11/06/2025

Kia Seltos Gravity 1.5 Petrol MT review redefining affordable performance in the compact SUV segment

The compact SUV segment has never been more exciting, and at the heart of it stands the latest iteration of Kia’s fan-favorite SUV — the 1.5L Petrol Manual Transmission variant from the Gravity edition of the Kia Seltos. Launched amidst fierce competition, the Seltos Gravity edition has carved out a niche of its own by combining practicality, design, and technology in a value-packed package.

For car enthusiasts and automotive dealers alike, the Kia Seltos 1.5 Petrol MT is more than just a commuter car — it’s a glimpse of how a mid-segment SUV can embrace premium sensibilities without compromising everyday usability. Based on real-world impressions, especially the compelling review by enthusiast Raju Raj, the Seltos Gravity earns its title as a “car of the decade.”

In this deep dive, we explore what sets the Kia Seltos Gravity 1.5 Petrol MT apart — from design elegance to mechanical finesse and everything in between.

Design and Aesthetics: A Bold Yet Balanced Statement

The Seltos has always been appreciated for its sharp design language, and the Gravity edition further elevates this reputation.

Exterior Detailing: The Gravity edition debuts with specially designed chrome accents around the grille and mirror housings. The 17-inch machined alloy wheels offer a solid stance that screams capability without overpowering the SUV’s silhouette.
Signature Tiger Nose Grille: Reimagined for a more pronounced visual impact, the grille seamlessly blends with sleek LED headlamps, housing DRLs that lend the car a distinct road presence both during the day and night.
Color Options: The variant offers premium exterior color palettes like Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and a special Gravity-only Steel Silver.

The overall aesthetic doesn’t chase trends; instead, it builds upon Kia’s evolving design language—with meticulous attention to proportion and detailing.

Interior Comfort and Craftsmanship

The moment you step inside the Seltos Gravity, it becomes clear that Kia has thought through every touchpoint.

Cabin Materials: The faux leather upholstery is both visually appealing and functionally durable. Satin silver trims and ambient lighting add a luxurious touch that’s rare in this segment.
Seating: The manually adjustable driver seat provides ample support and ergonomics. Rear bench space is generous with well-contoured support, optimizing comfort for long road trips or city commutes.
Infotainment System: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite being a mid-variant, it doesn’t compromise on essential tech.
Practicality: With 433 liters of boot space and multiple cup holders, practicality is embedded in every inch of the vehicle.

The atmospheric refinement in the cabin positions the Seltos Gravity miles above competitors like the Hyundai Creta and MG Astor in terms of interior versatility and noise insulation.

Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics

At its heart, the 1.5L Smartstream petrol engine is a gem in Kia’s powertrain line-up.

Engine Output: Produces a peak power of 113 bhp at 6,300 rpm with torque peaking at 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The naturally aspirated configuration means linear power delivery across drive modes.
Transmission: The 6-speed manual transmission offers notchy yet precise shifts. The gear ratios are well-spread for urban as well as highway cruising.
Mileage: Offers a certified mileage of approximately 16.8 km/l, making it a fuel-efficient choice for budget-conscious drivers.

The ride quality is tuned towards comfort with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear — ensuring bump absorption and handling are balanced. The steering feedback, while not sporty, offers reliable control during sudden lane changes and tight U-turns.

Technology and Features: Smart Integration Done Right

For a manual trim, the Seltos Gravity packs impressive tech credentials.

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB charging ports (both front and rear), and voice command support elevate everyday use experience.
Driver Aids: Rear parking sensors, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, keyless entry, and push-button start come standard on this edition.
Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, and high-speed alerts meet India’s latest safety norms effectively.
Comfort Features: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and tilt-adjustable steering ensure personalized comfort for all passengers.

While not overloaded with the top-variant bells and whistles, this version balances need with value, offering an intelligent feature package without complicating the user experience.

Road Experience: Real User Perspective

Raju Raj, an automotive enthusiast from Kerala, shared his ownership journey of the Kia Seltos Gravity Petrol MT – calling it his “car of the decade.” His insights capture the practical highs of this variant:

Everyday Driveability: Describes the car’s road manners as “buttery smooth,” especially in cities with frequent starts and stops.
Refinement: Notes the engine is silent at idle and stays largely subdued at legal highway speeds.
Handling: Despite being an SUV, Raju praises its compact turning radius and agile feedback which surprised him during sharp turns on narrow roads.
Ownership Value: Cites low service costs and impressive dealer support as solid evidence of long-term value.

His testimony anchors this review in real-world validation: the car does not just excel on paper, but delivers a joyful ownership experience — one that aligns well with expectations for buyers in this segment.

Comparative Analysis: Standing Strong Amid Competition

Within its segment, the Kia Seltos Gravity 1.5 Manual must battle equally popular contenders such as:

Hyundai Creta: Offers near-identical platform synergy but falls slightly short in cabin flair.
MG Astor: Boasts AI-based features but lags in manual transmission dynamics.
Volkswagen Taigun: Leans sporty but is priced higher with a spartan feature-pack in the lower variants.

The Seltos manages to rival (and even surpass) each in areas like rear-seat comfort, infotainment usability, and refined engine tuning — especially in the naturally aspirated MT orientation.

Dealership & After-Sales Support

Kia’s rapidly expanding dealership footprint across India significantly amplifies the trust factor in Seltos ownership. With over 300 showrooms and service points:

Service intervals: 10,000 km or 12 months
Standard Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited km, extendable up to 5 years
Roadside Assistance: 24×7 support available nationwide

Dealers and resellers also appreciate the high residual value commanded by the Seltos, making it a high-performing asset in both primary and secondary automotive markets.

Final Verdict: Who Is the Seltos Gravity MT For?

The Kia Seltos Gravity 1.5 Petrol Manual is ideal for:

Driving Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy a connected manual driving experience without sacrificing refinement.
Professional Commuters: Urban dwellers prioritizing fuel economy, ease of use, and comfort.
Dealership Networks: Dealers looking for profitable rotation due to the Seltos’ high demand and durability.

While powerful turbocharged siblings exist in the lineup, this specific Seltos variant defends its ground through mature handling, aesthetic maturity, and ownership satisfaction.

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Conclusion

The Kia Seltos Gravity 1.5 Petrol MT doesn’t chase automotive extremes — instead, it strikes a compelling middle ground that balances technology, driving enjoyment, style, and affordability. For its price, it behaves and feels like a car from a segment above, a quality few vehicles can genuinely claim.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast seeking driving purity or an auto dealer searching for a fast-moving asset in your lineup, this Seltos variant justifies and exceeds expectations.