The starting price of the MPV has significantly reduced due to this scheme. The Standard pack starts at ₹12.84 lakh, ex-showroom and the Extended pack starts at ₹15.94 lakh, ex-showroom. In addition to this the owner has to pay for the battery subscription. The subscription fee for both the 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery is ₹3.3 per kilometre.

The Kia Carens Clavis EV was updated earlier this year, and remains unchanged in terms of exterior, cabin design and mechanical aspects. The 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery packs offer a claimed range of 404km and 490km respectively. 

Kia stated that the BaaS program is designed to make EV ownership more flexible and affordable. 

The post Kia Carens Clavis EV Gets Battery-as-a-Service Option first appeared on Turbocharged.

There’s no two ways about the fact that the Seltos has been Kia India’s star performer for over half a decade now. The Korean car maker kickstarted its India innings with the Seltos in 2019, pitting it right against its own cousin and a formidable name in the midsize SUV space, the Hyundai Creta. The Seltos had no trouble carving its own niche though and was quick to appeal to buyers looking for a stylish, feature-rich SUV with a sporty demeanour. Kia followed up the launch of the Seltos with some very successful products like the Sonet, Carens and the Carnival too, but the Seltos is arguably its most successful offering in India. And six years later, Kia has launched the all-new, second generation Seltos that’s aiming to recreate the success of the original.  

The first thing you’ll notice about the new Seltos is its front end, which looks far more aggressive than its predecessor. The vertical design of the DRLs and the grille itself, which spans almost across the entire width of the front end and integrates the headlamps, remind of the Telluride, Kia’s big SUV sold in the US. And that’s one key aspect about the new design – the new Seltos has been designed to look and feel larger and more imposing. It also sits on Kia’s new K3 platform and is 95mm longer now, making it the longest in its segment at 4,460mm, while wheelbase is up by 80mm in a bid to offer more cabin space.

The silhouette from the sides is similar to the previous generation Seltos but there are some new and interesting design cues, like the sharp crease on the front door and the kink at the back, though I don’t quite like the idea of flush door handles. The cladding over the wheel arches is thicker but is finished in gloss black now, making it prone to scratches. I am not a fan of the wheel design either, as the wheels look similar to the Carens Clavis EV’s, and I would have liked a more aggressive design. The rear is a mix of elements from the older Seltos and other Kia SUVs, like the squared-off tail lamps. But while the rear end is good looking, it looks a little too similar to Carens Clavis and Sonet’s given the tail lamp design, robbing the Seltos ofa bit of its exclusivity.  

Interiors are all-new but with an air of familiarity. I like the dashboard layout, as besides the rich feel and high quality plastics, the integration of displays into the dashboard is neat. In fact the Seltos borrows the Syros’ triple screen setup, which includes a touchscreen for climate control too. Thankfully Kia has not eliminated physical buttons, and the switches for crucial functions like climate control and the music system are large and easy to use. Another highlight is the futuristic-looking steering wheel which also has switches for changing drive modes and traction modes nestled into its bottom spoke now. Kia has done away with a physical switch for the electric parking brake entirely though, and the brake is applied automatically every time you get out of park mode in the automatic version. The redesigned front headrests deserve a mention too given their mesh foam – they look very appealing and also offer better comfort than conventional headrests by letting you sink your head in and I’m expecting more manufacturers to follow suit in terms of the design.

Expectedly the new Seltos also continues the old one’s trend of being loaded with features. Higher variants come equipped with 360 degree view, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated front seats and more. There’s a Bose audio system as well, the powered driver’s seat and ORVMs now get a memory function and the driver’s seat also gets an entry/exit function, meaning the seat will slide back (you can set it too!) every time you’re getting in or out. Surprisingly the air purifier from the older Seltos is gone though, and the ventilated rear seats from the Syros haven’t made it here either. On another note, the increased wheelbase results in more space in the second row and overall spaciousness is better too. There is no Boss mode here yet, unlike the Carens Clavis, but thankfully, there’s a set of functional sun blinds on the rear windows.

