Making a Splash

WE’VE SEEN THE KIA BRAND TAKE BABY STEPS IN INDIA AND the Seltos transforming from the storyboard to the SP2 concept. And, finally, we drove the mid-sized SUV in Goa. Being a sister-brand of Hyundai, the Seltos is based on the next-gen Creta platform and both the cars borrow some parts from the common basket. In fact, the new petrol and diesel engine options that the Kia Seltos has brought with it will be used in the BS-VI version of the Creta which will be launched next year. Its design is the Seltos’ strongest aspect. There’s an aura of confidence with bold creases and sharp lines, the highlight being the sweeping headlamps which get the “crown jewel”-inspired lighting and the unmistakable tiger nose grille. The front looks rather busy with chrome highlights, shiny black grille, brush metal highlights on the bumper, and vertically stacked “ice-cube” fog-lights. There are two trim lines to choose from: the standard Tech Line and the more youth-oriented GT Line. The GT gets red highlights on the sump-guards and the side cladding, 17-inch crystal cut alloy