[@ppy.tbhp]

Originally Posted by viXit

Even the most cost effective garware film is very effective in cutting heat.
I can tell the difference. You get 70VLT options that cut no real light/visibility.

Even if Kia has solar/uv treated glass, it's obviously not effective, so just get those films.
Or buy suction cup mounted shades they sell at junctions. Huge difference, and can remove at night. I bent those to the shape of my window and insert them whenever it's sunny. Cheapest and best way to beat the sun.

Hello viXit, I’ve actually been shocked at how ineffective the so-called UV-solar glass in Kia vehicles is in real-world conditions, especially after paying a premium for a higher variant expecting some level of insulation. It’s kind of wild that even a basic Garware film or those roadside suction shades do a better job than what we’re supposedly getting from the factory. Makes me seriously question what we’re actually paying for in these top-end variants. At this point, it’s not about luxury—it’s about basic usability in Indian summers.

Originally Posted by Abhi_abarth

What a co-incidence, I just shot a mail to Kia India about the inferior quality of the so claimed UV cut glasses. I am experiencing unbearable heat through the front windshield (as I am the only one driving the car) and most of the times end up severely de-hydrated after a drive in extreme heat. Being in Hyderabad I am talking about temperature hovering between 35 to 36 as of today but can't imagine what will happen when the temp reaches 40s. The headache issue has already been affecting me since the day of purchase (November 2024) but I dismissed it citing as one of an instance. Now, both these issues are hitting me hard and I fret at taking the car during day time.

The only solution I see is to go with the sun protective film but I will wait for their response not that I am expecting them to fix this but want to hear what they have to say.

My erstwhile baleno had factory fit UV cut glass minus windshield and it did the job fabulously. Our seltos doesn't even come close to that functionality.

Abhi_abarth, I’m honestly going through the exact same thing. I got the higher variant thinking I was investing in better comfort and features—UV-cut solar glass, leather seats, all the so-called premium stuff. But now, I’m seriously questioning if that premium is even worth it. My Seltos has full leather upholstery from the factory, and with the kind of heat we’re seeing right now—it's already crossed 42°C here in Nagpur—the cabin turns into a furnace if it’s been parked outside for even an hour. I get into the car and it feels like there's no UV or solar glass doing anything at all. The seats and cabin interiors are scorching, the air feels suffocating.

[viXit]

Originally Posted by @ppy.tbhp

[left]Hello viXit, I’ve actually been shocked at how ineffective the so-called UV-solar glass in Kia vehicles is in real-world conditions, especially after paying a premium for a higher variant expecting some level of insulation....


...But now, I’m seriously questioning if that premium is even worth it. My Seltos has full leather upholstery from the factory, and with the kind of heat we’re seeing right now—it's already crossed 42°C here in Nagpur—the cabin turns into a furnace if it’s been parked outside for even an hour. I get into the car and it feels like there's no UV or solar glass doing anything at all. The seats and cabin interiors are scorching, the air feels suffocating.

Hey ppy.,
I own a Fortuner—you can imagine how shortchanged I must feel with its feature set after spending 50 big ones. I think the Seltos is still a very VFM offering and a good car for Indian roads.

The heat can be managed pretty well with a few simple tricks.
Using film can still be risky if cops are scraping the edges with blades, but...

Parking in the sun with a silver reflective heat shade (like the one below) helps tremendously:


The shades I use while parking in the sun really help protect the interiors. They won’t stop heat from entering the car entirely, as the shade itself heats up and eventually warms the air inside. But...


The interior surfaces won’t get as hot since they’re not under direct sunlight. The upside is that the hot air can be flushed out instantly by opening all windows except one door, and pumping that door open/closed rapidly. Someone standing by the opposite window can literally feel the hot air being pushed out:


If you have a sunroof, you can leave it open slightly during this first stage to let hot air rise naturally while the car is baking. Just crack the sunshade a bit:
(ref top image)


If there’s no sunroof, just crack the windows slightly. This is easier and safer if your car has window visors:


Kia/Hyundai ACs are super strong, no doubt. But the burning sensation from direct sunlight on the skin is what makes it unbearable. Using proper sunfilm or shades (not the mesh ones—most of those are useless) really helps with comfort. You’ll start enjoying your rides much more when heat is no longer a factor. Worst case, I just keep my full sleeves extended while driving and fold them up once at work.

