dennis Abraham James

Published: Monday, July 17, 2023, 10:57 [IST]

India’s
love
affair
with
SUVs
continues
to
rise
to
unheard-of
levels
as
we
desis
continue
to
fall
in
love
with
the
boxy
boxes
on
wheels.

Most
of
the
timeline
of
this
overt
love
affair
has
seen
the
boxy
menaces
grow
in
size.
However,
Tata
Motors
bucked
that
trend
by
hopping
onto
the
micro
SUV
bandwagon
with
the
Punch.

The
Punch
joined
the
Mahindra
KUV100
in
this
segment
of
small,
boxy
cars
on
stilts,
helping
Tata
Motors
subvert
a
new
breed
of
car
buyers
into
the
SUV
class.

The
carmaker
most
affected
by
the
Tata
Punch
arriving
on
our
roads
was
Hyundai
which
saw
the
Mumbai
firm
inch
close
and
sometimes
surpass
it
on
the
monthly
sales
charts.

Deciding
to
fight
fire
with
fire,
Hyundai
has
taken
the
plunge
into
the
world
of
micro
SUVs
with
the
all-new
Exter.
So
does
the
Exter
have
what
it
takes
to
bring
Hyundai
to
new
sales
highs,
or
is
it
all
style
and
no
substance?

Hyundai
Exter
Design
&
Features:
Boxy
But
In
A
Mad
Way

The
Hyundai
Exter
shares
its
underpinnings
with
the
Grand
i10
Nios
hatchback
and
the
Aura
sedan.
However,
unlike
its
stablemates,
the
all-new
Exter
travels
down
a
different
design
path.

The
Hyundai
Exter
follows
the
firm’s
parametric
design
language
giving
it
a
distinct
look.
This
unique
design
is
most
evident
in
the
front
of
the
new
micro
SUV,
where
the
split
headlight
setup
and
parametric
grille
dominate
the
landscape.

Sitting
on
either
side
of
the
parametric
grille
are
bi-functional
projector
headlamps.
The
position
lamps
with
the
in-built
H-shaped
LED
DRLs
sit
slightly
higher
on
the
front
bumper
of
the
Exter.

Other
highlights
at
the
front
of
the
Exter
include
the
silver
skid
plate
on
the
lower
section
of
the
front
bumper,
underneath
a
small
air
dam.
The
Hyundai
badge
sits
on
the
bonnet,
while
the
Exter
nameplate
sits
between
the
split
lighting
setup.

The
sides
of
the
Exter
SUV
feature
flared
wheelarches
which
play
host
to
15-inch
diamond-cut
alloy
wheels.
Also
seen
are
black
roof
rails,
a
shark
fin
antenna,
body
cladding,
and
parametric
design
highlights
on
the
C-pillar.

The
rear
section
of
the
Exter
sports
LED
taillights
with
the
H-shaped
signature
element.
The
taillights
connect
with
the
Hyundai
badge
with
the
help
of
a
plastic
section
sporting
Hyundai’s
parametric
signature
design.

Other
highlights
at
the
rear
include
the
rear
skid
plate
in
silver
and
the
roof-mounted
spoiler
in
black.
The
spoiler
hosts
the
third
brake
light.

You’re
greeted
by
a
familiar
sight
when
you
enter
the
Exter’s
cabin.
The
interior
of
the
Exter
SUV
is
quite
similar
to
the
i10
and
the
Aura
but
features
a
blacked-out
theme
for
the
lower
sections
–
dashboard
and
door
panels.
The
upper
section
is
in
the
usual
white
scheme.

The
dashboard
plays
host
to
the
centrally-mounted
8-inch
touchscreen
infotainment
display.
This
system
supports
Android
Auto
and
Apple
CarPlay.
The
setup
also
allows
access
to
Hyundai’s
Blue
Link
Connected
Car
setup
and
the
built-in
navigation.

Other
features
include
a
digital
instrument
cluster
with
a
4.2-inch
MID,
voice-activated
commands,
an
electric
sunroof,
automatic
climate
control,
wireless
charging,
a
two-way
dashcam
and
over-the-air
(OTA)
updates.

The
seats
of
the
Hyundai
Exter
feature
leatherette
upholstery
and
are
comfortable.
There
is
enough
room
at
the
rear
for
even
the
taller
ones
among
us,
though
three
adults
will
have
to
play
musical
chairs
to
get
a
good
fit.