The list of powertrain options remains unchanged meaning the Seltos continues to be offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine. I drove the diesel first which impressed with its performance and overall refinement as always, though it felt a tad noisy and also had mild vibration creep in through the gear lever and floor at high revs. The turbocharged petrol engine is my favourite – we are TURBOCHARGED after all! On a serious note, with 160PS and 253Nm on tap this engine feels as impressive as ever, along with the dual clutch automatic gearbox it is mated to. Surprisingly though, Kia is only offering this engine with its clutch less iMT manual besides the DCT and not a proper manual, which is a bit of a letdown. 

Another big – and very impressive – change is on the dynamics front, as Kia has retuned the suspension to improve ride quality noticeably, keeping family SUV buyers in mind. It soaks up bumps and potholes better now, but I’m also happy to report that thankfully, the Seltos hasn’t sacrificed its sporty edge in the process and impresses with its handling and steering feel and feedback. Overall, this new Seltos offers a strong sense of familiarity while feeling all-new, which is a good thing. It looks good, sharp and aggressive, feels more premium and is on offer with powertrains we’ve always liked, and thus builds on the strengths of the original well.  

Kia has also priced the new Seltos very aggressively, and prices begin from just ₹ 11.99 lakh ex-showroom despite the generation change. Things in the midsize SUV segment have been heating up all over again though, as Maruti has just launched the Victoris, Tata Motors has launched the Sierra and Renault is launching the all- new Duster, so it should be interesting to see how the new Seltos takes on its new rivals.

The post 2026 Kia Seltos First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

The Carens was Kia India’s attempt to offer a three-row, 7-seat MPV that was more premium, more spacious and more feature-rich than a lot of other family vehicles at its price. And it turned out to be so good that Kia has sold over two lakh units of the MPV in just about three and a half years. Heck, the Carens even won India’s most prestigious automotive award, the Indian Car of the Year for 2023! And now, Kia is launching the Carens Clavis as a more aggressively styled and more premium version of the Carens that builds on the MPV’s strengths while looking more SUV-like. Importantly and rather interestingly, the Carens Clavis does not replace the older Carens, as Kia will continue selling the Carens as we know it alongside too. But why is Kia doing this, and does it make sense for the manufacturer to sell both versions of the MPV? Let’s find out!

Design changes to help distinguish the two versions apart from each other are plenty, especially at both ends. Like the new headlamp design which adds more aggression to the face. There are major revisions to the grille and front bumper as well, and these are all changes that are in keeping with Kia’s intent of wanting the Carens Clavis to look more SUV than MPV. Kia has also increased wheel sizes to the same effect and top trims of the Carens Clavis run on 17-inch wheels. But apart from the new and larger wheels, it looks exactly like the older Carens from the sides, especially as you move towards the rear. Exterior dimensions including the wheelbase are the same too, except for the overall length which is up by 10mm, though that is purely owing to the new bumper design. 

Design changes at the rear are more subtle in comparison, but effective. I like the updated tail lamp design, and also the LED strip connecting the lamps, besides which you also get a spoiler and shark fin antenna as standard across variants to add a dash of sportiness. Roof rails are on offer only on mid and top trims though. You also get skid plates at both ends, and the combined effect of these design cues is a more robust appearance and better road presence, especially as compared to the older Carens which has always had that distinctive stance of an MPV. Effectively, the Carens Clavis also looks more premium and is sure to catch the attention of midsize SUV buyers too, besides MPV buyers. 

