South Korean automaker Kia is working on strengthening its hold in the Indian market. Kia India’s Indian subsidiary Kia India is preparing to launch an updated version of the Seltos SUV in the country next year. The updated model of the SUV will also make its way to India by mid-2023. Before its market launch, the carmaker may showcase the new model at the Delhi Auto Expo in January. The 2023 Kia Seltos will be launched with a new turbo petrol engine, updated design and upgraded cabin and features.
Media reports claimed that Kia India might drop the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine from its line-up. This engine will be replaced by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine for the 2023 model. The 1.4-litre turbo doesn’t comply with the latest driving norms that will come into effect from April 2023. The new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine will be more powerful than the existing turbo engine. It can generate power of around 158 bhp and a peak torque of 260 Nm. With this, both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT gearbox options will be available. The SUV will continue to be offered with the existing 1.5-litre aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines.
The 2023 Kia Seltos will have a panoramic screen display that combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch centre display. The infotainment system will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new model will also get features like a new digital driver display, electronic parking brake and panoramic sunroof.
The report claims that the 2023 Kia Seltos will have advanced safety features. The updated SUV will get a radar-based driver assistance system. ADAS technology will be equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic safe exit warning, assist, high beam assist, lane following assist, and driver attention warning.
Kia recently unveiled the new Seltos facelift at the 2022 Los Angeles Motor Show. Its Indian model could share design updates with the global model. It has a large tiger-nose grille with full projection LED headlamps, star map signature lighting on the front grille, a new bumper, and integrated vertical-shaped fog lights with DRL and LED tail lights. The 1.5-litre variant may get Audi-like LED sequential turn indicators.