Kia Seltos 1.5 NA Petrol - Aggressively Priced - Pros & Cons | Faisal Khan

Summary

In this review, the Kia Stos 1.5 NA petrol variant is analyzed, focusing on its performance, features, and overall value. The review highlights the issue of rusting in Indian cars, especially in coastal cities, and compares the Stos' performance to its turbo and diesel variants. While the 1.5 NA engine offers decent city performance, it lags behind in acceleration and power on highways. The Stos excels in ride comfort, features, and safety but suffers from a lack of a manual gearbox option in the turbo variant. Ultimately, the review suggests that the 1.5 NA petrol is best for budget-conscious buyers, while the turbo and diesel variants offer better performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kia Seltos 1.5L NA petrol engine is the most affordable variant, priced at ₹13-15.88 lakhs, but struggles in performance compared to its turbo and diesel counterparts.
• 😀 Rusting is a common issue in India due to the use of limited zinc-coated steel, which accelerates corrosion in coastal areas due to high humidity and salt in the air.
• 😀 International markets have higher corrosion protection standards, using up to 70% galvanized steel, but Indian vehicles often lack such protections, leading to quicker rusting.
• 😀 Despite being a budget option, the Seltos 1.5L NA petrol variant lacks excitement in performance, particularly in terms of acceleration and power compared to turbo and diesel versions.
• 😀 The Seltos 1.5L NA petrol offers good refinement and smooth city driving with its CVT (IVT) gearbox but loses out on fun and power for highway driving.
• 😀 The Seltos features a lot of advanced tech, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and more, but also removes some previous segment-first features.
• 😀 Some features from the first generation, like logo projection from the mirrors, sound mode lamps, and dynamic indicators, have been removed, which feels like a downgrade.
• 😀 The 1.5L diesel engine also lacks performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of 13.5 seconds, making it even slower than the NA petrol variant at 13.2 seconds.
• 😀 The Seltos' ride quality has improved with a softer suspension and better handling compared to the earlier model, though the steering becomes artificial in sport mode.
• 😀 The Seltos is priced very competitively and offers solid features, but the competition is heating up with newer models like the Tata Sierra and the upcoming Hyundai Creta.
• 😀 Overall, the Seltos 1.5L NA is a solid option if you're on a budget, but for those looking for more power, the turbo petrol variant would be a better choice, and the diesel is better for fuel efficiency.

Q & A

What is the main issue with cars rusting in India, especially in coastal cities?

Cars in India, particularly in coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi, face rusting due to high humidity and salt in the air. The main reason for this is that many vehicles use limited zinc-coated steel, which offers less corrosion protection compared to international standards where up to 70% of cars are made with galvanized steel.

How does zinc coating help prevent rusting in cars?

Zinc coating acts as a protective barrier, preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching the steel beneath. Even if the surface gets scratched, zinc corrodes first, protecting the steel underneath and ensuring long-term durability.

Why is the 1.5 NA petrol engine variant of the Stos considered less popular compared to the turbo and diesel variants?

The 1.5 NA petrol engine variant is less popular due to its price being only slightly cheaper than the turbo variant. Despite being the most affordable engine option, it lacks the performance appeal of the turbocharged engine, making the latter a more attractive choice for buyers looking for better driving dynamics.

What are some key features of the Kia Stos 1.5 NA petrol?

The Stos 1.5 NA petrol offers several standout features, including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless phone projection, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose sound system, and electric flush door handles.

What are the drawbacks of the Stos 1.5 NA petrol engine, according to the reviewer?

The main drawbacks are its sluggish acceleration, especially in mid-range speeds. The engine lacks the punch of a turbocharged unit and struggles at higher speeds. Additionally, there is no turbo lag, but the engine's performance is linear and lacks excitement.

What is the fuel efficiency of the Stos 1.5 NA petrol engine compared to other variants?

The fuel efficiency of the 1.5 NA petrol is good for city driving, but the car consumes a lot of fuel if driven aggressively. It is more efficient than the turbo petrol engine but falls behind the diesel variant in terms of overall efficiency, especially when considering the BS6 updates.

What improvements have been made in the suspension and ride quality of the new Stos?

The new Stos has a softened suspension, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. Despite the softer suspension, body control is still excellent, allowing the car to absorb bumps effectively. The overall ride quality is improved, especially compared to the stiffer suspension of the previous model.

How does the driving experience of the Stos 1.5 NA petrol engine compare to its competitors in the segment?

The Stos 1.5 NA petrol engine offers a smooth and refined driving experience, especially for city traffic. However, compared to its competitors, it feels sluggish on highways. It lacks the performance of the turbo petrol engine, which provides better acceleration and driving excitement.

What does the reviewer think of the automatic transmission (CVT) in the Stos?

The CVT in the Stos is appreciated for its smoothness and ease of use, especially in city traffic. The reviewer notes that while the automatic gearbox works well at lower speeds, it struggles with performance at higher speeds. The gearbox's rubber band effect is also noticeable under aggressive driving.

Is the 1.5 NA petrol engine suitable for buyers looking for a performance-oriented vehicle?

No, the 1.5 NA petrol engine is not suitable for performance-oriented buyers. While it offers a smooth driving experience in the city, it lacks the performance needed for fast acceleration or highway driving. Buyers looking for better performance should consider the turbo petrol variant.