Expectedly, Kia has also updated the cabin extensively to offer an even more premium vibe. It starts with the new dashboard, besides which you now get a massive, single glass slab housing the infotainment and driver’s display now. Surface finishes and textures, especially the fabric-like texture on the dashboard remind of premium SUVs, as do the high-quality plastics and soft-touch panels, the ribbed seat covers and redesigned inside door handles. A big addition is the panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims. The centre console has been redesigned too and features a new wireless charging pad. The Carens Clavis also gets the new two-spoke steering wheel with a flat top and bottom and new controls that we saw on the Syros first. In typical Kia fashion, there are lots of storage spaces throughout the cabin, and a highlight are the cooled bottle holders for the front and second rows. 

Its spacious second and third rows have always been a USP of the Carens and this has not changed in the Carens Clavis. This means the third row is still useable for adults in a pinch and the second-row seats slide and recline, regardless of whether you go for the 6-seat version with captain seats or the 7-seat version with a bench seat. You also get a ‘boss mode’ now that lets you move the front passenger seat manually to make more space for yourself in the second row, by using a lever. While not motorised, this is a feature that’s sure to be appreciated by a lot of buyers. The one-touch tumble function for the second-row seat to access the third row has been carried over too. What’s also noteworthy is that despite the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, Kia has ensured there’s adequate cooling vents for second and third row occupants. On the same note, there are two fast charging Type-C USB ports in the second row and one on each side in the third row, besides one Type-A and one Type-C USB port at the front, adding to convenience irrespective of where you are seated. 

Kia has always ensured its cars are equipped with segment-first features and the Carens Clavis is no different. You get Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features, two 12.25-inch displays, besides a touch panel below the infotainment screen that lets you switch between controls for air-conditioning and the music system. You also get 360-degree view and an electric parking brake, and the latter has also helped in liberating more space in the centre console. The driver’s seat gets four-way electric adjust in higher trims to recline or slide the seat though height adjustment is still a manual affair. You also get 64-colour ambient lighting and customisable themes for the driver display, which can be linked to the driving modes, and an 8-speaker music system from Bose. The infotainment system integrates a long list of functionalities, including voice commands in English and Hindi and supports over-the-air updates, though Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto connectivity still requires a cable and is not wireless. You get a bunch of connected car features as well, to locate your car or check its status remotely. These are besides what Kia calls the Advanced Total Care System, which can send real-time pre-emptive maintenance notifications to your dealer, enabling services like workshop appointments and making roadside assistance a swift affair. 

There’s no change to the powertrains which means you get the same, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, 1.5-litre diesel engine and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The turbocharged petrol is what we drove, which puts out the same 160PS and 253Nm as it does in the Carens. Like before, you can pair the engine to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic, but additionally, unlike before, Kia is offering this engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox as well in the Carens Clavis. We only drove the automatic version, which is a powertrain option we are familiar with. The engine feels smooth and refined though there is a slight vibration around the 4,000rpm mark. Performance is brisk and building speeds is a cinch, while the dual clutch automatic gearbox offers quick responses. The turbo-petrol thus endows the Carens Clavis with a long-legged feel and it feels quick to munch miles, making it apt for comfortable long drives with family. 

The Carens has always impressed us with its comfortable ride quality given its positioning as a family MPV and this trait remains unchanged in the Carens Clavis. This is despite the fact that the Carens Clavis has gotten heavier thanks to the various changes to the vehicle, and also the fact that Kia has had to re-calibrate the suspension accordingly. It soaks up potholes and bumps impressively, despite the underlying sense of firmness offered by the suspension. This is also impressive considering that wheel sizes have gone up by an inch on the top trim we drove and consequently, the aspect ratio of the tyres has gone down. On the other hand, the larger wheel sizes aid handling, and the Carens Clavis feels more confident now, be it while changing lanes at highway speeds or when going around bends.  

In a nutshell, this updated Carens, with the Clavis suffix, and a raft of updates and the inclusion of more features, looks quite promising. And yes, Kia has also differentiated it from the older Carens cleverly. So yes, it does make sense for Kia to sell both versions of the MPV, because while this one will appeal to family car buyers and chauffeur-driven executives, commanding a small premium of course, the older Carens will continue to add to Kia’s sales numbers by appealing to both family car buyers and fleet owners. With that said, expect the Carens Clavis to command a premium over the Carens, in keeping with its higher equipment levels. Prices will be announced on May 23, 2025. 

