Road trip lovers are frequently faced with a difficult decision when selecting the ideal car for their lengthy journeys. Is the more economical Kia Seltos a better option, or should one choose the opulent but costly BMW X3? Recently, a car lover from Bengaluru decided to give his BMW X3 a rest and travelled 1250 kilometres to Kochi in his new Kia Seltos GTX+. Below are his views along with a thorough analysis of the BMW X3 and Kia Seltos.
BMW X3 and Kia Seltos: A Short Overview
On the highway, the Kia Seltos—which its owner lovingly called “Ranger”—proved to be a smooth operator. With its 160 horsepower, 253 NM turbocharged petrol engine, the Seltos pulled with ease, making it easy to pass slow-moving cars and lengthy trucks. Near-perfect performance from the DCT-engine combination gave the driver confidence throughout the trip.
On the other hand, the 1998 CC engine of the BMW X3 xDrive 30i SportX Plus produces 249 bhp more than the Seltos, which is a huge increase in power. The X3 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds as opposed to the Seltos’ 9.7 seconds, making the difference evident. The BMW X3 offers an exhilarating driving experience for anyone looking for one.
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Comfort and Air Conditioning Efficiency
Remaining Calm During Warm Days
The all-black inside of the Kia Seltos raised some eyebrows at first, but the air conditioning system worked flawlessly during the drive. Even as the outside temperature rose to 36 degrees, the cabin remained cold thanks to its operation at around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius. This is really important for lengthy travels because the comfort level may really make or break the trip.
The BMW X3 is also equipped with an effective climate control system, which is renowned for keeping the inside cosy regardless of the outside weather. Both cars guarantee that occupants stay cool and comfortable, but it’s remarkable that the Seltos can provide similar luxury at a far cheaper cost.
Safety Features of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring, are standard on the Kia Seltos GTX+. Throughout the trip, these functions performed admirably, however it is important for drivers to keep in mind to use their indicators while changing lanes to avoid the car veering back into the original lane. The adaptive cruise control system performed admirably as well, despite limited use.
A complete package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is available in the well-known BMW X3, which includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. The X3 offers a smooth and safe driving experience thanks to its more sophisticated and integrated technology.
Headlight Efficiency for Nighttime Driving
The Kia Seltos’ headlights might be brighter, despite the fact that there was not much night driving throughout the trip. A brighter throw would improve visibility to help identify road bends and speed limit signs.
Better visibility and safer night driving are ensured by the improved lighting system of the BMW X3. Because of its cutting-edge LED headlights, which provide a brighter and broader beam, nighttime driving is safer and less stressful.
Comparison of Fuel Efficiency Mileages
The Kia Seltos’s remarkable fuel economy is one of its best qualities. After more than 3600 km, the road trip produced an overall mileage of about 11 km/l, with a mileage of 15–17 km/l on highways. This efficiency is excellent considering the price and makes the Seltos an excellent long-distance travel companion.
Despite its power, the BMW X3 has a worse fuel economy. The petrol version produces less than the Seltos, at about 13.17 km/l. The diesel version of the X3, on the other hand, has a higher fuel efficiency of up to 16 km/l, which makes it a better choice for people who don’t want to sacrifice performance.
Cost and Economical Worth: Comparing Costs
The price disparity between the BMW X3 and the Kia Seltos is the biggest. The base model Kia Seltos costs ₹10.9 Lakh ex-showroom, while the top-end variant costs ₹20.35 Lakh. On the other hand, the base petrol form of the BMW X3 costs ₹61.9 Lakh, while the fully-loaded model costs ₹87.7 Lakh.
Because of this significant price difference, the Kia Seltos is a very appealing choice for those on a tight budget who want a dependable car with lots of features. The BMW X3 is more luxurious and has better performance, but the Seltos gives great value for the money because to its extensive feature package and cheap pricing.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to knowing your personal requirements and preferences. You may make an educated decision by weighing the distinct advantages of the BMW X3 and Kia Seltos in relation to your needs. Both cars have a lot to offer, regardless of whether you value economy and efficiency or luxury and power.
