Kia Seltos facelift: Top 5 new features

Kia is gearing up to introduce the mid-lifecycle facelift for the Seltos SUV in India next week that will bring a raft of new of cosmetic updates, a heavily revised cabin and even a new powertrain option. There will also be important updates to the equipment list that will bring it at par with the competition and some will even be segment-first. The price announcement is slated towards the end of July, so ahead of its launch, here we are taking a look at the top five features that will Seltos facelift will gain over its predecessor.

1. Panoramic Sunroof

A panoramic sunroof is among the most loved features for Indian car buyers, but so far, the Seltos was only available with a single-pane unit. Notably, the Seltos’ cousin, the Hyundai Creta, came with a panoramic sunroof right from launch in 2020, so this was quite a miss for the Seltos. It’s also almost become a norm in the segment with the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and MG Astor also offering one. This will be among the most-awaited updates for the Seltos.

2. Twin screen curved display

The Seltos’ interior will benefit from new dual, connected 10.25-inch screens that’ll serve as the infotainment display and all-digital instrument cluster. Pioneered by Mercedes, this feature has now become a lot more accessible with cars such as the XUV700 and Hyundai Verna. The new unit on the Seltos will likely be shared with the Verna and it lends quite an upmarket and minimalist feel to the cabin. The exact screen configuration, however, is likely to differ depending on the trim.

3. ADAS suite

Although not a novelty – the MG Astor was the first in the segment to offer ADAS – the Seltos will only be second SUV in this segment with this feature. It’s expensive and has limited perceived value and utility on Indian roads, but it does contribute to the safety quotient with useful features such as blind spot monitor and autonomous emergency braking. Our dealer sources have revealed the Seltos’ ADAS suite will come with as many as 16 features, but will likely be reserved only for the top-spec variant.

4. Dual-Zone climate control

The Seltos will be the first midsize SUV to offer dual-zone climate control that’ll be an important addition to the convenience features. It will get a redesigned HVAC panel with all-physical buttons, and like the outgoing model, will also come with cooled front seats. Interestingly, although a segment below, the Mahindra XUV300 is the most affordable car in our market to offer dual-zone climate control.

5. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

While Kia offered a wireless charger with the outgoing Seltos, it did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With the facelift, then, you’ll be able to have a completely wireless experience in the Seltos’ cabin, and that surely improves usability while also eliminating the hassle of wires. Our dealer sources have also hinted that the wireless charger will get a new cooling function with the facelift.

Which of these new features are you most excited for in the new Seltos? Do you think Kia has missed out any new addition? Let us know in the comments below.  

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