Kia India has recently launched its much-awaited Kia Seltos Facelift 2023. The New Kia Seltos Facelift has been launched with a host of New features inside and outside, a Revamped Front and Rear end and a completely overhauled Interior. Kia India has also introduced a new 1.5 litre Turbo-Charged Petrol Engine replacing the old 1.4 litre one. In the Mid-Size SUV segment, the New 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift will compete against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and MG Astor in the Petrol segment and will compete against the likes of MG Hector, Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700 in the Diesel segment.
We are today putting all the Petrol-powered Mid-Size SUVs against New 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift to see how the updated Seltos flares against its rivals.
| Dimensions | Kia Seltos Facelift | Hyundai Creta | Maruti Grand Vitara | Toyota Hyryder | Volkswagen Taigun | Skoda Kushaq | MG Astor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Length |
4365mm |
4300mm |
4345mm |
4365mm |
4221mm |
4225mm |
4323mm |
|
Width |
1800mm |
1790mm |
1795mm |
1795mm |
1760mm |
1760mm |
1809mm |
|
Height |
1645mm |
1635mm |
1645mm |
1645mm |
1612mm |
1612mm |
1650mm |
|
Wheel Base |
2610mm |
2610mm |
2600mm |
2600mm |
2651mm |
2651mm |
2585mm |
|
Ground Clearance |
190mm |
190mm |
210mm |
210mm |
188mm |
188mm |
180mm |
|
Boot Space |
433 ltrs |
433 ltrs |
373 ltrs |
373 ltrs |
385 ltrs |
385 ltrs |
488 ltrs |
The New Kia Seltos Facelift is undoubtedly the largest among all the SUVs in terms of Length, Width & Height measuring 4365mm, 1800mm & 1645mm respectively with almost similar dimensions of the MG Astor. The MG Astor has the largest Boot Space at 488 litres with the New Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta, being first cousins, also faring well in terms of Boot Space at 433 litres.
The other cousin party Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq though smaller in terms of Length, Width and Height, scores well above the all, in Wheel Base. They have the largest Wheel Base of 2651mm, thus having the largest Cabin Space in terms of Knee Room and Leg Room.
The next set of cousins the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder scores well above the competition with a margin of 20 mm approximately in the Ground Clearance, measuring at 210mm for both the vehicles.
In the overall Dimensions Data Sheet, the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq are the smallest of the lot, while the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder standing at position two and the MG Astor, New Kia Seltos Facelift along with its first cousin Hyundai Creta are clear winners in terms of overall dimensions.
Visually also, the New Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta looks larger than the other Mid-Size SUVs with the MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder being at the second spot. The Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq looks smaller of the lot.
| Kia Seltos Facelift | Hyundai Creta | Maruti Grand Vitara | Toyota Hyryder | Volkswagen Taigun | Skoda Kushaq | MG Astor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
1.5L NA Petrol /
1.5L Turbo Petrol |
1.5L NA Petrol |
1.5L NA Petrol /
1.5L NA Petrol
(Strong Hybrid) |
1.5L NA Petrol /
1.5L NA Petrol
(Strong Hybrid) |
1.0L TSI Petrol /
1.5L TSI Petrol |
1.0L TSI Petrol /
1.5L TSI Petrol |
1.5L NA Petrol /
1.3L Turbo Petrol |
|
Peak Power |
115 bhp /
160 bhp |
115 bhp |
103 bhp /
92.45 bhp +
80.2 bhp (Hybrid) |
103 bhp /
92.45 bhp +
80.2 bhp (Hybrid) |
115 bhp /
150 bhp |
115 bhp /
150 bhp |
110 bhp /
138 bhp |
|
Peak Torque |
144 Nm /
253 Nm |
143.8 Nm |
136.8 Nm /
122 Nm +
141 Nm (Hybrid) |
136.8 Nm /
122 Nm +
141 Nm (Hybrid) |
178 Nm /
250 Nm |
178 Nm /
250 Nm |
144 Nm /
220 Nm |
|
Transmission |
6 MT / 6 iMT /
IVT / 7-DCT |
6 MT / IVT |
6 MT / 6 AT /
e-CVT |
6 MT / 6 AT /
e-CVT |
6 MT / 6 AT / 7-DSG |
6 MT / 6 AT / 7-DSG |
5 MT / CVT / 6 AT |
*NA-Naturally Aspirated *MT-Manual Transmission *iMT-Intelleigent Manual Transmission (Semi-Auto) *AT-Automatic Torque Converter *DCT-Dual Clutch Automatic *DSG-Dual Clutch Automatic
In the engine options, all the Mid-Size SUVs are available with either a Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine or a Turbo Charged version. Only the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder are available with an option of a Strong Hybrid.
