Kia Motors has come up with a new variant for Celtos. The mid-size SUV’s diesel engine is now available with an iMT gearbox, making it the first of its kind. For now, the Diesel iMT will only be sold in the HTK Plus variant. It costs Rs. 13.99 lakh ex-showroom. Kia could make other changes to the Celtos lineup as well.
Until now, the IMT gearbox was only offered with a petrol engine. This is the first time we see an iMT gearbox with a diesel engine. The iMT gearbox is quite unique because the driver does not need to operate the clutch but will need to change gearshift manually. Because it is not a proper automatic transmission, it costs less than a diesel AT. So, if Diesel AT goes out of budget for a buyer and he wants the benefit of an automatic transmission then he can opt for Diesel iMT. In addition, the manufacturer has updated the suspension setup of the Celtos so it should have better ride quality now.
Kia Motors has added two new color schemes. Includes Sparkling Silver and Imperial Blue. Other colors on offer are Intense Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White, Steel Silver, Panchi Orange, Intelligence Blue and Gravity Gray. There is also a dual-tone paint scheme on offer. If you choose the X-Line variant, you will get a matte gray paint job that is unique in the segment.
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There is no change in the diesel engine. It continuously produces 115 PS maximum power and 250 Nm peak torque. As standard, it combines with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Now, you can also get a 6-speed iMT. Offer is a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
There are two more engines on offer. Both are petrol. There is a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that comes with direct injection. The naturally aspiring engine produces maximum power of 115 PS and 144 Nm of peak torque. It combines a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed iMT or a CVT automatic transmission.
It is followed by a turbo petrol engine that produces a maximum of 140 PS of power and 242 Nm of peak torque. It combines a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You’ll also find a paddle shifter to take manual control of the gearbox. There are also three drive modes called Sports, Normal and Echo. There are also three traction modes, namely mud, snow / wet and sand.
More updates coming
Will update Kia Celtos further. It is expected to come with standard rear disc brakes, side airbags and vehicle stability control as standard. Curtain airbags will be provided from HTX Plus. The HTX variant will offer traction mode, paddle shifter and drive mode. Other updates include a new 16-inch wheel cover for the HTE and HTK variants and a Kia Connect button in the rearview mirror.
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