[GTX+]

Happy to know you had a niggle free journey and all went well.

Originally Posted by vroom_ank

For the patch driven by my wife between speed's of 60-80 for 90 odd kilometers the fuel efficiency on the cluster was shown to be 20, which I saw for the first time in my petrol DCT. Overall a good trip which was much less tiring :-)

I have observed on my last 6 long distance (>200-300 KMs) trips (especially on expressways where one can do long non-stop runs) that if I drive between 80-100 KM/Hr, Seltos does give the best fuel efficiency. Driving above or below this range, the average starts to fall.

[prasanth_reddy]

I want to share the fuel efficiency which I received during my recent trip to tirupati from bengaluru on my 1.5 P AT DCT in the third month of ownership and with a little over 2200KMs on the ODO :

Bengaluru--->Tirupati : Light footed driving, never crossed 100, between 80-100kmph throughout the journey without any halt, around 250KM distance , as per MID I received around 17.9Kmpl.

Tirupati----> Bengaluru: Spirited driving because we started at 7:30PM and wanted to reach BLR before midnight. Speed is in the range of 100-120kmph always, with a short tea break, the mileage shown is around 13.5Kmpl.

I am getting around 6.5Kmph - 8Kmph on my daily short commute to office (around 5kms).

But, seeing 17-18KMPL lifted my spirits as I've never seen nor expected such high numbers on this engine...


Also, wanted to check with fellow members on two things regarding the warranty, if I make the below changes would the warranty become void ?? :

1. Painting of brake calipers in red
2. Damping of doors (kindly suggest some of the best brands/places for this in Bengaluru)

[@ppy.tbhp]

My Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT: 20 KMPL & Loving It!

This car is wild. It’s got a turbo 1.5L GDI. It’s got the numbers. And yes — it just gives me 20 KMPL on highway drives. No kidding. A turbo-petrol compact SUV is doing that on Indian roads.

Engine + IMT = Magic - My Seltos has the 1.5L T-GDI engine with IMT — Intelligent Manual Transmission. No clutch pedal. Just gear smooth gear shifts. You get power when you want it, and surprise: fuel economy when you don’t.

Tuned for balance - Kia nailed the tuning. The throttle is responsive. Turbo kicks in quick. It’s not aggressive — it’s smart. Feels like someone really thought about how to balance fun and fuel on Indian roads. And that IMT? Total game changer. I control the gears. The car handles the clutch. Perfect mix of manual feel and daily ease in Indian roads and driving conditions.

Real Driving. Real Results! (Bhopal --> Nagpur, NH69)
Here’s how I got 20 KMPL:

• Light-footed acceleration with gear upshifts at around 1700–1800 RPM, maintaining a constant RPM under 2000 at all times in top gear.

• Steady 85-90 KMPH. Cruise control at 85 KMPH on the highway.

• Cold Tires pressure at 35 PSI.

• All windows closed, A/C ON in recirculation mode at all times with temperature set to 22°C with fan speed at second position. The ambient temperature was hovering between 30°C to 34°C.

• Four of us strapped in, the boot overflowing with trolley bags and gear — fully loaded to the limit. Music blasting through the speakers, phones charging in every port, headlamps on high beam, fog lamps ON — every electrical system buzzing. It was a full-on night drive, and the Seltos took it all in stride without breaking a sweat. Simple stuff. No hypermiling.

• I was driving my Seltos on E10 petrol from BPCL the whole way — couldn’t find E20 anywhere, even though the Seltos is BS6 Phase 2 ready and actually needs E20 petrol.

• Third free service was done at 20,000 km — changed the engine oil, oil filter, engine air filter, cabin A/C filter, and the IMT actuator fluid. I’ve been sticking to Kia’s 10,000 km or 12-month engine oil change interval at the service center. The car had clocked 21,889 KM when I hit that 20 KMPL mark.

Why I’m Impressed
It pulls strong in every gear. No lag. No drama. Yet somehow, it sips fuel like a compact car under 2000 RPM. It’s fun to drive and fuel efficient too.

Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another turbo compact SUV, it’s tuned right, drives great, and it’s seriously fuel efficient. I bought it for the power, I stayed for the mileage. Seltos 1.5L turbo petrol IMT — worth every liter. On cooler days when the A/C isn’t working overtime and the engine’s gulping in that cold crisp air, I’m sure this engine and transmission setup will easily cross 20 KMPL — no drama, just smooth sailing. In the long run, this stuff matters. It’s the kind of thing that makes you love your car even more. The 1.5L T-GDI IMT Seltos is seriously winning the game here.

