The owner of the 2024 Kia Seltos shares his ownership journey after covering nearly 3500 km. Previously owning an i20, he made a major upgrade into the compact SUV space. In this conversation-style video, the owner compares his Seltos with rivals like the Harrier, Elevate, Creta, and Hyryder while reflecting on why he ultimately picked the Seltos.

Driving Experience and Performance

The owner says the Seltos offers an exciting driving experience with great pickup and a refined engine response. He particularly appreciates how the power kicks in quickly and makes the car feel thrilling to drive in both city and highway conditions. Despite comparing it to larger engine SUVs like the Tata Harrier, he feels the 1.5 L turbo-petrol engine in the Seltos offers punchy torque delivery and impressive gear shifts that are barely noticeable.

He mentions the 150+ bhp power output feels adequate for most driving needs and the car responds smoothly under acceleration. According to him, even after driving a 2000cc SUV, the Seltos didn’t feel lacking in power.

Feature-Loaded Cabin and Practicality

Talking about the features, the owner says the Seltos is loaded with tech and comfort elements that enhance the ownership experience. He highlights features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, premium Bose sound system, electronic driver seat adjustment, and connected LED tail lamps. The build quality and interior layout also impressed him over competitors like the Creta N Line and Elevate.

He also points out that even though his variant (X-Line) misses a few features available in the latest trims, it still doesn’t feel short on equipment. The cabin feels modern, with good space for five adults and adequate boot space for family travel.

Comparison with Other SUVs

Before finalising the Seltos, the owner test-drove several competitors including the Tata Harrier, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta N Line, and Toyota Hyryder. While he appreciated the Harrier’s performance and rugged nature, he felt Kia had done a better job at adding premium elements and creating a more sophisticated overall package.

He also found the Elevate underwhelming in terms of features and interior finish. The Creta N Line was quite close in terms of features, but the Seltos felt more refined and classier to sit in, according to him. Even with almost similar features, he preferred the overall packaging of the Seltos.

After-Sales Experience

One major highlight of the ownership journey is the after-sales service experience. The owner mentions Kia’s service team follows up even after regular service calls, checking on comfort and vehicle performance. This attention to detail made him feel valued as a customer, which is not common across all brands, as per his experience.

Positive

• Punchy and responsive engine that delivers a thrilling driving experience
• Smooth gearshifts and refined drivetrain with no jerks during transitions
• Feels like a proper SUV with quick acceleration and good road presence
• Loaded with features like ventilated seats, Bose speakers, panoramic sunroof (in higher trims), and electronic driver seat adjustment
• High-quality LED lighting setup with strong throw and effective visibility
• Comfortable cabin with ample space for 4-5 passengers
• Strong ground clearance and practical for varied road conditions
• Long-term reliability proven by a friend’s Seltos that has clocked 1.25 lakh km
• Superior after-sales service experience that adds peace of mind
• Premium cabin layout and better perceived value compared to Hyundai Creta N Line and Honda Elevate

Negative

• Diesel variants may not be the most fuel-efficient in city conditions
• Exterior design of some rivals like the Tata Harrier may appear bolder, but the owner still prefers Seltos for its overall balance
• Some may feel it’s slightly overpriced initially, though the owner believes it’s worth every rupee after usage

Verdict

The owner is a 100% satisfied customer and strongly recommends the Kia Seltos to anyone in the market for an SUV in the Rs. 12–24 lakh range. He feels that the car offers exceptional value, striking a perfect balance between performance, comfort, features, and reliability. For those upgrading from a hatchback or looking for a premium driving experience, the Seltos stands out as a well-rounded, feature-rich SUV that delivers more than expected.

Source: 4 Wheel Reveal