Kia India adds GTX(O), X-Line(O) variants to Seltos lineup; prices start at Rs 21.56 lakh

South Korean auto maker Kia on Wednesday announced two new variants for the Indian market on Wednesday, July 1. The new variants -- the Seltos GTX(O) and the X-Line(O) -- will start at an ex-showroom price of Rs 21.56 lakh. Kia had introduced the Seltos lineup in India in August 2019. Over the years, the mid-size SUV has emerged as one of the carmaker's most successful offerings in one of the country's fastest-growing passenger vehicle (PV) categories.

Earlier this year, the Kia Seltos model secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, cementing the mid-size SUV's premium positioning in the segment. The certification places the SUV among the higher-rated vehicles in its segment at a time when safety has become an increasingly important buying consideration for Indian consumers.

The auto maker's new Seltos variants boast ADAS F+ with 28 advanced safety functions, a head-up display (HUD), Digital Key support and integrated front and rear dashcams. The variants come in turbo-petrol and diesel engine options, according to the company.

ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, uses a combination of cameras, sensors and software to monitor the vehicle's surroundings in real time. The system warns drivers about potential hazards and intervenes automatically to reduce accident risk.

Broadly, ADAS's main function is to support the driver rather than replace human control.

ADAS can assist in maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, keeping it centred within its lane, detecting pedestrians or other vehicles and warning of blind spots, among other features.

Kia introduced refreshed second-generation Seltos in the market this year

The carmaker introduced a refreshed Seltos range in the market at the beginning of the year.

The Seltos competes with rivals like:

• The Hyundai Creta
• The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• The Tata Sierra
• The Honda Elevate
• The Volkswagen Taigun
• The Skoda Kushaq
• The MG Astor

Premium features in spotlight

Apart from the enhanced safety package, the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants boast several premium convenience features, including:

• Head-Up Display (HUD) for projecting key driving information on windshield
• Digital key functionality for smartphone-based vehicle access
• Integrated front and rear dashcams

Industry experts often compare the Seltos with the Hyundai Creta, while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder continue to compete in overlapping price bands.

Kia India posts record June sales

Separately, Kia India reported total sales of 24,552 units in June, marking 19 per cent over the year-ago period. That marked the company's best-ever June sales.

The auto maker closes the first half of the calendar year with record sales of 1,63,749 units, up 15.2 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

Sales in the January-June period were driven by sustained demand for the new Seltos and the strength of Kia's diversified ICE and EV portfolio, the company said.

Price hikes amid robust PV demand

Meanwhile, several carmakers, including Kia India, have raised prices in recent times.

The new rates took effect from July 1.

Kia raised its prices by up to 2 per cent across models.