[GTX+]

Lohia Kia Service Review

After I returned from my Ghaziabad-Vadodara trip, took my car for the second free service (11k on the ODO) to Lohia KIA, Sec 63 Noida.

• Logged into My KIA app and found a same day afternoon slot available at 1:30 PM.
• Didn't opt for free pickup/drop as I wanted to explain/query couple of things to the SA.
• Within a few mins of booking the slot on the app, I received a confirmation call from the service center.
• After reading multiple posts on TeamBHP regarding KIA service centers using semi-synthetic eng oil instead of the recommended full synthetic oil, I wanted to check and ensure this with the SA. On asking, as expected he said they use semi-synthetic oil only. I asked them to refer to the manual, refused the semi-synthetic oil and insisted they put only full synthetic oil.
• The SA immediately went into a huddle with other SAs and a senior person, who came back to me and said they always use synthetic oil only and offered me to show the drum, which turned out to be MAK oil from BP. Upon checking on the internet, I was convinced that it was a full synthetic oil.
• The SA otherwise was a very courteous and heard out 1 or 2 minor issues that I had, one of them being pick up issue (in higher gears) which he noted.
• Pictures/videos of oil/filter changes were shared promptly and the car was ready for pickup sharp at 5:30pm as promised.
• Upon reaching found the car to be spotlessly clean. Took a test drive, but still wasn't happy with the pickup. The technician who had accompanied me connected his tab and did some checking and repeatedly worked on the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) post which there was noticeable difference in the pickup.
• Its 4 days now post the service and car is running smoothly. No issues/niggles
• The total service cost came to about 5.5K including GST.

Overall, I was quite happy with the service experience at Lohia KIA.

[Ravi Parwan]

Originally Posted by @ppy.tbhp

[b][center]My Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT: 20 KMPL & Loving It! ...[*]I was driving my Seltos on E10 petrol from BPCL the whole way — couldn’t find E20 anywhere, even though the Seltos is BS6 Phase 2 ready and actually needs E20 petrol.

Those are some great efficiency numbers. I have the NA CVT 2023 version and while I get 17-20 Kmpl on the display quite regularly, Tankful to tankful hovers around 13 kmpl. Maybe cause my driving cycle is short drives in heavy traffic with very occasional highway drives.

BTW, no car needs E20. Latest cars are built to endure E20.
Ethanol is cleaner burning than gasoline so it produces less Greenhouse gases and other pollutants, but its energy density is lower, so your car burns more fuel to get the same amount of power. Further, it is soluble in water, which means it can collect contaminants that could foul your fuel tank and lines. It also causes rubber hoses to swell and degrade. So when your car engine is said to be E20 ready, it means the rubber parts have been reformulated to endure ethanol, fuel ratios have been adjusted to cater to ethanol and many other such adjustments.
Given these engines are able to eke out such great mileage with this fuel, imagine what they would be able to do with E0 fuels....

[@ppy.tbhp]

Originally Posted by Ravi Parwan

Those are some great efficiency numbers. I have the NA CVT 2023 version and while I get 17-20 Kmpl on the display quite regularly, Tankful to tankful hovers around 13 kmpl. Maybe cause my driving cycle is short drives in heavy traffic with very occasional highway drives.

Hello Ravi Parwan, it’s under 15 kmpl mostly in the city with my 1.5 L T-GDI engine and IMT transmission setup. I can hardly ever get into 5th or 6th gear, and it’s tough to keep the RPMs steady below 2000 in typical city traffic conditions. I am attaching an image of the instrument cluster referring to the same trip with 20 Km driven in the city at the end of the trip.

BTW, no car needs E20. Latest cars are built to endure E20.
Ethanol is cleaner burning than gasoline so it produces less Greenhouse gases and other pollutants, but its energy density is lower, so your car burns more fuel to get the same amount of power.

