[neoone042]

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:
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Mileage: I was actually 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 kmpl 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.

8. 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.

9. 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").

10. Cornering: Considering the SUV stance, at low speeds of 40-50 kmph 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.

11. 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.

[ashvek3141]

Originally Posted by niCo_neOz

Can you please share the steps or any DIY videos of installing the dash cam( including rear).

Thanks!

Search any / required dashcam with model number on YouTube and you'll find plenty of DIY videos.

[niCo_neOz]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

Search any / required dashcam with model number on YouTube and you'll find plenty of DIY videos.

Thanks! but I couldn't find anything specific for Seltos. I understand the process would be the same but still a DIY on a Seltos would be more easy to follow for a novice like me.

[rayjaycleoful]

Originally Posted by GTX+

Asking out of curiosity as I have never heard of such a case before. Does it make any difference to the ride quality or any possibility of damage to the rim or the tyre itself if it is mounted inside out? Thanks in advance for any info on this.

Originally Posted by sonulives

Not an expert on this, but usually when you get wheel balancing done- the consultants recommend changing the tyres back and forth + flip flop, so guessing inside out mounting should be ok.

Originally Posted by blogslogger

This is certainly not normal. Tyres have marking indicating "Outside" or an arrow pointing to the rotation of the tyre. .

Thanks all. I believe it is a non-issue because the tyres do not mention inside/ outside on either side and look the same either way. Also would like to believe in Kia not making such a huge blunder in the factory itself.

In other news, I am really enjoying the car after a not-so-great few days right before delivery; similar to others here, for some reason the dealer kept saying "Your car is coming tomorrow" for a week, "Please pay some more token money", "Our insurance is best and you must take it", etc, etc. but in the end I was just happy to have things done my way get the car. I got it within a month and came to realise that this is probably the cost of getting a car which is so popular that people are ready to buy it instantly with accessories and inflated insurance.

The car is a HTX IVT in black. I would have loved to get the turbo but the car it replaced did only ~4000km in the past year and thus 3-4 lakhs more did not make sense. The IVT is really smooth and technology aside, very similar to drive as our old 2016 Creta TQ Petrol AT.
I have extensively driven a manual Honda City, manual 1.2 Gi10, and 1.0 DCT i20 N line and I used to fly those cars in comparison .
IVT while adequate, smooth, and reliable is not an enthusiast's choice - but I knew this and I'm fine with it. And may I say it is still better to drive than the Honda City/ Elevate CVT.

First thing I noticed that the headlights are really poor, I wonder if it's just me but going by so many posts, probably not. The car is also to new for me to do anything aftermarket right now.

Very poor photo attached and better photos & impressions later..

[al90]

I wanted to know how reliable is the DCT on the Seltos, is it a tried and tested Transmission or is it like the DQ200?

Also I would like to hear the members views on the Taigun VS the Seltos and would like your views on what would be your preference between them ?

[KNL_Bandi]

Originally Posted by bharathdonti

As you rightly pointed out, the area behind the IVRM is too crowded So, I decided to install the dashcam closer to the front passenger seat, following the suggestion of the car decor guy.

Hi Bharath,
Which car decor guy has installed your dash cam (if it was in Hyderabad), and how much did they charge?
What is your view on the impact of the warranty for a dash cam hardwire setup?
Thanks

[Docmukul]

Originally Posted by Mr Anderson

From the pics of the car in your previous comment, it's clear, you bought an X-Line that comes with matte graphite colour and it looks like a matte finish in the pic as well but Garware doesn't make matte ppf, they only have glossy ones which should make the car glossy.

I tried out a patch of Garware ppf as a sample on my X-line as well and it made that patch of the car glossy and so I went for another brand that makes matte ppf to keep the look of the car as original matte finish.

I am not sure if the applicator (3M in your case) scammed you and instead used some cheap Chinese/korean matte ppf under the guise of Garware who don't even a matte ppf in their portfolio

I am not sure but he has a good reputation and I have seen him doing lot of Germans. Will have to speak to him again. Thanks a lot for letting me know this

[Docmukul]

Originally Posted by Docmukul

I am not sure but he has a good reputation and I have seen him doing lot of Germans. Will have to speak to him again. Thanks a lot for letting me know this

Just spoke to Garware helpline number and they told me they offer both matte and glossy PPF.

[Mr Anderson]

Originally Posted by Docmukul

Just spoke to Garware helpline number and they told me they offer both matte and glossy PPF.

Back when I got the car in September, I was searching for a matte ppf and garware had none in their catalog. May be they have introduced it now. But I still can't see any information about a matte ppf in their premium series on their official website.

I hope you got a 5 year garware warranty card from the dealer just to be sure of the authenticity of the product.

