Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT: Driving in India has never been more exciting, thanks to the emergence of turbocharged compact SUVs that blend power, efficiency, and practicality. The Kia Seltos 1.5L T-GDI with IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is a prime example of this new-age driving experience. As someone who appreciates both spirited performance and real-world usability, I found myself thoroughly impressed by what the Seltos T-GDI IMT offers. With a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine and the innovative IMT gearbox, this car delivers an engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort or efficiency. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes every drive feel purposeful, whether it’s a routine commute or a highway adventure.
What stands out most about the Seltos IMT is how effortlessly it manages to deliver both fun and fuel economy. There’s a common assumption that turbocharged petrol engines guzzle fuel when driven with even a hint of enthusiasm, but the Seltos breaks that stereotype with ease. On a recent drive from Bhopal to Nagpur via NH69, my fully-loaded Seltos returned a jaw-dropping 20 KMPL. No hypermiling. No special driving tricks. Just steady cruising around 85–90 KMPH, with the engine consistently under 2000 RPM. With A/C on, music playing, all electricals running, and four passengers aboard, the Seltos performed admirably under real-world Indian driving conditions.
What makes this even more impressive is the car’s clever balance between performance and economy. The 1.5L turbo GDI engine is responsive, and when paired with the IMT, it delivers seamless gear shifts without the need for a clutch pedal. This gives you control over the drive without the hassle of a manual clutch — perfect for Indian traffic and highway cruising alike. Kia has tuned the throttle and turbo perfectly, ensuring quick response without any drama or sudden surges. It’s smart tuning like this that makes the Seltos IMT such a joy to drive every day.
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Kia Seltos 1.5L T-GDI IMT Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged GDI Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) |
| Power Output | 160 PS @ 5,500 RPM |
| Torque | 253 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | E20-compliant Petrol (ran on E10 during test) |
| Fuel Efficiency (Claimed) | 17.7 KMPL (Real-World: 20 KMPL observed) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | McPherson Strut / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc / Disc |
| Tyre Size | 215/60 R17 |
| Boot Space | 433 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC, HAC, VSM, TPMS, All-Wheel Disc Brakes |
Features of the Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT
Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT)
The IMT in the Kia Seltos removes the clutch pedal and automates clutch engagement. You still get to shift gears manually, giving you a more engaging drive without the physical stress of clutch operation.
Turbocharged Performance
With 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque, the Seltos 1.5L T-GDI doesn’t just move — it pulls strong in every gear. The turbocharger ensures power delivery is immediate and smooth, making overtaking and quick acceleration easy.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its performance credentials, the Seltos T-GDI IMT shines in fuel efficiency. Real-world tests under full load with A/C on revealed highway mileage of 20 KMPL — an outstanding figure for a turbo-petrol SUV in India.
Comfort & Convenience
From ventilated seats to a large touchscreen infotainment system, the Seltos comes packed with creature comforts. Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a premium sound system ensure every drive is comfortable and enjoyable.
Safety & Build Quality
Kia hasn’t compromised on safety. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, and All-Wheel Disc Brakes make this a solid and secure choice for families and long-distance drives.
Design & Exterior Highlights
The Kia Seltos IMT features the same bold and modern design language that has made the Seltos a favorite in India. Key highlights include:
- LED DRLs and Headlamps
- Signature Kia Tiger Nose Grille
- R17 Alloy Wheels
- Chrome Accents
- Roof Rails
- Integrated Rear Spoiler
- Dual-tone color options for a sporty appeal
The design is both muscular and refined, standing out confidently in urban settings and on highways alike.
Interior Experience
Step inside the Kia Seltos IMT and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s both premium and practical. The dual-tone dashboard, leatherette seats, ambient lighting, and large touchscreen create a modern, tech-savvy atmosphere. Rear seat comfort is excellent, with ample legroom and rear A/C vents ensuring passengers remain comfortable on long drives.
Performance & Real-World Mileage
Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on open highways, the Seltos 1.5L T-GDI IMT shines with its responsiveness and composure. The turbo kicks in smoothly and early, around 1500 RPM, delivering power just when you need it. Thanks to the IMT, gear shifts feel intuitive, and the absence of a clutch pedal reduces driver fatigue significantly.
In real-world conditions (Bhopal to Nagpur), this car achieved:
- Highway Mileage: 20 KMPL
- Cruise Control Usage: Set at 85 KMPH
- RPM Range: Maintained under 2000 RPM
- Load: Fully loaded with passengers and luggage
- A/C Usage: ON, 22°C, Fan speed 2
Price and Variants
The Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT is competitively priced in the Indian market. As of early 2025:
- Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): INR 15.90 Lakh onwards
- On-road Price: INR 18.30 – 19.00 Lakh (approx.)
- Available Variants with IMT: HTX+, GTX+
Launch Date and Market Positioning
The Seltos T-GDI IMT variant was introduced as part of the 2023 mid-cycle update and has continued to impress buyers through 2024 and into 2025. With increasing adoption of IMT technology, Kia’s smart blend of manual feel with automatic convenience has found a sweet spot among Indian buyers.
Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT conclusion
The Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT proves that performance and efficiency can co-exist. This car doesn’t force you to compromise between power and mileage — it offers both in a well-rounded package. The real-world figures speak volumes, especially considering India’s road conditions and traffic challenges.
Kia has nailed the tuning, ensuring that throttle response is sharp, gear transitions are smooth, and the ride quality remains plush even on longer journeys. Whether it’s the tech-packed interior or the muscular exterior stance, everything about the Seltos screams premium without being over-the-top.
Another standout is the IMT transmission, which bridges the gap between traditional manuals and automatics. It’s a brilliant innovation for Indian roads where driver engagement is still valued, but the ease of automation is appreciated in traffic.
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that ticks all the right boxes — from fuel economy and power to comfort and safety — the Seltos T-GDI IMT should definitely be on your list. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of smart, modern motoring.
Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT FAQs
1. What is the mileage of the Kia Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT in real-world conditions?
In real-world highway conditions with steady cruising at 85–90 KMPH and light-footed driving, the Seltos 1.5L Turbo IMT has returned up to 20 KMPL. This is higher than the company’s claimed mileage of 17.7 KMPL.
2. Is the Kia Seltos IMT good for city driving?
Absolutely. The IMT transmission is perfect for city traffic. You can shift gears manually, but there’s no clutch pedal, which significantly reduces fatigue during stop-and-go traffic. It’s a great blend of control and convenience.
3. Does the Kia Seltos Turbo IMT support E20 fuel?
Yes, the Seltos is BS6 Phase 2 compliant and supports E20 fuel. However, during the Bhopal–Nagpur drive, E10 petrol was used due to limited availability of E20 fuel on highways.
4. How does the Kia Seltos IMT compare with a regular automatic transmission?
The IMT provides the manual gear-shifting experience without a clutch pedal. While it may not be as convenient as a fully automatic in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it offers more driver control and better fuel efficiency in many cases.
5. What is the service interval for the Kia Seltos Turbo IMT?
Kia recommends engine oil and filter change every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever is earlier. In the shared experience, the third service was done at 20,000 km, and also included changing the IMT actuator fluid, cabin filter, and air filter.
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