E20 vs E10: Advantages in BS VI Phase 2 Petrol Engines in India

1. Cooler Engine Temperatures

• Ethanol in E20 absorbs more heat ---> engine runs cooler
• Helps in hot weather and traffic conditions in India

2. Reduced Engine Knocking

• Higher octane rating = better resistance to knocking
• Good for long drives, hills, or heavy loads

3. Slight Performance Boost

• BS VI Phase 2 engines adjust timing for E20
• May improve throttle response and torque

4. Lower Emissions

• Burns cleaner than E10
• Reduces CO, HC, and particulate pollution

5. Cleaner Engine Internals

• Less carbon buildup on valves and spark plugs
• Better long-term engine health

6. Improved Engine Life

• Lower combustion heat = less wear and tear
• Reliable in Indian traffic and heat

How a Cooler Engine Produces More Power (And How E20 Helps)

1. Cooler Air = More Oxygen

• Cold air is denser ---> more oxygen in the combustion chamber
• More oxygen = more fuel burned = more power

2. Less Engine Knocking

• High temps cause knocking (pre-ignition)
• Cooler engine = safer combustion = better timing and power

3. Better Combustion Efficiency

• Cooler cylinders improve air-fuel mixing and burning
• Leads to stronger, cleaner explosions = more efficient power output

4. Lower Internal Friction

• Heat causes engine parts to expand and rub more
• Cooler parts = less friction = smoother, more powerful operation

5. E20 Helps Keep Engine Cooler

• Ethanol in E20 absorbs more heat when it evaporates
• This keeps intake air and combustion temps lower ---> helps engine perform better

Cooler engines burn more oxygen-rich fuel, avoid knocking, and run smoother — which means more power. E20 reduces mileage a little — usually by 3 to 5%. If your car gives 15 km/l on E10, expect around 14.3 to 14.5 km/l on E20. Modern ECUs adjust fuel-air mix and timing for E20, So the drop in mileage is minimized compared to older engines.

Back in August or September 2024, the BPCL pump near my house had E20 petrol. So I filled up — the fuel was dark red, like some kind of performance potion or desi energy drink for cars. After just a couple of tankful's, my engine legit felt smoother. Engine Noise dropped, vibrations almost disappeared. For once, I felt like the car was actually enjoying the drive with me. Then... boom. Gone. Next time I went to the pump, I asked for E20 and the guy gave me regular E10 petrol. E20 hasn't come back since then.

[marathp]

Originally Posted by Ravi Parwan

Those are some great efficiency numbers. I have the NA CVT 2023 version and while I get 17-20 Kmpl on the display quite regularly, Tankful to tankful hovers around 13 kmpl. Maybe cause my driving cycle is short drives in heavy traffic with very occasional highway drives.

These numbers for NA CVT are truly amazing. I never get beyond 8-9 in MID during the heavy Bangalore traffic. But in the highways I get nearly 18-20. Any tips for improving the FE in the heavy traffic? Many thanks!

[Souvikdwanderer]

Dear Members,

I am planning to switch over from my Honda City to Kia Seltos Diesel AT. Mostly due increase in monthly running (Approx 2k KMs) and the pathetic Honda dealer's arm twisting behavior of selling Honda insurance at 40% excess price than the market ( Will cover this in a different thread)

I have zero'd in on Seltos hence seeking any good dealers/ sales person contact in Hyderabad, for some good deals and more importantly a hassle free experience.

Appreciate the Help! TIA

[BhayanaV]

Back in August or September 2024, the BPCL pump near my house had E20 petrol. So I filled up — the fuel was dark red, like some kind of performance potion or desi energy drink for cars. After just a couple of tankful's, my engine legit felt smoother. Engine Noise dropped, vibrations almost disappeared. For once, I felt like the car was actually enjoying the drive with me. Then... boom. Gone. Next time I went to the pump, I asked for E20 and the guy gave me regular E10 petrol. E20 hasn't come back since then.

Its contrary to the discussion on E blending thread. Ethanol had less RON so it should be less efficient and will recue power marginally? No one on that thread seems to be happy with Ethanol blending.

[@ppy.tbhp]

Originally Posted by BhayanaV

Its contrary to the discussion on E blending thread. Ethanol had less RON so it should be less efficient and will recue power marginally? No one on that thread seems to be happy with Ethanol blending.

Hello BhayanaV, here’s the thing—older engines just weren’t made for E10 or E20 fuel blends. Back then, petrol was petrol, and engine designs didn’t account for ethanol. So when you pour E20 into something not built for it, it’s like forcing a diet on someone who’s never had salad in their life—performance drops, parts can corrode, and fuel efficiency takes a hit. Now, newer engines, especially BS VI Phase 2 ones, are a different story altogether. They’re engineered and tuned to actually run on E20. I’ve got the 1.5L T-GDI engine in my Seltos, and it’s designed specifically with E20 compatibility in mind. I’ve driven around 4000 km on E20 fuel in my ownership and honestly the performance was improved noticeably. The engine feels smoother, quieter, and just more refined overall with E20 petrol. I was expecting a drop in mileage or a power dip—but it’s been the opposite. It’s kind of like giving the engine the food it was born to eat. It just runs better. So yeah, ethanol blending is definitely a step in the right direction for cleaner fuel—but only if the engine is actually built for it. Otherwise, it’s like trying to run Spotify on a cassette player. Doesn’t work, and probably breaks something along the way.

