Kia Seltos HTK+ Diesel Manual: A Reliable Companion For Your Next Road Trip

The New Year’s Eve holiday season calls for memorable adventures, and what better way to celebrate than a road trip with friends? Recently, my friends and I embarked on a five-day, 1500-kilometer journey from Mumbai to Goa and back, with the Kia Seltos HTK+ Diesel Manual as our trusted steed. Here’s a detailed review of the car’s performance, comfort, and roadworthiness, based on our firsthand experience.

Mileage And Fuel Efficiency

For a diesel car loaded with five people and a boot full of luggage, fuel economy plays a critical role in the journey. The Kia Seltos managed an impressive mileage of 14.8 to 15 kmpl over varied terrain, which included highways, winding ghat roads, and the occasional traffic-clogged city streets. We used approximately ₹7,600 worth of diesel, which felt reasonable given the distance covered. The engine’s refined performance ensured steady power delivery without compromising too much on fuel efficiency.

Comfort And Features

What truly elevated our road trip experience was the car’s impressive array of comfort-focused features.

1. Spacious Cabin

The Kia Seltos HTK+ offered ample space for five adults, ensuring that no one felt cramped even after hours on the road. The rear seats, in particular, provided good legroom and shoulder space for three passengers.

2. Ventilated Seats

Driving through the humid coastal regions can be exhausting, but the ventilated seats proved to be a game-changer. They kept the driver and front passenger cool, even during the midday heat.

3. Panoramic Sunroof

The panoramic sunroof added a sense of openness to the cabin and brought a refreshing vibe to the journey. It allowed us to enjoy the clear blue skies during the day and the starlit views at night, adding to the scenic charm of our road trip.

4. Apple CarPlay Integration

Seamless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay made navigation, entertainment, and communication effortless. Streaming music and using maps felt intuitive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Performance And Ride Quality

The Kia Seltos HTK+ Diesel Manual is powered by a 1.5-liter CRDi engine that delivers 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, offering sufficient power for both city commutes and highway cruising. The 6-speed manual gearbox was responsive, making overtaking maneuvers on the highway a breeze. The engine remained composed even during steep climbs on the ghats, ensuring a hassle-free drive.

However, the ride quality left us wanting more. With five people on board and a fully loaded boot, the suspension struggled to absorb road imperfections, particularly on uneven and bumpy roads. The stiff setup made the ride feel jarring at times, detracting from the otherwise smooth driving experience. On well-paved highways, the ride quality improved significantly, with minimal cabin noise and excellent stability at higher speeds.

Exterior Design

The Seltos is a head-turner, and its bold styling undoubtedly adds to its appeal. The sharp LED headlamps, signature tiger-nose grille, and well-sculpted body lines make it stand out on the road. During our trip, it garnered quite a few appreciative glances, underscoring its aspirational design.

Boot Space

For a road trip with friends, luggage space is non-negotiable, and the Kia Seltos delivered on this front. The 433-liter boot capacity easily accommodated all our bags, with room to spare for souvenirs from Goa. Loading and unloading were straightforward, thanks to the wide-opening tailgate.

Handling And Safety

The Seltos handled corners confidently, offering good grip even on winding ghat roads. The steering felt well-weighted, though it could have been slightly more responsive for better precision. In terms of safety, the HTK+ variant is equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, which provided peace of mind throughout the journey.

Pros And Cons At A Glance

Pros
• Fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Ventilated seats and panoramic sunroof enhance long drives
• Stylish and premium design
• Ample boot space for luggage

Cons
• Stiff suspension leads to a bumpy ride on rough roads
• Slightly limited steering feedback
• Ride quality could be improved under full load

Verdict

The Kia Seltos HTK+ Diesel Manual is a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in design, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for road trips and daily commutes alike. While the ride quality could benefit from a more forgiving suspension setup, its long list of features and practicality easily outweigh this minor drawback. If you’re planning your next adventure with friends or family, the Seltos promises to deliver a memorable and enjoyable journey.