Kia India has officially launched the much-anticipated second-generation Kia Seltos, setting the mid-size SUV segment abuzz with its competitive pricing and feature-rich variants. The new model, unveiled in December 2025 and now priced between ₹10.99 lakh and ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), aims to dominate the fiercely competitive Indian market. For savvy buyers, the spotlight shines on the HTK and HTK (O) trims under the Tech-Line, hailed as the most value-for-money (VFM) options in the entire lineup.
Why HTK and HTK (O) Are the Smartest Picks
Positioned perfectly between the base and luxury trims, the HTK and HTK (O) variants are engineered for families seeking premium features without the top-tier price tag. Building upon the HTE variants, these trims introduce a significant tech upgrade with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They also add practical comforts like a push start-stop button and electrically folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), all riding on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.
The HTK (O) variant takes it a notch higher, offering a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, automatic climate control, and ambient mood lighting. This blend of essential and aspirational features, available across multiple powertrains, makes these variants the sweet spot in the Seltos portfolio.
Detailed Price & Powertrain Matrix for Tech-Line
The 2026 Seltos Tech-Line offers a complex but customer-friendly array of engines and transmissions. The VFM HTK and HTK (O) variants are available with the following ex-showroom prices:
Petrol Engine Options:
- Smartstream G1.5 6MT: HTK at ₹13.09 lakh, HTK (O) at ₹14.19 lakh.
- Smartstream G1.5 IVT: HTK at ₹14.39 lakh, HTK (O) at ₹15.49 lakh.
- Smartstream G1.5 T-GDI 6iMT: HTK at ₹13.89 lakh, HTK (O) at ₹14.99 lakh.
- Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi 7DCT: HTK (O) at ₹16.29 lakh.
Diesel Engine Options:
- 1.5L CRDI VGT 6MT: HTK at ₹14.69 lakh, HTK (O) at ₹15.79 lakh.
- 1.5L CRDI VGT 6AT: HTK at ₹15.99 lakh, HTK (O) at ₹17.09 lakh.
This places the HTK and HTK (O) in a price bracket of ₹13.09 lakh to ₹17.09 lakh, offering a wide choice for different budgets and driving preferences.
Monthly EMI Breakdown for the Top HTK (O) Diesel Automatic
For buyers considering financing, the monthly EMI is a crucial deciding factor. Taking the top-end VFM variant—the HTK (O) with the 1.5L CRDI VGT 6AT diesel engine priced at ₹17.09 lakh—as an example, here is a clear EMI projection. The calculation assumes 100% financing of the ex-showroom price.
For a 3-Year Loan Tenure:
- At an 8.5% interest rate, the monthly EMI will be ₹53,949, with a total interest payout of ₹2,33,161.
- At a 9.5% interest rate, the monthly EMI will be ₹54,744, with a total interest payout of ₹2,61,795.
For a 5-Year Loan Tenure:
- At an 8.5% interest rate, the monthly EMI will be ₹35,063, with a total interest payout of ₹3,94,765.
- At a 9.5% interest rate, the monthly EMI will be ₹35,892, with a total interest payout of ₹4,44,531.
These figures illustrate that opting for a longer tenure significantly reduces the monthly outgo, albeit increasing the total interest paid over the loan's life. The HTK (O) diesel automatic's EMI ranges from approximately ₹35,063 to ₹54,744 per month, making it an accessible option for many aspiring SUV owners.
Final Verdict: Striking the Perfect Balance
The launch of the 2026 Kia Seltos on 3rd January 2026, has redefined expectations in its segment. By offering a compelling mix of technology, comfort, and multiple powertrain choices in the HTK and HTK (O) trims, Kia has successfully carved out a high-value proposition. For the majority of Indian buyers, these variants deliver the core appeal of the new Seltos—modern features and robust performance—without venturing into the premium price territory of the GTX-Line or X-Line trims. With transparent EMI options available, owning this feature-packed SUV is now a calculated and achievable decision for countless families across India.