I have a black car and it's more comfortable than my white one just because of the sunfilm on the front glass. It’s a night-and-day difference.

[FlightDrive]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to reach out to current Seltos DCT owners here and get some real-world feedback regarding the dual-clutch transmission. There’s a lot of information floating around online—some positive, some concerning—and I felt it’s best to ask the people who actually drive the car daily.

Specifically, I’m curious about a few things:

1. Overheating: Have you faced any overheating warnings, especially during city traffic, stop-go conditions, long idling, or while driving in hilly regions?

2. Reliability in Indian Conditions: How has your DCT held up in general, especially considering our hot climate and diverse traffic scenarios? Is it consistent and confidence-inspiring over time?

3. Clutch Health & Wear: Any experiences with early clutch wear, slipping, or replacement? How many kilometers have you driven and how has the transmission aged?

4. Driving Style Impact: Do you feel the DCT requires any special care or a particular driving style to stay reliable?

5. Frequency of Issues: Are these issues (if any) widespread among DCT owners or more of an exception?

I am trying to get a clearer understanding of how the DCT performs over time in real-world, especially Indian, usage.

And the main question I wanted to ask-Can DCT be driven in Indian traffic conditions?

Would truly appreciate if you could share your experience—good or bad—and any tips for prospective or curious owners.

Thanks in advance

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by viXit

...and pumping that door open/closed rapidly. Someone standing by the opposite window can literally feel the hot air being pushed out...

All modern-day gadgetry aside, I've done this on every car for decades now, and is the most effective way to start cooling the cabin quicker.

Open any one door wide, and pump the opposite door 8-10 times. Car feels instantly cooler than the oven it was before. Run the AC at full blast a few mins and you're golden, whatever the ambient temperature.

The simplest solutions work the best sometimes.

[Staraptor]

Originally Posted by FlightDrive

Specifically, I’m curious about a few things:

1. Overheating: Have you faced any overheating warnings, especially during city traffic, stop-go conditions, long idling, or while driving in hilly regions?

2. Reliability in Indian Conditions: How has your DCT held up in general, especially considering our hot climate and diverse traffic scenarios? Is it consistent and confidence-inspiring over time?

3. Clutch Health & Wear: Any experiences with early clutch wear, slipping, or replacement? How many kilometers have you driven and how has the transmission aged?

4. Driving Style Impact: Do you feel the DCT requires any special care or a particular driving style to stay reliable?

5. Frequency of Issues: Are these issues (if any) widespread among DCT owners or more of an exception?

I am trying to get a clearer understanding of how the DCT performs over time in real-world, especially Indian, usage.

And the main question I wanted to ask-Can DCT be driven in Indian traffic conditions?

Would truly appreciate if you could share your experience—good or bad—and any tips for prospective or curious owners.

Thanks in advance

Hi, I had the Seltos DCT (1.4) from Mar 2020 until last month. Drove around 31k kms in the timeframe. So, the running was relatively less.
1. It was an entirely trouble free experience - didn't face a single overheating issue even in the summers.

2. In stop-go traffic, it can at times feel a bit jerky at least initially until I got used to it. Basically needs a light foot to smoothen out. The sport mode though was unusable in the city.

3. No such replacement. Answered above.

4. No, nothing. Just a relatively lighter foot for better fuel economy.

5. At least mine was fuss free although I do initially remember reading reports of DCT overheating.

Kindly note this was for the 1.4 DCT and not the 1.5 DCT being sold currently. But I believe the gearbox is the same.

[@ppy.tbhp]

Originally Posted by viXit

Hey ppy.,
I own a Fortuner—you can imagine how shortchanged I must feel with its feature set after spending 50 big ones. I think the Seltos is still a very VFM offering and a good car for Indian roads.

viXit, thanks so much for sharing those awesome tips to beat the heat in the car! I really appreciate it. Comparing a Fortuner to a Seltos is like comparing a heavyweight boxer to a Zumba instructor. One can go off-road, on-road, through floods, over mountains, and still get you home in time for dinner. Your Fortuner could probably tow a Seltos and still cruise over a hill like it's nothing. So yeah, maybe it skipped a few bells and whistles, but it's still the king when the road disappears. You’ve basically bought a tank with the Toyota reliability! A Fortuner doesn't just age well—it matures like fine wine and then keeps going for another 10 years without a single tantrum. It’s the kind of car that’ll outlive your kids' childhoods and your midlife crisis.

