Kia Motors India has introduced a new trim level for the Seltos. Dubbed as X Line, it takes inspiration from the X Line Concept previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo. Although the finished product doesn’t look as macho as the concept car, it does have enough in its package to justify the prices. There are two variants available in X Line trim – Turbo-petrol DCT and Turbo-Diesel AT. The former costs Rs 17.79 lakh, whereas the latter wears a price tag of Rs 18.10 lakh.

X Line derivatives slot about those in the GTX+ form. Simple subtraction reveals the petrol-DCT variant demands a premium of Rs 15,000 in X Line trim. Similarly, the diesel-AT combo costs Rs 25,000 more. So, one might ask, why is Kia charging more for X Line variants?

First of all, the Seltos X Line comes in an exclusive colour – Matt Graphite. Coupled with it are graphite matted-finished 18-inch alloy wheels and the tiger-nose grille. The latter also features piano-black elements, and so do the front and rear splitters and the tailgate. The SUV also boasts orange accents at the front, rear and sides. Indoors, there’s new upholstery for the seats with X Line branding. Kia calls it Indigo Pera.

Mechanically, the Seltos X Line is no different. The 1.4-litre, turbo-petrol mill puts out 138bhp/242Nm and comes coupled to a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission). On the other hand, the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel produces 113bhp/250Nm, while a 6-speed torque converter handles transmission duties.

Of course, the list of features is as extensive as it can be for a Seltos. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with UVO (connected-car tech), an 8-speaker Bose sound system, an 8.0-inch head-up display, automatic climate control, cruise control, an electric sunroof and rain-sensing wipers. For safety, the SUV comes with ABS with EBD, six airbags, disc brakes for all wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Hill Hold Control and Vehicle Stability Management system.

So, why introduce the X Line trim? The answer is simple – Kia wanted something similar to the Harrier #Dark Edition. Besides rivalling the Tata, the Seltos also competes with the MG Hector, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta and the Skoda Kushaq. On September 23, 2021, the Volkswagen Taigun will join the party as well.