Kia launches Seltos Diesel with iMT gearbox at Rs. 13.99 lakhs ex-showroom

Kia Motors has introduced a new variant for the Seltos. The mid-size SUV’s diesel engine is now available with an iMT gearbox, which makes it the first of its kind. For now, the Diesel iMT will only be sold in the HTK Plus variant. It is priced at Rs. 13.99 lakhs ex-showroom. Kia might make other changes as well to the Seltos’ lineup.

Till now, the iMT gearbox was offered only with the petrol engine. This is the first time we are seeing an iMT gearbox with a diesel engine. The iMT gearbox is quite unique as the driver does not need to operate the clutch but he/she has to change the gearshifts manually. Because it is not a proper automatic transmission, it costs less than the Diesel AT. So, if the Diesel AT is getting out of budget for a buyer and he wants the convenience of an automatic transmission then he can opt for the Diesel iMT. Moreover, the manufacturer has also updated the suspension setup of the Seltos so it should now have a better ride quality.

Kia Motors has also added two new colour schemes. There is Sparkling Silver and Imperial Blue. Other colours on offer are Intense Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White, Steel Silver, Punchy Orange, Intelligence Blue and Gravity Grey. There are also dual-tone paint schemes on offer. If you opt for the X-Line variant then you get a matte grey paint job which is unique in the segment.

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There are no changes to the diesel engine. It continues to produce 115 PS of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque. As standard, it comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Now, you can also get a 6-speed iMT. There is a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission on offer.

There are two other engines on offer. Both of them are petrol. There is a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated engine and a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that comes with direct injection. The naturally aspirated engine produces 115 PS of max power and 144 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed iMT or a CVT automatic transmission.

Then there is the turbo petrol engine that puts out 140 PS of max power and 242 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You also get paddle shifters to take manual control of the gearbox. Moreover, there are three drive modes, namely Sports, Normal and Eco. There are also three traction modes, namely Mud, Snow/Wet and Sand.

More updates coming

Kia will be further updating the Seltos. It is expected to come with rear disc brakes, side airbags and Vehicle Stability Control as standard. Curtain airbags would be offered from HTX Plus. The traction modes, paddle shifters and drive modes will be offered from HTX variants. Other updates include new 16-inch wheel covers for HTE and HTK variants and a Kia Connect button on the rearview mirror.

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