The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms are more stringent than the ones before. Hence, Kia has launched the updated version of its cars which now meet these upcoming emission norms. One of these cars is the 2023 Kia Seltos. The car now gets Idle-Stop-Go amongst others.
What’s new in 2023 Kia Seltos?
The 1.5-litre diesel unit now makes 1 PS more power than the earlier tune. The CRDi motor generates 115 PS @ 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm. Transmission options include a 6-speed IMT or a 6-speed automatic.
There is only a single petrol engine offered with the Seltos. This 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor puts out 115 PS @ 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
Apart from this, the car also gets the ISG feature. It is nothing but Idle-Stop-Go that enhances fuel efficiency when driving in traffic.
Alexa connected tech
One more feature to be added is the Kia Connect Skill for Amazon Alexa. With this, Kia is now offering a home to car connectivity feature for its customers. The Alexa device can be connected to customers’ vehicles by registering on the Amazon Alexa application. The customers can access the ‘Kia Connect’ in the ‘Skills and Games’ section in the app and link their Kia Connect account using their log-in credentials.
Alexa voice assistant commands include Remote Climate Control, Turn on/off speed alert, turn on/off time fence alert, turn on/odd idle time alert, door lock/open status, engine status, boot status, AC status to name a few. Users can also use the find my car command, TPMS information, fuel level indication, air quality status and explore Kia right from the comfort of their home.
OEM’s ditching diesels
Another factor is that the recent emission norms across the world, including India, are now getting more and more stringent every year. Not only Kia, but a host of other carmakers too are swaying away from diesel powertrains. We have already seen several carmakers in India across different OEMs ditching diesel engines when the country switched to BS-VI norms. And now with the upcoming BS6 2.0 emissions norms, this trend will only get stronger in the near future. That said, it’s good move by Kia to retain the diesel engines in its line-up.
Also Read – 2023 Kia Carens gets 160 PS turbo-petrol engine.
