Kia has updated its mainstream lineup of vehicles with BS6 phase 2.0 RDE-compliant engines ahead of the official deadline on April 1, 2023. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol has now been replaced with 1.5-litre turbo petrol in the Seltos and Carens and in the case of the diesel the turbo has moved to be a WGT to a VGT design which is expected to improve efficiency and low-end performance.
The Kia Sonet’s engines too have been upgraded with its diesel now being the most powerful in the segment thanks to a bump in power from 99bhp to 114bhp. Though we expect that its sister car the Hyundai Venue too will get this engine update very soon. The standard 1.2-litre petrol only gets a five-speed manual while the diesel can be had with a six-speed iMT or a six-speed torque converter automatic. The 1.0-litre GDi turbo petrol can be had with a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT.
Kia Seltos and Carens
The 1.5-litre TGDi engine produces 158bhp/253Nm and can be had with either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT. The standard petrol is Kia 1.5-litre unit which remains unchanged in its output and can be had with a six-speed manual. Finally, the diesel’s output has been bumped up from 113.4bhp to 114.4bhp and it can be had with either a six-speed iMT or a six-speed torque converter automatic. All versions of both cars now get Idle start-stop as standard fitment.
Along with the powertrain-related changes, Kia has also introduced the ISG (Idle Stop Go) feature, standard across all the models. Offering an intuitive connected experience, the Kia Connect Skill for Amazon Alexa has been added as a connected car feature.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Tae-Jin Park, MD & CEO, Kia India, said, 'With the launch of the EV6 in India and committing a home-grown EV by 2025, we reflected our commitment to align our product strategy with the Indian government’s electric vision. Now with the RDE norms coming into effect, we are delighted to offer our contribution once again to the government’s efforts to keep the environment clean and green. With the enhanced powertrains and added features, our vehicles have become even more sophisticated, instating the feeling of pride in customers of owning a Kia.”
