The Kia Seltos has secured a 5 star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, marking a major leap over its predecessor. The earlier version had managed a modest 3 star rating under Global NCAP, but this latest result firmly places the new generation Seltos among the safest SUVs in its segment.
Tested in HTE optional and GTX Plus diesel automatic variants, the rating applies across the entire range. This means buyers opting for even lower trims benefit from the same structural safety and protection standards.
Kia Seltos – Adult Occupant Protection Performance
In adult occupant protection, the Seltos scored an impressive 31.07 out of 32 points.
In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, it secured 15.7 out of 16, while the side movable deformable barrier test saw it achieve a perfect 16 out of 16. The report highlights strong protection levels for the driver’s head, chest, pelvis, thighs, and right tibia. The driver’s feet and left tibia were rated as adequate. On the passenger side, protection levels were consistently rated as good across all critical body regions.
During side impact and pole tests, both driver and co driver received good protection ratings for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. This shows that the Seltos maintains structural integrity even in high impact scenarios.
Kia Seltos – Child Occupant Protection Results
Child safety is another area where the Seltos shines. It scored 45 out of 49 points overall.
The dynamic score stood at a perfect 24 out of 24, while the child restraint system installation received full marks of 12 out of 12. The vehicle assessment score was 9 out of 13. Tests were conducted using rearward facing child seats for 18 month old and 3 year old dummies. The Seltos achieved full marks in frontal and side impact tests, showing excellent protection for younger occupants.
One of the biggest highlights is that the Seltos has edged past key rivals like the Tata Sierra in Bharat NCAP scores. While the margin is not huge, it still puts Kia ahead in terms of overall crash safety performance. In a segment where safety is becoming a major buying factor, this result strengthens the Seltos’ position significantly.
Kia Seltos – Safety Features
Kia has clearly gone all in on safety with the new generation Seltos. Standard features include six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill start assist, all wheel disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, and ISOFIX mounts. Additional features such as rear occupant alert and downhill brake control further enhance everyday usability.
Higher variants also offer Level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning, bringing premium safety tech into the mid size SUV space.
Kia Seltos – Design And Interior Highlights
The new Seltos follows Kia’s Opposites United design language, giving it a sharper and more modern look. It features a digital tiger face front design, connected tail lamps, flush door handles, and 18 inch alloy wheels.
In terms of size, it measures 4.4 metres in length with a wheelbase of 2.69 metres, making it one of the larger SUVs in its class. Inside, the cabin gets a dual screen setup combining the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The layout still retains physical controls for ease of use. Features like ventilated seats, powered driver seat with memory, panoramic sunroof, and wireless smartphone connectivity add to the premium feel.
Kia Seltos – Engine Options And Pricing
The Seltos is offered with three engine options. A 1.5 litre petrol, a 1.5 litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. Transmission choices include manual, automatic, IMT, and DCT options depending on the variant. Prices start at Rs 10.99 lakh and go up to Rs 19.99 lakh ex showroom. The Kia Seltos goes up against models such as the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.