The heat can be managed pretty well with a few simple tricks.
Using film can still be risky if cops are scraping the edges with blades, but...

This is exactly what I was trying to say—the laws around sun films and car window tints aren’t the same everywhere in India. Some states are super chill, but others are way stricter. Like when I took my old car to Goa, I got fined multiple times even though I had 70% VLT on the front and rear and 50% VLT Sun Kool films on the windows. I thought I was within the limits, but the cops there didn’t care—they were just enforcing it their own way. That’s why I think buying a car that already comes with UV-cut and solar glass was such a good deal. It’s already compliant, and it saves you the stress. Even my Seltos has those rear sun curtains, but honestly, it still doesn’t block the heat as much as I expected. Paying a premium for UV-cut solar glass in the Kia Seltos feels pointless when the cabin still heats up like crazy—it defeats the whole purpose of having such a feature in the first place.

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

All modern-day gadgetry aside, I've done this on every car for decades now, and is the most effective way to start cooling the cabin quicker.
Open any one door wide, and pump the opposite door 8-10 times. Car feels instantly cooler than the oven it was before. Run the AC at full blast a few mins and you're golden, whatever the ambient temperature.
The simplest solutions work the best sometimes.

Hi Chetan_Rao, This is old skool and still cool.



I’ve been using that all-windows open/close feature like crazy this summer—such a lifesaver when the car's been baking in the sun. But you know what’s been bugging me? I still don’t get why Kia didn’t add a remote sunroof open/close option in the Kia Connect app. Like the other day, I was standing outside the car, windows down, thinking how much faster the cabin would cool if I could just pop the sunroof remotely. Would’ve let all that hot air escape in seconds.

[Col Mehta]

Originally Posted by FlightDrive

Hi everyone,
I wanted to reach out to current Seltos DCT owners here and get some real-world feedback regarding the dual-clutch transmission.

Hello,

I don't drive a DCT daily - only occasionally, but have driven it long enough to know its both good and bad. Dry clutch DCT/DSGs are ill suited for Indian hot and dusty environment. Worse if you have to drive in stop and go traffic more frequently where it can feel slow and jerky. The 2020 1.4 DCT in our extended family recently developed clutch issues. The initial gear jerks had become more noticeable. Hyundai did replace it but the issue still persists. Upon following up, Hyundai brushed it off saying the jerks are a normal trait of their DCTs. The owner didn't pursue it further, but I'm not convinced.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5888357 (Understanding VW-Skoda DSG DQ200 failures | A masterclass by Srinivas)

There have been documented cases of DCTs overheating in heavy traffic and you really need to be careful how you operate it in those conditions. Having said that, Hyundai/Kia's DCTs are more reliable than VW's DSGs. Plus they are just fun on open roads. If your drives are mostly on highways and not that much in stop and go traffic, you should/can consider it.

[GTX+]

After having driven 11k+ since my FL Seltos GTX+ was delivered to me back in Oct 2023, I have made up my mind to let go of it within next 3-4 months. I had taken 10.5L auto loan from SBI of which around 2.5 has been paid of via EMIs, the rest am planning to foreclose within 3 to 4 months.

There are no issues with the car itself. In the last 1.5 years, I have had some really good medium to long distance trips on it and never faced a single issue.

There are a few reasons why I am letting it go. Mainly:

1) Lot of sideways body roll. Not enjoying it one bit now.

2) Lack of immediate power on tap. I understand that is the nature of the car/engine/tuning/turbo. But am used to power on tap and this lack of response for few early seconds is not something I am enjoying. During the recent servicing, I had raised this issue, they did do some work and initially I felt there was a marked improvement, but everything is back to square one. Kia really needs to rework the drive modes, the current configuration/tuning needs improvement IMO.

3) Lack of boot space. We are a family of 4 (sometimes 5) and after the last few trips, we have realised what a big handicap the bootspace is.

4) Driver seat is still a pain in the upper back and lack of memory function just adds to the misery. My car is driven by both myself and wife and every time the seat is adjusted, it is impossible to get it back to the preferred position. Lets just say, after a year and a half, I have just not got used to the seats and also the driving position w.r.t. the steering. Overall it is totally uncomfortable for me.