[abhi3284]

Need some advice guys. Went to the Stockyard earlier today and checked out the 2 Pewter Olive Cars for choosing my new Seltos. One of them had a Red MH12 TC 500 Sticker stuck on the Front Number Plate with 20 kms on the ODO reading. The other one did not have any sticker. What does this Sticker mean? Has it been used for driving out or for test drives? Or can i choose it with no worries? The interiors were covered with proper plastic on Seats and Dahboard stickers in both Cars.
Would appreciate a response as I need to confirm tomorrow.

[Flasshhhh]

Originally Posted by abhi3284

Need some advice guys. Went to the Stockyard earlier today and checked out the 2 Pewter Olive Cars for choosing my new Seltos. One of them had a Red MH12 TC 500 Sticker stuck on the Front Number Plate with 20 kms on the ODO reading. The other one did not have any sticker. What does this Sticker mean? Has it been used for driving out or for test drives? Or can i choose it with no worries? The interiors were covered with proper plastic on Seats and Dahboard stickers in both Cars.
Would appreciate a response as I need to confirm tomorrow.

The sticker is the temporary registration of the car. "TC" in the number confirms it. It may have been used for test drives. But 20kms in Odometer is fine.
They will paste a "temporary number/Applied For" paper if you choose without sticker one.

I got my car at 36kms. In my opinion, anything below 100kms is ok.

So, if PDI is successful and both cars have passed, go with anyone without any worries.

[marathp]

Hi team,

Is there a way to use wired CarPlay and USB together in new Seltos? What do you do if you want to use your google maps connected through your phone and listen to songs from the USB flash drive? Any ideas?

Thanks

[ashvek3141]

Originally Posted by Flasshhhh

But 20kms in Odometer is fine.

What if they have disconnected the odo / console and given the TD. It’s easily possible ; I was offered one customer / stock car for a TD since the folks didn’t have the specific drivetrain I wanted.

[Flasshhhh]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

What if they have disconnected the odo / console and given the TD. It’s easily possible ; I was offered one customer / stock car for a TD since the folks didn’t have the specific drivetrain I wanted.

Disconnecting odometer is an illegal practice and I don't think is performed everywhere.
For instance, I took test drive of iMT, DCT and my booked car too. All 3 have odometer connected to them.

But, yes, you could be right. But can only speculate.
For example, Let me ask what does the other car's(without sticker) odo read? If it is less, it can be said that, here too, maybe odo was disconnected. Again, these are speculations, and I don't think you should make you decisions based on this thought.

If the dealer is well established and old, I don't think such practices occur.
That being said, both cars are more than 2 months old now, and if a dealer does this illegal work, the customer has absolutely no way to know how the car was treated before coming to their possession.

And if your heart still disagree. You have the option to go with the one without temporary registration sticker. Or you can go with 2024 one, but then all your discounts would be taken back.

[abhi3284]

Originally Posted by Flasshhhh

Disconnecting odometer is an illegal practice and I don't think is performed everywhere.
For instance, I took test drive of iMT, DCT and my booked car too. All 3 have odometer connected to them.

But, yes, you could be right. But can only speculate.
For example, Let me ask what does the other car's(without sticker) odo read? If it is less, it can be said that, here too, maybe odo was disconnected. Again, these are speculations, and I don't think you should make you decisions based on this thought.

If the dealer is well established and old, I don't think such practices occur.
That being said, both cars are more than 2 months old now, and if a dealer does this illegal work, the customer has absolutely no way to know how the car was treated before coming to their possession.

And if your heart still disagree. You have the option to go with the one without temporary registration sticker. Or you can go with 2024 one, but then all your discounts would be taken back.

Hey Thanks for clarifying, but I did not post this query. It was by another fellow BHP'ian. Valid query though, which did cross my mind as well. Ultimately, it is just about trust and luck. But, they are a well reputed dealer with good feedback. And they have been very co-operative so far. So, fingers crossed. Btw, I did go to the Stockyard yesterday and selected the other Car, just for my peace of mind and it also had few Kms less on ODO.


A general query for all:

Dealer has a tie-up with a vendor named Autorexxz i believe who provide Underbody, Silencer & Engine coating. Is it recommended to get these done in a new car or the car already has some pre-coating and it is just a waste of money? Dealer is obviously recommending it.

I will be doing Ceramic or Graphene Coating from outside and also change the JK Tyres to Conti UC6 post Delivery.

Am planning to take the MCP + Extended Warranty Package which is for some 47k. However, I wanted to know if it is mandatory to take this during Delivery or can be purchased a month or two later at the same price? As preferably, I would want to use these funds for Ceramic Coating + Tyre Change immediately post Car delivery.

Thanks.