The post 2025 Kia Carens Clavis: First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

I’d say, the Syros is yet another example of Kia India’s knack of making buyers realise the need for something they didn’t know they needed, and then cater to the need! One of the first things to notice about the Syros is that it looks very unique and very different from pretty much every other Kia offering in India. In fact this front end here is also a little quirky looking, as the headlamps are positioned at the far ends of the face and the grille is closed off at the top. But more importantly, the Syros looks very premium and very upmarket. I also see lots of design inspiration from bigger SUVs that Kia sells abroad. The headlamps look very unique and futuristic, while the grille, a closed off one, is a nod to Kia’s trademark tiger nose grille design. Admittedly, while the front end looks slightly quirky, it also helps the Syros look very unique and distinctive. 

The Syros offers a similar vibe from the sides with its boxy shape as some of the design cues are a little unconventional, like the window lines and the cladding on the wheel arches, which is squared off on the top but perfectly round at the bottom. That said, there’s also a clear sense of Kia trying to offer a more premium feel, with bits like the flush door handles and larger, 17-inch alloy wheels on higher variants. Given its sub-4 metre length the Syros looks compact from the sides, but Kia has managed to push the front and rear axles further apart to increase the wheelbase by 50mm as compared to the Sonet’s. Besides helping improve cabin space this has also helped in enhancing the SUV’s stance. Design elements like the flared sides and silver cladding also help the Syros look appealing and add to its premium quotient. When you look at it from the rear there’s no mistaking the Syros for anything else, thanks to the slim, L-shaped tail lamps and slab-sided boot. The Syros also looks very clean from the rear, helping it look premium and adding more visual mass. Positioning of the turn indicators and reverse lamp is unique which further adds to the distinctiveness too. Overall, it may look unconventional, especially with its slab-sided front and rear end design, but the Syros has an air of coolness.

The premium vibe continues inside too. In fact, the interiors here are easily the most premium looking as far as compact SUVs go. There’s a clear effort in terms of making the insides of the Syros feel nicer than not just compact SUVs, but midsize SUVs too. And this is a feeling conveyed by the sporty steering wheel, triple screen layout, dashboard design and high quality plastics, not to forget, the impeccable fit-finish levels. The gear lever design and centre console augment this feel further, as do the USB ports and air-conditioning switches. We’re also told a lot of recycled and sustainable materials have been used, besides which usage of soft touch plastics is abundant. The cabin feels very spacious given the excellent space management, besides which the light grey colour theme and panoramic sunroof add to the sense of space.

Kia also tells us there’s been a strong emphasis on maximising rear seat comfort and space, despite the compact exterior dimensions. The rear seat slides back and forth and the seat back reclines as well, which, for the record, is a feature you won’t find even in SUVs a segment or two above the Syros. Effectively, the second row in the Syros is more spacious than the Seltos! We’re told the idea was to address a key concern family SUV buyers had with compact SUVs, which is the lack of space in the second row. You even get sun blinds on the rear windows, but my personal favourite is a feature that you won’t find even in most luxury cars, which is ventilated second row seats! These should certainly help the Syros appeal to a wider audience, though a lot of buyers are also sure to be impressed with its exhaustive feature list.

Kia has thrown in everything it could into the Syros including a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, a Harman Kardon music system, six airbags, Level 2 ADAS and a lot more. These are besides the inclusion of driving modes and traction modes, an electric parking brake, 360 degree view with switchable views, blind view monitoring and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. So the Syros does not just outdo its direct rivals in terms of features, it also beats a lot of midsize SUVs on the front!

