I was dreading the mileage figures based on my research online, but I’m pleasantly surprised.
BHPian neoone042 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
I just did another (my 3rd on this vehicle) Bangalore-Kochi trip in my GTX+ 2023. I went with my wife and returned alone. I have done almost ~4300 km in the last three months of owning this beast.
A few observations:
- Engine and Transmission: The turbo petrol engine is quite refined. My benchmark was Skoda Kushaq before this, but this is as good, if not better, in terms of responsiveness.
- NVH: The NVH levels are not exceptional. I would rate it a 3.5 out of 5. I’ve been told that the tyres make a lot of difference and that I can add an additional layer of sound insulation which will make the inside cabin more peaceful. I am currently not feeling the urge to invest here as they are tolerable for me.
- Driving Modes: Most of my driving has been in normal mode, which I think is the sane thing to do. It gives the right amount of power at your disposal for faster overtakes and can work when you are driving at constant speed, too. Sports mode is just too exciting, and Eco is just too dull for my liking.
- ADAS: Lane drive assist with adaptive cruise ensures you can relax when the road is empty while the vehicle is munching miles. In the city, I don’t think these features are of any use, but on highways, they are a lifesaver. Even after 4-5 hours of continuous driving, you don’t feel tired or in need of taking a break. Also, lane keep assist forces me to use turn indicators while changing lanes, without which switching lanes is a task because of how heavy the steering wheel becomes. Another very useful feature is the high beam assist when driving at night – takes the pressure off when driving on those low-lit roads. A lot of people keep saying that ADAS in India is a gimmick right now. Based on my experience, I don’t think that is true. While it is not very useful in the city, I think it adds real value when driving on highways.
- Auto Hold and ISG: Auto hold has been the saving grace in peak Bangalore traffic. It takes the pressure off driving and makes the trudging tolerable. ISG helps keep the engine cool in standstill traffic.
- Android Auto/Carplay: I don’t think I miss the wireless connectivity as much and have become quite used to getting in the car and plugging my phone in. I can imagine wireless AA/Carplay will be quite seamless, but I don’t think it would make a big difference in my life.
- Mileage: I was dreading the mileage figures based on my research online, but I’m pleasantly surprised at what the car is delivering right now. I drive with a light foot which gives me about 11-12 km/l in Bangalore traffic, almost the same as what my humble Tata Zest was giving me before this. On the highways, I get anywhere between 14-17 depending on how I am driving. In one of the situations, when I was maintaining a speed of 80-90 for a long stretch (100-120 kms) the car showed an astounding 18.5kmpl average on the dash. Will have to do a tank-to-tank measurement to see if this is actually accurate.
- Dashcam: To keep it short, I got one installed (Vantrue S1 Pro). It has given me peace of mind and allowed me to record beautiful stretches without taking my phone out. On another note, I don’t understand why, with such a sophisticated camera setup, Kia could not have a built-in dashcam functionality in the car software.
- Ride comfort: I drove the HTX model too recently, and I have to say that the 17-inch tyres make a difference in terms of comfort. While it is not a lot, the next time when I switch tyres, I will probably go for the 17-inch ones. Apart from that, driving inside the Seltos has been a pleasure. I don’t think the dark interiors make it claustrophobic(personal opinion), but that could also be because I and my wife both are relatively small people (5’6″ and 5’1″).
- Cornering: Considering the SUV stance, at low speeds of 40-50 km/h you don’t really feel the body roll at all. However, at 80+ speeds, you can feel it. At 120+ speeds, it is quite evident. The vehicle feels very stable, though, at all times – no complaints there.
- Headlights: I think the throw and intensity should have been better. They are quite average. Not going to change anything right now, although I may think about upgrading in the future.
It has been an absolute pleasure driving around in this. These 3 months have only added to the love I have for this car.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
