Kia Seltos Engine & Performance
Kia will be launching the Seltos with three engine options; two petrol and one diesel and these are BS VI compliant from day one. There will also be four gearboxes on offer. The first is 1.5 litre petrol engine developing 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque mated to a six speed manual or a Smartstream IVT (CVT in common lingo). The other petrol motor is a 1.4 litre turbo unit that makes 140 hp and 242 Nm. This also gets a six speed manual but what’s interesting is that it will also get a 7 speed DCT (dual clutch automatic). And the diesel is a 1.5 litre motor good for 115 horses and a healthy 250 Nm torque mated to a six speed manual or a 6 speed ‘Advance AT’ torque converter auto box.
For our drive in Goa, we got the petrol 1.4 Turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel with both manual and automatic transmissions. I got to drive the petrol DCT first. Right from the word go, you know that this one is for the enthusiasts. The engine is smooth and quick right from the word go. The motor likes to be revved and will go past the 6,000rpm mark without a sweat. The 7 speed DCT is quick with the shifts and will happily oblige when planning those overtaking moves. It responds to taps on the throttle quickly. The motor sounds quite nice too, though not outright sporty. You can also take control manually via the gear lever, and while that adds a fun factor, the absence of paddle shifters is a disappointment. Kia are you listening? There’s three drive modes; Eco, Normal and Sport which alter engine response and firms up the steering. The heavier steering adds a bit more character to the driving experience over all. Additionally, there are three traction control modes as well; Mud, Snow/Wet and Sand.
After sampling the petrol DCT on day 1, I hopped into the diesel automatic on day 2. With the rain holding up, it made for a better drive. While 115 hp might not much on paper, the 1.5 diesel more than impressed. First up, the motor is very refined, and you cannot hear the diesel clatter even when you stand next to the vehicle. In cabin insulation is great too. The diesel Seltos wont give you the kick back in the seat feeling, but what you get is seamless acceleration in a very linear manner. There is lots of usable torque, which makes for a great low and mid-range. The 6 speed torque converter auto box is one of the nicer ones around. Shifts and smooth and don’t feel strained. The diesel feels right at home in city traffic, with light steering and just the adequate power you needed. On the highway, it will make for a relaxed cruiser, munching on the kms with no fuss.
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