You can have the Syros with petrol and diesel engines both. If you like driving, the petrol is the one you need to look at, as the Syros comes powered by Kia’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine putting out 120PS and 172Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT! The diesel engine on offer is the tried and tested 1.5-litre oil burner producing 115PS and 250Nm and can be mated to either the six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed torque converter automatic. We only drove the petrol automatic and the powertrain impresses with its refinement, performance and the responsiveness of the gearbox, especially via paddle shifters. It does feel a little strained at high revs, but impresses, especially for driving in traffic. The Syros also offers a very familiar feel on the dynamics front. It soaks up bumps and undulations well and is also a confident handler. The steering offers a weighted feel, but with a sense of artificialness. There’s a clear focus on ensuring the Syros impresses when driving in traffic overall, but it also feels stable and planted at highway speeds, just like every other Kia product.

Clearly, the Syros is intended to spice things up in the compact SUV segment. In fact, it’s only its exterior dimensions that tell you this is a compact SUV because the interiors and features (including many segment firsts), help it feel very premium and also punch above its weight. Prices begin from ₹9 lakh ex-showroom and go up to a rather high ₹17.80 lakh, but then, Kia is clear this isn’t just another compact SUV. So if you’re looking for an SUV that’s compact on the outside but big inside, your search might just end here. 

The post Kia Syros: First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

New Delhi, February 14, 2024: After showcasing Carens as Purpose-Built Vehicles at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, Kia India announced the delivery of 71 specially customised Carens to the Punjab Police. These PBVs will be used as Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to provide immediate assistance to citizens during emergencies. With its entry into the PBV segment, Kia aims to address the gap of the diverse mobility requirements of specialised institutions in India. 

Kia Carens became the preferred mobility choice of Punjab Police on account of its latest technology, connected features, bigger wheelbase, and better 3rd-row comfort.

The customized Carens features a Smartstream 1.5 Petrol engine with a 6-speed Manual transmission. The PBV includes custom High-Intensity Strobe lights, PA Systems, and ‘Dial 112 – Emergency Response Vehicle’ Decals. It features a higher capacity battery of 60Ah to run the additionally fitted equipment. The Carens has the biggest wheelbase in or above its segment making it a most practical choice for Police Departments. Talking about practicality, the specially designed Carens features 2nd row 60:40 split, 3rd row 55:50 split, all rows adjustable headrests, a 12V Power Socket and 5 USB Type-C Ports to offer utmost flexibility to Punjab Police Officials. Like standard Carens models, the PBV also hosts High Strength Steel structure and all the latest technologies like All Wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Idle Stop & Go and TPMS, to name a few. 

Commenting on the delivery of 71 Carens as PBVs, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn – Chief Sales and business Officer, Kia India, said, “Purpose-Based Vehicles (PBVs) represent the future of mobility as they offer the possibility of extensive customization to meet specific mobility requirements. Kia is proud to team up with the Punjab Police in delivering technologically enhanced Carens as PBVs, tailored to offer the best and safest driving experience, particularly for longer journeys. The spacious interiors and comfortable headrests make it an ideal mobility solution.”

“With strategic partnerships like this, we aim to broaden the appeal of a family mover like Carens to all institutions looking for a 7-seater mobility solution.”

The police car and an ambulance based on the Carens were first showcased at the 16th edition of the Auto Expo in 2023. Kia Carens also won the ‘Indian Car of the Year’ honour in the same year. With the delivery of PBV, Kia restates its dedication to addressing the evolving needs in mobility by providing suitable solutions. The PBVs mirror the shifting patterns in mobility, where vehicles are extensively customizable to meet the demands of both customers and the market, resulting in elevated levels of customer satisfaction. The delivery showcases Kia’s vision of becoming a leader in the global PBV segment by 2030.

The post Kia India Delivers 71 Specially Customised Carens as Purpose Built Vehicles to Punjab Police first appeared on Turbocharged.