5) It is a known fact that DCT is fuel guzzler and I knew it very well before purchasing. However, I thought if I drive sensibly, I might get better average. That has not been the case, except of course on high/expressways.

Now my question to you all is, does it make financial sense to sell the car off this early? Will I get a good resale price for a Sep 2023 manufacture FL Seltos? The car is in excellent condition all round. Is there a decent market for second hand FL Seltos and how much would be a resonable resale price?

Thanks a ton for your time and responses.

[ramprasadrp]

Help Decide: Pre-Loved 2020 Seltos GTX+ DCT vs New Seltos GTX


Hello Team-BHP!
(since this is my first query/participation here, i've refined this message using online tool for better flow and to convey the message clearly. Please bear with me if you find the content as too professional)

I’ve been a proud owner of a Grand i10 (Asta, 1.2L Petrol MT) for the past 3 years. With a family of four (two adults + two kids), I’m now looking to upgrade to an SUV for better comfort and a peppier drive. My usage:

• City driving: <25 km/day
• Occasional highway runs: Once a month

After extensive research (thanks to this forum!), I shortlisted the Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor (intentionally skipped Creta, Taigun, XUV, and Tata SUVs). Test drives:

1. MG Astor Savvy CVT: Loved the interiors and seats, but performance felt underwhelming.
2. Seltos HTX+ iVT: Solid, but the GTX+ DCT Turbo stole my heart! The power and features were irresistible.
3. Kushaq: Yet to test-drive, but I’m leaning heavily toward the Seltos.

Dilemma: Pre-Owned vs New Seltos GTX+

I’ve zeroed in on the Seltos GTX+ DCT and have two options:

1. Pre-Loved (March 2020, GTX+ 1.4 DCT Petrol)
   • Price: ₹13.5L (via Spinny)
   • Condition: Well-maintained (38K kms), no major issues except a minor rattle during test drive.
   • Pros: Beige interiors (wife-approved!), significant cost savings (~₹11L).
   • Cons: Misses ADAS, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifts and facelift updates.
2. New Seltos GTX (2023 Facelift)
   • Price: ~₹25L (Chennai on-road)
   • Pros: Latest features (ADAS, sunroof), warranty, peace of mind.
   • Cons: Dark interiors (wife dislikes), hefty price premium.

Concerns with the Pre-Owned 2020 Model

From my research, common issues include:

• DCT overheating in traffic
• Interior rattles / door panel fit issues
• Sunroof leaks, TPMS/camera glitches
• Mediocre fuel efficiency

The Spinny-listed car has a clean service history, and my PDI didn’t raise red flags (planning a third-party inspection too).
Seeking Expert Advice

1. Is the 2020 DCT reliable for 4–5 years of ownership, or should I expect costly repairs?
2. Does the ₹11L savings justify skipping the facelift’s upgrades (ADAS, safety, refinement)?
3. Any hidden pitfalls with pre-owned Seltos DCTs I should check?

I’m torn between the thrill of savings (pre-owned) and the peace of mind (new). Need expert advice and your insights!


Thanks in advance!

[Col Mehta]

Originally Posted by GTX+

After having driven 11k+ since my FL Seltos GTX+ was delivered to me back in Oct 2023, I have made up my mind to let go of it within next 3-4 months.

Sorry to hear that. While I agree with most of your experiences with the Seltos, I think the depreciation will be pretty substantial. I'm thinking ~25-30%. If you are okay with that kind of hit, then you shouldn't have much trouble selling it since the Seltos holds a decent place in the used market. Just out of curiosity though, if you did sell it off, what's the next car purchase you have in mind?

[GTX+]

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

Sorry to hear that. While I agree with most of your experiences with the Seltos, I think the depreciation will be pretty substantial. I'm thinking ~25-30%. If you are okay with that kind of hit, then you shouldn't have much trouble selling it since the Seltos holds a decent place in the used market. Just out of curiosity though, if you did sell it off, what's the next car purchase you have in mind?

Thank you Col for your response. I am hoping for around 17-17.5L. Anything above is a bonus.

Seltos is my first SUV, prior to this I have always driven a hatchback and sedans. So I am half inclined towards going back to a sedan but not totally ruling out other SUVs. One thing that is sure is that this time I am going to take longer test drives and carry a checklist of things to check (learnings from Seltos).

