New Kia Seltos ADAS features a big hit: Proves the argument against ADAS in India is baseless

The second-generation Kia Seltos has been an instant hit among mid-sized SUV buyers and they have a hefty order book to show for it. In the two months since Kia launched the Seltos 2.0, the carmaker has already received over 50,000 bookings, averaging around 806 bookings every day. Out of these cumulative bookings, Kia reports that 77 percent of orders are for the high-end HTX trim and upwards. The bookings are also indicative of another trend, which is, that out of the 47 percent high-end trim bookings, 77 percent are for the variants that offer Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety. Overall, the Seltos has the top-seller for Kia since it arrived in the country, cumulatively selling 5.47 lakh units since its launch in 2019.

Talking about the high ratio of bookings for the ADAS-enabled Seltos, this is indicative of the growing preference towards high-end safety systems and technology among Indian buyers. Contrary to the argument that autonomous safety systems such as Level 2 ADAS are not suited to Indian driving conditions, they can actually be the difference between life and death, or something as simple as a fender bender. Overall, the Seltos offers 17 Level 2 ADAS functions using three radars, one ADAS camera and four peripheral camera systems. These stack up to offer functions such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear collision avoidance and a lot more. Pre-emptive safety measures such as these can not only prevent life-threatening incidents but also help avoid minor damage and possibly reduce road rage as well.
Apart from the ADAS safety functions, the Seltos is also equipped with 15 safety features as standard across all its variants. Other latest-generation tech includes dual panoramic displays for the driver and co-passenger, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control and more. Kia further reports that 40 percent of the bookings for the Seltos are for the diesel engine option.

Speaking on the Seltos 2.0’s successful booking run, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer, Kia India, said, “The design and technology flaunt factor combined with the car’s value proposition is hard to achieve and is a big reason behind its mega success. In response to the overwhelming demand, we have also optimised our production to keep the waiting period at a minimum so that our customers don’t have to wait to get their hands on their favourite SUV.”