The
Hyundai
Exter
comes
packed
with
a
host
of
safety
tech
that
includes
six
airbags,
ESC,
hill
assist
control,
ABS
with
EBD,
rear
parking
sensors
and
camera,
three-point
seatbelt
and
seatbelt
reminders
for
all
seats,
and
ISOFIX
child
seat
anchors.

Hyundai
Exter
Specs
&
Dimensions
–
Embracing
The
Micro
Theme

The
Hyundai
Exter,
as
mentioned
earlier,
is
a
micro
SUV.
The
Exter
measures
3,815mm
long,
1,710mm
wide
and
1,631mm
tall.
The
wheelbase
is
2,450mm
long,
while
the
ground
clearance
is
185mm.
The
Exter’s
boot
swallows
up
391
litres
of
luggage
(petrol
only).

The
all-new
Exter
borrows
its
engine
from
its
stablemates.
The
Exter’s
1.2-litre,
four-cylinder
engine
is
a
bi-fuel
unit
that
runs
on
petrol
and
CNG.

In
petrol
mode,
the
Kappa
series
engine
produces
81.8bhp
and
113.8Nm
of
peak
torque.
These
figures
drop
to
67.7bhp
and
95.2Nm
when
the
engine
switches
to
CNG.

The
Exter
petrol
comes
with
both
manual
and
AMT
gearbox
options,
while
the
CNG
version
makes
do
with
only
the
manual
(all
5-speed).
In
petrol
guise,
the
Exter
returns
a
mileage
of
19.4km/l,
which
drops
to
19.2km/l
with
the
AMT.
The
Exter’s
CNG
version
delivers
a
mileage
of
27.1km/kg.

Hyundai
Exter
Driving
Impressions
–
Micro
But
Mighty

We
got
to
drive
the
Exter’s
petrol
AMT
version
during
our
time
with
the
all-new
micro
SUV
in
and
around
the
capital
of
Rajasthan,
Jaipur.

On
the
move,
the
Exter’s
1.2-litre
engine
felt
smooth
and
refined,
staying
calm
even
at
triple-digit
speeds
on
the
highway.
The
output
from
the
powerplant
was
linear,
and
it
climbed
smoothly
through
the
rev
range.

The
AMT
gearbox
shifted
through
the
gears
with
ease.
Unlike
similar
transmission
options
from
other
carmakers,
it
didn’t
feel
jerky.
However,
we
wished
it
was
a
bit
quicker
through
the
gears.

The
steering
is
light
at
lower
speeds
allowing
you
to
move
through
lanes
with
light
inputs.
As
the
numbers
on
the
speedo
go
higher,
the
Exter’s
steering
wheel
weighs
up,
giving
you
the
confidence
to
drive
it
on
the
highway.

Hyundai’s
suspension
setup
for
the
Exter
is
slightly
stiff,
but
it
is
not
so
harsh
that
your
hindquarters
hurt
when
the
micro
SUV
encounters
a
pothole.
The
slightly
stiffer
suspension
setup
works
wonders
when
you
push
the
Exter
through
a
bend,
though
the
body
roll
is
still
a
slight
issue.

The
brakes
on
the
Exter
do
their
job
rather
well.
The
initial
bite
is
good,
and
the
pedal
feels
progressive
as
you
push
it
to
the
floor.
A
slightly
grippier
set
of
tyres
would
improve
this
further,
but
we
understand
why
Hyundai
went
with
the
tyres
it
used
(cough ‘mileage’ cough).

Final
Thoughts
On
The
Hyundai
Exter:
A
New
King
Of
The
Micro
SUVs
Is
Here

The
Hyundai
Exter
sees
the
South
Korean
firm
dive
headlong
into
battle
with
the
Tata
Punch
as
it
looks
to
keep
its
spot
on
the
sales
charts
far
away
from
the
rampaging
Mumbai
firm.

The
Exter
is
the
perfect
answer
to
the
Punch
from
Hyundai.
Hyundai
sure
looks
like
it
has
a
winner
on
its
hands
with
the
Exter’s
boxy
good
looks,
aggressive
pricing
and
impressive
features
list.

Source