In terms of Engine Displacement, the New Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta scores above the all with the similar 1497cc Naturally Aspirated Engine. The Kia Seltos Facelift is one of the most powerful of the lot producing a Peak Power of 115 bhp along with the Creta, Taigun and Kushaq standing together at the same spot. The MG Astor has the least Power Output of 110 Bhp in this lot. Both the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq are the most capable performers and enjoyable to drive with the best Power output and Torque combinations.
In Turbo-charged Petrol versions, again the New Kia Seltos Facelift gains the first spot with a 1.5 litre Turbo Petrol mill producing a Peak Power of 160 bhp and a Peak Torque of 253 Nm. The Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq, on the other hand, are not far away with a Peak Power output of 150 bhp and a Peak Torque of 250 Nm. MG Astor gains the third spot with Peak Power Output of 140 Bhp and a Peak Torque of 220 Nm.
The Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder does not offer a Turbo Charged engine option but the latter two do have an option of 1.5 litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol with a Strong Hybrid option. The Vitara and the Hyryder stands tall in the full Hybrid options since none of the available SUVs in the segment offer a Hybrid option till now.
All the above SUVs are offered with a variety of Engine and Transmission options to choose from. The New Kia Seltos Facelift having the most combinations with 1.5 litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine being mated to either a 6 Speed Manual Transmission or an 8 Step IVT Automatic Transmission and 1.5 litre Turbo Charged Petrol mated to either a 6 Speed iMT or a 7 Speed Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission. The Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission is only offered with Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. While the Kia Seltos has the most Engine and Transmission options, the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the MG Astor stands at the second spot with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and the Hyundai Creta having the least options in terms of Engine and Transmission combinations.
| Kia Seltos Facelift | Hyundai Creta | Maruti Grand Vitara | Toyota Hyryder | Volkswagen Taigun | Skoda Kushaq | MG Astor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manual |
17 Kmpl |
17.52 Kmpl |
21.11 kmpl |
21.12 Kmpl |
18.61 kmpl |
18.60 kmpl |
15.43 kmpl |
|
iMT |
17.70 kmpl |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Automatic Naturally Aspirated |
17.70 Kmpl |
17.00 Kmpl |
20.58 Kmpl |
20.58 kmpl |
18.15 Kmpl |
18.09 Kmpl |
14.85 Kmpl |
|
Automatic Turbo |
17.90 Kmpl |
- |
- |
- |
19.01 Kmpl |
18.86 Kmpl |
14.34 Kmpl |
|
Automatic Strong Hybrid |
- |
- |
27.97 Kmpl |
27.97 Kmpl |
- |
- |
- |
As always and as in every segment, Maruti Suzuki Cars are the Mileage Kings. Here in the Mid-Size SUV segment also the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara along with Toyota Hyryder are way ahead of the competition in the mileage chart.
In the Naturally Aspirated Petrol Manual versions, the Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder stand tall at 21.11 Kmpl and 21.12 Kmpl respectively. The second set of cousins Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq holds the second spot with 19.87 Kmpl and 19.76 Kmpl respectively. The New Kia Seltos Facelift and the Hyundai Creta, the third set of cousins fare a bit low in Mileage area in comparison, standing at the third spot with figures of 17.00 Kmpl and 17.52 Kmpl respectively. The MG Astor gains the last spot with Mileage figures of 15.43 Kmpl only.
