What's The Big News?
Just when you thought the mid-size SUV segment couldn't get any more cutthroat, Kia went ahead and shuffled the deck again. The Korean carmaker has quietly introduced two brand-new premium variants to the Seltos lineup: the GTX (O) and the X-Line (O). It's a calculated move designed to give buyers more choices at the top end without forcing them to compromise on features or safety.
Let's be real for a second. The mid-size SUV battle in India is absolutely brutal right now, with the updated Hyundai Creta racking up massive numbers and the Maruti Grand Vitara holding its own ground. By launching these new 'O' (Optional) trims, Kia wants to keep the Seltos fresh, desirable, and ahead of the curve. If you've been saving up for a premium SUV that doesn't skimp on tech, these new trims might just be the answer you've been looking for.
More Toys For The Boys: What Do These New Trims Get?
Kia has basically taken the already loaded GTX+ and X-Line trims and repackaged them to offer a more targeted feature set. You get the brilliant 10.25-inch dual-screen setup that dominates the dashboard, making the cabin feel like something from a segment above. They've also retained the highly praised Level 2 ADAS suite, which comes with 17 autonomous features to keep you safe on our chaotic Indian highways.
Inside the cabin, the GTX (O) gets a sporty all-black theme with sporty pastel green inserts, while the X-Line (O) ups the ante with its exclusive matte graphite exterior paint and sage green interiors. You also get a panoramic sunroof (yes, really) that completely transforms the cabin experience, making it feel incredibly airy. We've always loved how premium the Seltos feels from the driver's seat, and these new variants only double down on that premium executive vibe.
Under The Hood: No Surprises Here
Powering these new variants are the same tried-and-tested engines we've come to love. You can have them with either the punchy 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine or the highly efficient 1.5-litre diesel motor. The turbo-petrol is a absolute rocket, making your daily office commute feel less like a chore and more like a quick sprint. It's definitely a much more engaging drive than what Maruti gives you at this price point with their mild hybrid setups.
Gearbox options are equally sophisticated. The petrol motor comes mated to a slick-shifting 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), while the diesel relies on a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. There's no manual option on these specific 'O' trims, which tells you exactly who Kia is targeting—urban buyers who want effortless, two-pedal convenience in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Specs At A Glance
Here is a quick look at the vital stats of the powertrains available with the new Seltos GTX (O) and X-Line (O) trims:
| Engine Type | Max Power | Max Torque | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol | 160 PS | 253 Nm | 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5-litre Diesel | 116 PS | 250 Nm | 6-speed Automatic |
How Does It Stack Up Against The Competition?
When you pit the Seltos GTX (O) against its cousin, the Hyundai Creta SX(O), it's a battle of styles. The Creta offers a slightly softer, more comfortable ride on broken city roads, but the Seltos hits back with much sharper handling dynamics and a cabin that feels sportier. It's the car you buy if you actually enjoy driving rather than just being chauffeured around.
Then there's the Honda Elevate, which boasts a fantastic ride quality and a naturally aspirated engine, but simply cannot match the Seltos when it comes to sheer feature richness or turbo-petrol performance. We've also got the Scorpio-N sitting in a similar price bracket; while the Mahindra offers raw, rugged ladder-frame capability, it can't match the Seltos for tight urban parking spots and cutting-edge cabin tech.
The Good And The Not-So-Good
What We Like
- The Level 2 ADAS suite works surprisingly well under marked highway conditions.
- The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine offers class-leading performance and immediate throttle response.
- Matte graphite paint on the X-Line (O) looks absolutely stellar and stands out in a crowd.
- The dual-screen curved display is slick, responsive, and doesn't lag.
What Could Be Better
- The ride quality on 18-inch wheels remains slightly on the firmer side for sharp bumps.
- No manual or iMT gearbox option for the enthusiast purists in these specific trims.
- The glossy black plastics in the cabin are absolute dust and fingerprint magnets.
Price & When You Can Buy It
These new variants are positioned strategically to bridge minor gaps in the existing lineup. Bookings are officially open across all Kia dealerships in India, and deliveries are expected to commence almost immediately. In terms of pricing, these sit comfortably between the standard GTX+ and the top-of-the-line X-Line, giving buyers a more granular choice depending on their exact budget constraints.
Expect to pay a slight premium over the lower mid-spec trims, but the sheer volume of active safety tech and luxury features on offer makes the stretch feel completely justified. If you've been waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger on a Seltos, now might be the perfect time to visit the showroom.
Our Verdict
Honestly, if you are already signing a cheque for over 20 lakh rupees on a mid-size SUV, these new 'O' variants are the ones that actually make the most sense. They bundle the best of Kia's safety tech and premium aesthetics without forcing you into the absolute highest price bracket. It's a smart, calculated move by Kia that keeps the Seltos right at the top of its game, making life even harder for its rivals.