New Delhi, February 6, 2024:  After setting a record for the highest first-day bookings in its segment, India’s Kia Seltos continues its winning streak, surpassing over 100,000 bookings since its launch in July’23. During this period, the company has received 13,500 bookings (approximately) every month. The starting price for the New Seltos in India is 10.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom). Since its initial launch in August 2019, Kia has manufactured over 6 Lakhs Seltos units in India, with nearly 75% sold in the domestic market. In 2023, Kia sold a total of 1.04 Lakhs units of the Seltos.

The automatics emerged as the top choices among Seltos’ new-age customers, comprising nearly 50% of the total bookings. With growing awareness of advanced Active Safety features, approximately 40% of buyers are expressing strong interest in variants equipped with ADAS. Seltos booking trends mirror the enduring preference for sunroofs among Indian customers, with 80% of Seltos buyers opting for this feature. The ratio of petrol to diesel bookings also remains healthy at 58:42%. The premium appeal of the Seltos is evident in the booking preferences, with 80% of buyers inclined towards owning the top variants.

Commenting on Seltos success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer, Kia India, said, “We are excited about the market success of the new Seltos. Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the smartest SUV choices available, and the response from our customers resonates with this sentiment. The New Seltos is helping us consolidate our market leadership consistently in the mid-SUV segment. We are actively realigning our manufacturing processes to ensure that our customers gain access to their favourite SUVs as swiftly as possible. We are thankful to all Seltos and Kia fans in India who support and inspire us to do better with every product.”

Launched in July 2023, the New Seltos has maintained its stance as an aspirational vehicle in the Indian market, setting new benchmarks for SUVs. Featuring a refreshed design, enhanced performance with a sportier touch, a robust exterior, a futuristic cabin, and advanced technology, the vehicle boasts a total of 32 features, encompassing Robust 15 Hi-Safety features and 17 ADAS Level 2 autonomous features.

The post New Kia Seltos crosses 1 Lakh Bookings first appeared on Turbocharged.

New Delhi, 2^nd January 2024: Kia India, the country’s premium carmaker, today announced the appointment of Mr. Gwanggu Lee as the new Managing Director and CEO, effective immediately. He will be the 3rd Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, succeeding Mr. Kook Hyun Shim and Mr. Tae Jin Park. Kia India’s former MD & CEO – Mr. Tae Jin Park, is retiring after his remarkable 36-year journey with Kia Corporation and 4 years stint with Kia India. 

With over 30 years of robust experience in the automotive sector, Mr. Gwanggu Lee will spearhead Kia’s transformative journey focusing on fostering sustainable business growth. Mr. Lee has held leadership positions in various capacities in both developed and developing economies, including roles in the US, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Kia Headquarters in Central and South America, and Kia Europe Headquarters in Germany. His recent role as President at Kia Mexico played a pivotal role in the company’s substantial growth and establishment as a production and export hub.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, MD, and CEO – Kia India, said, “I am very excited to assume this responsibility as Kia India has become one of the most loved and trusted brands in just 4 years. With two segment-breaking updates – the new Seltos & the new Sonet and a host of more innovative products on the way, Kia India is surely on the right path to sustainable business growth. It’s a privilege to lead a team that has set industry benchmarks, and I shall be contributing towards achieving many more as one team. My vision is to unlock the next phase of growth through inspiring Kia brand experiences thereby creating more value and long-lasting impact for our customers, partners, and employees alike.” 

With his experience within the industry and the brand, Mr. Gwanggu Lee will continue to grow Brand Kia’s strong position in India. 

The post Kia India names Mr. Gwanggu Lee as the Managing Director and CEO first appeared on Turbocharged.

One of the standout features of the New Sonet is its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering 10 autonomous features. Notable safety additions include Front Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), among others. With a total of 25 safety features, the Sonet claims the distinction of being the only Compact SUV in its segment to provide such a comprehensive safety package.

