Overlooked Kia Seltos Variants

Most reviews of the new Kia Seltos have focused on the turbo petrol or diesel versions. But let’s talk about the 1.5L naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine that accounts for the majority of sales.

So today, we’ll talk about the cheapest engine option in the Kia Seltos lineup.

Specifically, the 1.5 NA petrol is mated to a CVT (which Kia calls IVT). This engine powers everything from the base HTE manual at ₹13 lakh (on-road Mumbai) to the HTE optional CVT at ₹15.88 lakh. The GT Line variant tested here is priced at ₹23 lakh on-road Mumbai – just ₹58,000 less than the turbo petrol.

This price difference raises a serious question, and why would anyone buy this engine in the top variant?. So let’s find out.

Read Full Specifications : Kia Seltos 2026

A major problem with rust in Indian cars

Before moving on to functionality, let’s talk about one more important thing, rust protection.

Rust is a serious concern for car owners in India. The problem is seen to be worse in coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi. High humidity and salt-laden air accelerate rust.

But here’s the real question:

Why do similar car models last longer in global markets compared to India?

Answer: Zinc-coated steel

In many international markets, manufacturers use up to 70% zinc-coated or galvanized steel. They also offer anti-rust warranties ranging from 6 to 12 years.

The zinc coating acts as a protective barrier. It prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the steel. Even if the surface gets scratched, the zinc rusts first and protects the underlying metal.

Surprisingly, the use of zinc-coated steel adds less than 0.1% to the total cost of a vehicle. Yet it dramatically improves long-term durability and structural integrity.

In India, corrosion protection varies widely. Many vehicles use limited zinc coating. Corrosion is not just unsightly – it weakens structural components over time.

Customers deserve a car built specifically for Indian climatic conditions.

Now, with that context in mind, let’s get back to the Seltos.

Kia Seltos: Variant Strategy and Pricing

The Seltos comes in 46 different variants. Yes, 46.

The real USP of the 1.5 NA petrol engine lies in its affordability. Where budget is important, it makes sense in the lower variants. But in the GT Line trim at ₹23 lakh on-road Mumbai, the equation changes.

For just ₹58,000 more, buyers can opt for the turbo petrol, which offers significantly better performance.

So the 1.5 NA petrol works best where price sensitivity is a concern, not at the top.

Dimensions and Space

The Seltos remains the longest car in its segment. It also has the second-longest wheelbase after the Tata Sierra.

This translates to:

• Good rear legroom
• Strong road presence
• Balanced proportions

Rear seat comfort feels generous for daily use.

Features: Still Loaded, But Not a Segment Leader

The Seltos remains feature-rich. Highlights include:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless phone projection
• Memory driver seat
• Memory mirrors
• Ventilated front seats
• 360-degree camera
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Wireless charger
• Panoramic sunroof
• 8-speaker Bose sound system
• Gas struts for hood
• Physical buttons alongside three screens

Kia smartly retained physical controls. That improves usability while driving.

However, some features from the first-generation Seltos are missing:

• Logo projection mirrors
• Sound mood lamps
• Dynamic swipe indicators
• Air purifier

Interestingly, some features available in smaller Kia models are missing here, such as ventilated rear seats and Boss mode.

The 5-inch climate control display also remains hidden behind the thick steering wheel rim. It feels like an ergonomic oversight.

The roof rails look functional but aren’t. And there’s no power tailgate either.

Engine Specifications

The 1.5L NA petrol engine produces:

• 115 horsepower
• 144 Nm torque
• Paired with CVT (IVT)

Diesel 1.5L

• 115 hp
• 250 Nm torque

Turbo petrol 1.5L

• 160 hp
• 253 Nm torque

On paper, the NA petrol matches diesel horsepower but loses significantly in torque.

City Driving Experience: Where this engine makes sense

In city traffic, the 1.5 NA petrol works smoothly and there is no turbo lag experienced. Throttle response feels predictable. Refinement impresses at part throttle. The CVT works seamlessly at low speeds.

If you drive in traffic most of the time, this engine works for you.

Eco, Normal and Sport modes change the steering weight and throttle response. Eco mode changes the ambient lighting and cluster layout, a neat touch.

Ride quality is noticeably different.

Kia has softened the suspension compared to the previous model. The Seltos now absorbs potholes better while maintaining firm body control.

The steering feels a little heavy but stable. For daily commuting, this setup works well.

Highway Performance: The Weak Spot

Push harder, and reality kicks in.

Mid-range performance feels flat. There’s no torque punch. Past 4,000 rpm, the engine becomes vocal but doesn’t accelerate strongly.

This engine prioritizes smoothness over excitement.

0–100 km/h Acceleration

Tested multiple times:

• 13.2 seconds
• 13.09 seconds
• 13.0 seconds

Consistency remains impressive. Speed does not.

For context:

• Turbo petrol: ~10.5 seconds
• Diesel automatic: ~13.5 seconds

Interestingly, the NA petrol proves slightly quicker than the diesel automatic in pure acceleration.

However, diesel feels stronger due to higher torque delivery.

If performance matters, choose the turbo petrol.

CVT Behavior

The CVT performs well in relaxed driving.

At 100 km/h, the engine spins around 2,000 rpm. It makes highway cruising comfortable.

However, under hard acceleration, the rubber band effect appears. The revs climb quickly. The car does not gain speed proportionally.

Manual mode and paddle shifters exist, but they do not change the performance.

Fuel Efficiency

Real-world observed mileage:

• City: 9–10 km/l
• Highway: 13–14 km/l
• Aggressive driving: significantly lower

Drive gently, and it returns acceptable efficiency. Drive aggressively, and fuel consumption rises sharply.

Safety and Platform

The new Seltos uses Kia’s updated K3 platform.

The car feels heavier and more stable. Gas struts support the heavy bonnet, which is intended to improve safety.

Crash test ratings are not yet available, they are awaited.

Braking performance feels strong, although the ABS activates quickly on loose surfaces.

Diesel vs NA Petrol vs Turbo Petrol: Which Should You Buy?

Buy 1.5 NA Petrol if:

• You want the most affordable automatic
• You drive mostly in city traffic
• You prefer smoothness over performance
• Budget limits your choice

Buy Diesel if:

• You want better fuel efficiency
• You drive long distances regularly
• You prefer torque-rich driving

Buy Turbo Petrol if:

• You enjoy spirited driving
• You want faster acceleration
• You’re willing to pay slightly more

At ₹23 lakh, the NA petrol GT Line feels difficult to justify. In lower variants, it makes much more sense.

Final Verdict: Sensible, but not exciting

The 1.5 NA petrol engine does exactly what it promises.

It delivers:

• Smooth driving
• Good ride quality
• Solid refinement
• Urban utility
• But it doesn’t excite.

The chassis feels capable. The suspension impresses. Steering stability works well. The engine seems to lack the performance to match the rest of the package.

In a budget variant, this engine makes logical sense.

At the high-end price, the turbo petrol offers much better value.

The Seltos remains competitive in a crowded segment. With robust features, good reliability and improved ride quality, it continues to attract buyers.

But if performance defines your buying decision, you already know the answer.

Go for the turbo.

If quiet, predictable travel defines your routine, the 1.5 NA Petrol gets the job done.

And sometimes, getting the job done is all you really need.

Source : Kia Seltos