The X-Factor
After debuting in concept form at the Auto Expo 2020, the Kia Seltos X-Line is finally here with cosmetic updates to make it more appealing. Pratik Rakshit brings all the details
The Kia Seltos recently surpassed the two lakh sales milestone in India, and to celebrate this milestone, the South Korean carmaker adds a new special edition to its popular SUV lineup. Taking the drapes off the X-Line Edition, the Seltos is now available in a sinister-looking Graphite matte exterior shade that let’s go of all the chrome elements, and swaps it with an almost all-black theme. While it may not be as butch as the concept, the X-Line does get its own uniqueness over the GTX Plus trim it’s based on.
The X-Line in its production-ready guise certainly grabs eyeballs all thanks to the exclusive paint scheme offered by Kia, that further heightens the visual appeal of the Seltos. The new glossy black grille is flanked by smoked-out headlights, while the redesigned front bumper is blacked out with orange highlights, instead of the red highlights on the standard Seltos. Even the mirrors get a contrast black finish. The matte treatment extends to the new dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels as well, and it matches well with the overall paint scheme. However, we actually prefer a completely blacked-out alloy instead, which would look elegant. The orange accents on the doors and wheels add a bit of contrast, while the X-Line badge on the boot rounds up the exterior changes.
Step inside and the changes are minimum compared to the GTX Plus, as the only upgrade you get here is the new ‘Indigo Pera’ leatherette seat upholstery with honeycomb design and grey stitching. The seat color is a mix of deep blue and matte grey, giving a plush and premium feel. Other than this, there are no other changes to the cabin. It continues with the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, a Bose 8-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, and a headsup display among other features from the fully-loaded GTX Plus trim.
The Seltos X-Line is powered by the same 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with 140bhp and a 1.5L Diesel unit with 115bhp. The difference here is that the X-Line will be offered with only the automatic transmissions, which are a 7-DCT for the petrol and a 6-speed AT for the diesel unit, priced at Rs 17.79 lakh and Rs 18.10 lakh respectively (both prices ex-showroom, India). At a premium of Rs 25,000 over the regular GTX+ models, Kia hopes the strong demand for the Seltos and the onset of the festive season, the X-Line will help build on it with robust sales.
WHILE IT MAY NOT BE AS BUTCH AS THE CONCEPT, THE X-LINE DOES GET ITS OWN UNIQUENESS OVER THE GTX PLUS TRIM IT’S BASED ON