Kia has also made a significant stride in standardising safety across its product line, with the New Sonet featuring 6 airbags as a standard across all variants. 

In a move towards encouraging responsible driving, Kia is launching the ‘Kia Inspiring Drive Program’ (K.I.D). Accessible through the ‘Kia Connect’ app, this program evaluates driving behaviour, giving an Ecoscore to users, which can be redeemed for rewards. Initially, the program will be available for Sonet owners.

Responding to customer feedback, Kia India has reintroduced the Manual Transmission option for all variants with a Diesel powertrain. This expands the transmission choices for Sonet buyers, offering a range of options to suit individual preferences.

Key Highlights of the New Sonet:

Safety – 25 Features:
– ADAS Level 1 with 10 Autonomous Features
– Robust 15 Standard Safety Package
– Introduction of standard 6 airbags across all variants

Exterior:
– New updates design
– Crown Jewel LED headlamps
– Star Map LED DRLs and tail lamps
– R16 crystal cut alloy wheels

Interior:
– Tech-oriented dashboard
– BOSE Premium 7 speaker system
– Dual screen connected panel design
– Ambient sound lighting
– 60:40 split fold seats

Connectivity and Convenience Features:
– Over 70 Connected Car features under five pillars
– Kia Connect app with innovative ‘Kia Inspiring Drive Program’
– 360 Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor
– 4-Way Power Driver’s Seat

Sonet Trim/Variant Line-up:

The post Kia unveils the facelifted Sonet first appeared on Turbocharged.

My typical inclination to scrutinise every detail of a new car was cast aside momentarily given the updated design, and I just wanted to hit the road. Getting out of Mumbai’s traffic was a breeze and effortless – highlighting the ability of the Seltos to soothe the driver even in the midst of a traffic jam. The low NVH levels and of course, the Bose audio system were doing their job very well. I could barely hear the diesel clatter inside too – yet another highlight, especially since the past year I’ve largely driven petrol cars! 

And being a diesel, the torquey feel, especially at low speeds meant I wasn’t complaining. An hour later I hit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and experienced what I was looking forward to, Level 2 ADAS. And I found myself instantly hooked onto the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. I also realised that low NVH levels aside, the diesel engine is refined enough to not feel like one. Our long term Seltos is the automatic one, equipped with a 6-speed torque converter and it seemed to work very well, offering gear changes in a swift yet smooth manner. And while the GT Line trim on test with us is equipped with a set of paddle shifters too, I didn’t feel the need to use them. 

Further enhancing my driving experience were the drive modes. My recent encounter with the Kia Carens (now equipped with the 1.5-litre, 160PS turbocharged petrol engine) had me ponder about the efficiency of such modes, especially their tendency to hold on to gears in Sport mode. But the Seltos exhibited a distinct character, as Sport mode makes the engine feel more energetic, while Eco enhances frugality, with figures touching 20kmpl on open roads and a very impressive 15kmpl within city limits.

I’m particularly fond of the Pewter Olive colour – it’s one of the most beautiful shades I’ve seen in person, on a mass market product at least. Also, this may be a midlife facelift, but the Seltos looks more premium and eye-catching thanks to the exterior design changes. The larger grille and updated DRLs merge harmoniously to create an SUV that, in my opinion, ranks as one of the most handsome ones in its segment. The new 18-inch alloys fill the wheel arches well, though I am curious about the potential benefits of smaller, 17-inch wheels on Pune’s rain-battered roads. Of course, the upside to the larger wheels is the sporty handling, while the suspension helps it strike a good balance, offering comfort with a hint of firmness all round.

What’s more, the Seltos now gets an exhaustive list of features, many of which Kia claims are ‘segment-first’. I am keen on exploring them over the next few months, though I’m already liking the new panoramic sunroof. More on that feature list in the next update, only if the bosses don’t pull rank!

The post Kia Seltos 1.5L CRDi: Fleet Entry – 3,142km first appeared on Turbocharged.