7-seater Kia Seltos to launch soon in India- expectations

Recently at the Auto Expo, many big manufacturers showcased the 7-seater versions of their 5-seater SUVs. Looking at the trend many manufacturers are planning to make the 7-seater versions of the already on-sale 5-seater SUVs. Kia is one of them to consider this trend and is considering to bring the 7-seater version of the 5-seater Kia Seltos.

Kia Seltos and the recently showcased 2020 Hyundai Creta are based on the same platform. As it was earlier suggested by the reports that Hyundai is considering to bring the 2020 Hyundai Creta 7-seater version, so it makes it more clear about the Kia Seltos 7-seater. The Chinese version of the Kia Seltos(KX3) is 25 mm taller, 30 mm longer than the Indian version and also has 20 mm longer wheelbase. This suggests that the platform of the Seltos is quite flexible and can be used to make 7-seater SUV. If the reports are to be believed, than what features can it get and at what price it can be launched? To know all these answers, continue reading the article below.

Features

As like the 5-seater Seltos, the 7-seater version will also be bagged with ton of features. It will have much bigger sunroof due to extended roof. The interior will be superior than the 5-seater Seltos. It will have much roomier interior with comfortable seating. The seats can be configured to increase the boot space according to the individual need. Much or less other features will be retained from the 5-seater Seltos. The features will includes the 10.25-inch HD touch screen display, Smart air-purifier, Bose premium sound system, LED mood lights, and many other features.

Engine

The Seltos 7-seater might get similar options like the 5-seater Kia Seltos. The 5-seater Kia Seltos gets three engine options- 1.5-litre petrol, 1,4-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The 1.5-litre petrol produces around 114 bhp max power and 144 Nm peak torque. While the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol produces around 138 bhp max power and 242 Nm peak torque. The diesel engine produces around 113 bhp max power and 250 Nm peak torque.

There are several gearbox options for the 5-seater Kia Seltos, we hope the 7-seater Seltos might also get the same gearbox options. The gearbox option varies according to the engine. The 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel gets 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic gearbox. While the 1,4-litre turbo-petrol gets 6-speed manual and optional 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Price and Launch Date

The pricing is expected to be aggressive, same way as the 5-seater Kia Seltos. The 7-seater Kia Seltos will be around 1-1.5-lakhs expensive than 5-seater Kia Seltos. For reference the 5-seater Kia Seltos starts around Rs 9.89 lakhs(ex-showroom) and goes up to 17.34 lakhs(ex-showroom) for the GTX top trim. The launch is expected to be around start of 2021. It will compete against the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV 500 and upcoming Tata Gravitas.