It's kind of sad when you think about E10, E20 today. The Indian government brought in this whole BS VI Phase 2 thing from April 1, 2023, saying it’s for cleaner emissions and to reduce our dependency on oil imports—which, fair enough, is a solid goal. But to make that happen, car manufacturers had to redesign engines from the ground up to run on E20 fuel. New components, upgraded ECUs, tuning—the whole nine yards. And of course, all that extra cost got passed on to us. Like in my case, I specifically bought a BS VI-2 petrol car in February 2024 thinking I’m all set for the future. But even after a year of ownership today, I still can’t find E20 fuel at most fuel stations across India. And to make it worse, even when I do manage to find E10 or E20, I’m still paying the same price per Liter as regular petrol. Despite it being a fuel blend, with less RON (basically lower octane value), there’s no price benefit at all. Ideally, the price should go down after blending with ethanol, but that’s never happened. What’s the point of investing in tech that’s meant to run cleaner and greener if the fuel it needs isn’t even available anywhere? only E10 is available at most fuel stations till today.

It just doesn’t make sense. We’re being told it’s for the environment and to cut back on oil imports, which is great—but how’s it supposed to work if the key part of the plan, the fuel itself, is missing from the puzzle? Feels like we did our part, paid more, adapted early... but the system hasn’t really delivered its end yet.

[Sebring]

Originally Posted by @ppy.tbhp

It just doesn’t make sense. We’re being told it’s for the environment and to cut back on oil imports, which is great—but how’s it supposed to work if the key part of the plan, the fuel itself, is missing from the puzzle?

Have our oil imports gone down over the years, or is it simply benefiting the sugarcane lobby?

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Have our oil imports gone down over the years, or is it simply benefiting the sugarcane lobby?

Crude oil price is at multi year low and with blending, we should expect even lower retail price. But the benefit is not getting passed on to customers it seems Central and state taxes/cess are eating it away!

[@ppy.tbhp]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Have our oil imports gone down over the years, or is it simply benefiting the sugarcane lobby?

Hi Sebring, India still imports a lot of oil — that hasn't really gone down in a big way yet. On one side, it does help reduce how much oil we need to import, which is good for the economy and the environment. On the other side, sugarcane farmers and big sugar companies definitely make money from it - it’s definitely sweet for the sugar lobby.

The tricky part is that sugarcane uses a ton of water and land, so if everyone starts focusing only on growing it for ethanol, that could mess with the balance in farming and even hurt other crops in India .

Originally Posted by Aviator_guy

Crude oil price is at multi year low and with blending, we should expect even lower retail price. But the benefit is not getting passed on to customers it seems Central and state taxes/cess are eating it away!

Aviator_guy, we’re not seeing a single rupee of relief. Whatever savings there could’ve been are just getting swallowed up by central and state taxes and cess. It’s like, no matter what happens, we’re always the ones paying more. The worst part is all these rushed policies have just created a mess. There’s no clarity on fuel types anymore — older vehicles don’t work well with the new ethanol blends, and even newer ones don't have the fuel they need. Instead of helping, this whole thing has just made owning a car or bike more stressful in India. Costs have gone up — fuel, maintenance, confusion — but where are the real benefits? They keep saying it's for energy security or environment or whatever, but at the end of the day, people like us are the ones getting squeezed with zero support. It just feels like no one's actually thinking about the consumer — we’re stuck in the middle of some half-baked policy experiment, and it’s honestly exhausting.

[rronbhp789]

Guys, is the seat ventilation in Seltos related to the AC temprature on the main unit or its a separate standard cooling unit for the seats?
Example: If my AC is set to 23 degress, does the seat ventilation also produce the same temperature?

[ankur_fox]

Originally Posted by rronbhp789

Guys, is the seat ventilation in Seltos related to the AC temprature on the main unit or its a separate standard cooling unit for the seats?
Example: If my AC is set to 23 degress, does the seat ventilation also produce the same temperature?

Seat ventilation is preset and not connected to the main AC as far as I understand it.