Similarly, in the Naturally Aspirated Automatic versions also, the Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder stands above all, holding the first position with Mileage figures of 20.58 Kmpl for both the vehicles. The second spot again goes to Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq with Mileage figures of 18.15 Kmpl and 18.09 Kmpl respectively. Here also the Kia Seltos Facelift stands at the third position with figure of 17.70 Kmpl while the Creta claiming a Mileage figure of 17.00 kmpl while the MG Astor is at the last spot here as well. In the Turbo Charged Petrol Automatic, the Volkswagen Taigun gains top position with 19.01 kmpl, Skoda Kushaq at the second spot with 18.86 Kmpl, Kia Seltos Facelift at 17.90 kmpl with the MG Astor being the least efficient at 14.34 kmpl.
Since only the Maruti Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder offers a Strong Hybrid option, the mileage figures for both the vehicles stands at 27.97 Kmpl which in itself are amazing mileage figures for SUVs of this size.
Kia Seltos Facelift 2023 vs Rivals: Prices (Ex-Showroom)
| Kia Seltos Facelift | Hyundai Creta | Maruti Grand Vitara | Toyota Hyryder | Volkswagen Taigun | Skoda Kushaq | MG Astor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manual |
Rs. 10.89 Lakh - Rs. 15.19 Lakh |
Rs. 10.87 Lakh - Rs. 14.51 Lakh |
Rs. 10.70 Lakh - Rs. 15.57 Lakh |
Rs. 10.86 Lakh - Rs. 16.04 Lakh |
Rs. 11.61 Lakh - Rs. 18.19 Lakh |
Rs. 11.59 Lakh - Rs. 18.49 Lakh |
Rs. 10.81 Lakh - Rs. 15.24 Lakh |
|
Automatic (iMT, IVT, CVT, AT, DSG) |
Rs. 16.59 Lakh - Rs. 19.99 Lakh |
Rs. 16.32 Lakh - Rs. 17.70 Lakh |
Rs. 13.60 Lakh - Rs. 17.07 Lakh |
Rs. 13.81 Lakh - Rs. 17.24 Lakh |
Rs. 15.19 Lakh - Rs. 19.25 Lakh |
Rs. 15.14 Lakh - Rs. 19.69 Lakh |
Rs. 13.93 Lakh - Rs. 18.68 Lakh |
|
Strong Hybrid (e-CVT) |
- |
- |
Rs. 18.29 Lakh - Rs. 19.95 Lakh |
Rs. 16.46 Lakh - Rs. 19.99 Lakh |
- |
- |
- |
All the SUV’s offer a host of variants with various Engine, Transmission and Feature options. Comparing them on their Starting Prices and Top End Prices would be un-justified. Still the Maruti Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder has the lowest starting prices for their Manual versions, with figures at Rs. 10.70 Lakhs and Rs. 10.86 lakhs respectively. The Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq have the highest Starting Ex-showroom Prices for their Manual versions.
The Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder also have the lowest starting prices for their Automatic Versions at Ex-showroom Rs. 13.60 lakhs and Rs. 13.81 lakhs respectively. Here the Hyundai Creta has the highest price tag for its Automatic Versions starting at Rs. 16.32 Lakhs.
The Top Spec version of the Kia Seltos Facelift has the highest Ex-showroom price of Rs. 20.00 lakhs though it is the most feature loaded SUV in its segment. The Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder, though not feature loaded as Kia Seltos, scores in terms of Technology offered and the Mileage offered in their Top Spec versions.
Kia Seltos Facelift 2023 vs Rivals: Conclusion
There cannot be a clear and justified comparison among any of the above Mid-Size SUVs unless and until, the customer himself or herself lists down his or her basic requirements and set of combinations they need.
If you would want a big Feature list, Great looks and Strong Aspirations, then there is no comparison for Kia Seltos Facelift, if you want a Strong Performer with Strong Power output combined with Strong Dual Clutch Transmission and Superb Ride and Handling, then there is no competition for Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. If you want latest Technology, Strong After Sales Service support, great Resale Value and top most Mileage figures then there would not be any competition for Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. If anyone wants top notch luxurious Interiors and an average performer then MG Astor will be the best choice. It is the customer who has to decide what to compare and with what to compare after listing down his or her requirements and aspirations.
Though we have tried to give you a clear comparison of the New 2023 Kia Seltos Facelift with all its prospective competitors in the Mid-Size SUV segment, we would be glad to assist you in your buying process with maximum effort to justify your requirements. If you wish to know more about these SUVs, please leave a comment below.