[Col Mehta]

Originally Posted by GTX+

Thank you Col for your response. I am hoping for around 17-17.5L. Anything above is a bonus.

Seltos is my first SUV, prior to this I have always driven a hatchback and sedans. So I am half inclined towards going back to a sedan but not totally ruling out other SUVs. One thing that is sure is that this time I am going to take longer test drives and carry a checklist of things to check (learnings from Seltos).

That's about 20% hit which doesn't sound too bad or unrealistic. Hope you get a fair price. Finding someone in your circle should get you a better deal. Third parties like Cars24/Spinny/local dealers might not offer you any good deal.

I'm assuming no diesel for you which rules out a few larger SUVs with bigger boot space and overall space and ride quality. A sedan will offer you better comfort and boot space, but there aren't too many options. The VW/Skoda twins are offered with DSGs which will offer you similiar 'not so great' experience (still a lot better driving dynamics otherwise) while their 1 ltr engine has its own shortcomings like weak AC, terrible turbo lag etc. The Honda City and Hyundai Verna with the 1.5 NA CVT/IVT combo might just offer you a balanced package of decent performance, space and comfort.

[rronbhp789]

I own a Seltos GTX+ Diesel bought in July 2024.
I had an incident where the front got broken due to a coconut falling on it.
It was replaced around 3-4 months ago via insurance at Kia Service in Chennai.

From a few posts above, I realized that if it's a UV glass, it should have the UV indication.

However, my replaced glass did not have the UV indication (attached image), which makes me wonder if they have replaced my glass with the normal ones instead of the one I am supposed to be getting.

My query is:
Will I still be entitled to a replacement, and is my replacement request valid?

Thanks for your time and response.

[GTX+]

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

Finding someone in your circle should get you a better deal. Third parties like Cars24/Spinny/local dealers might not offer you any good deal.

Good point. I don't expect to get a favorable deal from Spinny/cars24 etc. and will have to look for individual buyers, which might be a bit challenging to find easily.

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

I'm assuming no diesel for you which rules out a few larger SUVs with bigger boot space and overall space and ride quality.

That is the curse of living in Delhi/NCR. Even though there are good options in Diesel, but to put that amount of money knowing that you will have to sell the car in 9 years (even though it may not have any issues) is simply too hard to digest.

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

A sedan will offer you better comfort and boot space, but there aren't too many options. The VW/Skoda twins are offered with DSGs which will offer you similiar 'not so great' experience (still a lot better driving dynamics otherwise) while their 1 ltr engine has its own shortcomings like weak AC, terrible turbo lag etc.

When I was hunting for cars (before finalising Seltos) I really liked the VW/Skoda twins, but for the sub standard quality of interiors, I might have actually bought one of them (most probably Skoda). Given that there is no improvement on that front, both are out of contention.

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

The Honda City and Hyundai Verna with the 1.5 NA CVT/IVT combo might just offer you a balanced package of decent performance, space and comfort.

I love Honda cars for their no nonsense performance and reliability. My 2014 Honda City V (D) never let me down even once. Apart from low GC, I never faced a single issue in the 9 years that I had it with me. If this 10 year rule wasn't there, I wouldn't have sold it.

So yes, the options are really very few in the sedan segment. I am still not prepared to dive in to the EV euphoria yet. Tough time ahead to decide if I should sell or hold on to the Seltos for few more months!!

[GTX+]

Originally Posted by rronbhp789

From a few posts above, I realized that if it's a UV glass, it should have the UV indication.

However, my replaced glass did not have the UV indication (attached image), which makes me wonder if they have replaced my glass with the normal ones instead of the one I am supposed to be getting.

My query is:
Will I still be entitled to a replacement, and is my replacement request valid?

Thanks for your time and response.

Ideally a UV cut glass should have marking on it but here is what you can do to check if the glass is indeed a UV cut or not. (The below is from google).

You can also use a UV flashlight; if the glass blocks the UV light, it's likely UV-protected. Additionally, you can test it with a photochromic lens (like Transitions), as the lens should not darken when placed behind the car glass if it has UV protection.

You can also check the invoice whether it lists a normal glass or a UV cut glass. The part # on your glass should help determine that. If they have charged you/insurer for a normal glass, then I don't think you will get any free replacement.

However, if the invoice says its a UV glass and they have put a normal one, you are within your rights to ask for a free replacement.