New generation Kia Seltos has become a big topic of discussion as soon as it comes to the Indian SUV market. In all three cases, style, technology and safety, this SUV has put itself one step ahead. But as soon as the entire variant list and prices came out, a question was most asked, how much difference is there in the base and top variants? The price difference is large, but what features are equally different.
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Price Difference
Kia India has launched All-New Kia Seltos at an initial X-showroom price of ₹10.99 lakhs, while its top variant goes up to ₹19.49 lakhs. There is a direct difference of ₹8.5 lakh between the two. This difference is not just about the price, but also of technology, comfort and premium feel. The base variant is designed for those who want a reliable SUV in the budget, while the top variant is designed keeping in mind customers who prefer a full-loaded and high-tech car.
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Color Options
The base variants of the new Kia Seltos offer a plethora of color options. Many colors like Glacier White Pearl, Imperial Blue, Pewter Olive, Frost Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Gray, Magma Red, Ivory Silver Gloss and Morning Haze are available in it. On the other hand, the top variants are offered in just two special and premium colors — Aurora Black Pearl and Xclusive Matte Graphite —. That is, the choice is more in the base, while the exclusive feel in the top.
Engine & Gearbox
Let me tell you the base variant is offered with Smartstream G1.5 petrol manual and 1.5L CRDi diesel manual engine. Both these options are considered reliable and perfect for daily use. At the same time, engine options are far more advanced in the top variants. It offers options like Petrol IVT, more powerful 1.5 Turbo Petrol 7-speed DCT and 1.5 diesel automatic. It is clear that the top variant goes much further in terms of performance and driving experience.
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Exterior Design
The overall design of the base and top variants looks the same, but as the eye goes to the details, the difference starts to look clear. The base variants feature 16-inch steel wheels, simple LED lights and manual door handles. In comparison, the top variants feature 18-inch alloy wheels, connected LED taillamps, LED fog and reverse lamps, automatic door handles and black high-glossy roof rails.
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The biggest difference is the dual pen panoramic sunroof, which is found only in the top variants and makes the SUV completely premium.
Interior
The difference of the two variants becomes more pronounced as soon as it comes into the interior. The base variants feature black and gray themes, fabric seats and standard finishes. This cabin is simple, clean and useful. At the same time, the cabin of the top variants appears in a completely different mood. The Black and Hunter Green themes, Ladrett seats, Ladrett rapped steering and metallic door handles give it a luxury SUV feel.
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Safety Features
The base variant is also not weak in terms of safety. It has 24 standard safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, VSM and rear camera. But the top variant goes one step further here as well. It provides advanced features such as ADAS technology, 360-degree camera, blind view monitor and smart cruise control, making highway driving much easier and safer.

