Some features will be segment-first, while others will bring it at par with the competition.
Kia is gearing up to introduce the mid-lifecycle facelift for the Seltos SUV in India next week that will bring new cosmetic updates, a heavily revised cabin and even a new powertrain option. It will also get important equipment updates that will bring it at par with the competition, and a few that will even be segment-first. We take a look at the top five new features the Seltos facelift will gain over its predecessors ahead of its launch in July end.
1. Panoramic Sunroof
A panoramic sunroof is among the most-loved features for Indian car buyers, but the Seltos has so far only been available with a single-pane unit. Notably, the Seltos’ cousin, the Hyundai Creta, got a panoramic sunroof when its second-gen iteration was launched in 2020, so this was a miss for the Seltos. It’s also almost become a norm in the segment with the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and MG Astor offering one, making it among the most-awaited updates for the Seltos.
2. Twin screen curved display
The Seltos’ interior will benefit from new dual, connected 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and all-digital instrument cluster. Pioneered by Mercedes, this feature has now become a lot more accessible with cars such as the Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Verna sporting it. The new unit on the Seltos will likely be shared with the Verna, and it lends an upmarket and minimalist feel to the cabin. The exact screen configuration, however, is likely to differ depending on the trim.
3. ADAS suite
Although not a novelty – the MG Astor was the first in the segment to offer ADAS – the Seltos will only be the second SUV in this segment with this feature. It’s expensive and has limited perceived value and utility on Indian roads, but it does contribute to the safety quotient with useful features such as a blind spot monitor and autonomous emergency braking. Our dealer sources have revealed that the Seltos’ ADAS suite will come with as many as 16 features, albeit limited to just the top-spec variant.
4. Dual-zone climate control
The Seltos will be the first midsize SUV to offer dual-zone climate control, which is a nice convenience feature to have. It will get a redesigned HVAC panel with all-physical buttons, and like the outgoing model, will also come with cooled front seats. Interestingly, although a segment below, the Mahindra XUV300 is the most affordable car in our market to offer dual-zone climate control.
5. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
While Kia offered a wireless charger with the outgoing Seltos, it did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With the facelift, then, you’ll be able to have a completely wireless experience in the Seltos’ cabin, and that surely improves usability while also eliminating the hassle of wires. Our dealer sources have also hinted that the wireless charger will also get a cooling function with the facelift.
Which of these new features are you most excited for in the Seltos facelift, and do you think Kia has missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.
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