Kia Seltos - Which Engine & Gearbox Combination to Buy?

Ever since its launch, the Kia Seltos has been a game-changer product for the Korean brand in India. The compact (over 4 metres) SUV brings in good sales numbers every month despite the segment being reigned by the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara. Notably, the Kia Seltos comes with three engine options - 2 petrol and 1 diesel - and 5 gearbox options. It can be daunting to select the right engine and gearbox combination and this blog will help you in selecting the right fit according to your driving needs.

Kia Seltos - Dimensions

Kia Seltos - 1.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

*iVT: Intelligent Variable Transmission

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit is recommended for city residents. It feels refined and smooth to drive and produces sufficient punch to drive around the town. This engine is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission and iVT unit. Do note that the iVT automatic does not have features like a wireless charger, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 8-way powered seats, ventilated seats and ADAS. 

User Experience

- I stay in Pune and own a manual Kia Seltos. There is nothing like a manual transmission and the shifts feel extremely smooth. Even the clutch is not heavy and during overtakes, the response is just amazing. 

- The idea with iVT is to create an almost automatic-like environment with a manual gearbox. It does take some time to adjust with no clutch operation when shifting gears. It also feels notchy sometimes and would not suggest this for spirited driving.

Kia Seltos - 1.5-Litre Turbo Petrol Engine

*6iMT: 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission - Lets you change gears without the need for a clutch pedal

*7DCT: 7-speed DCT - Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission

Up next, there is the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. For those not in the know, the 1.5-litre block replaces the older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. This engine is more powerful than the previous one and has one of the highest power and torque figures in the compact SUV segment. In the manual guise, only a 6-speed iMT is offered but for those looking for fast shifts, Kia also offers a 7-speed DCT automatic. 

User Experience

- Kia’s dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters is super quick. Downshifts and upshifts are lightning-fast and you also have the comfort of driving an automatic in stop-go traffic. However, it tends to get overheated at times during the summer and when driving in first gear for long.

Kia Seltos - 1.5-Litre Diesel Engine

While major car brands like Maruti Suzuki have removed diesel engines from their lineup, Kia continues to offer a diesel with the Seltos in 2024. It might not be the most powerful in the segment but has enough punch to keep you happy, especially over highway drives. It gets the most number of transmissions - a 6-speed manual transmission, 6-speed iMT and 6-speed automatic. This engine is best suited for mile munchers.

User Experience 

- Diesel rocket! A manual is a manual is a manual. Just drop a gear and let it rev till the turbo spools up. The pushback that you get from the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine is addictive. Even the mileage on this one does not seem to go down and let me tell you, I love doing high speeds during weekends

- The torque converter 6-speed automatic transmission on my diesel Kia Seltos is very good. No problem so far and I have been driving it for 8 months. Highly recommend it for those who want high mileage and comfortable driving. Suggested for elderly people. 

Also read - Maruti Grand Vitara Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder - Which is More Practical?