The Seltos’ turbo-petrol generates more power than the Mercedes-Benz
Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol With 7-speed DCT proved that even mass-segment manufacturers can offer high-performance SUVs.
The Mercedes Benz GLA is one of the most sought-after compact luxury SUVs. It has a compact size, similar to the Kia Seltos. But it gets a diesel engine and DCT gearbox that raises the cost to more than double of the Seltos.
The video by ‘Cars with Shivansh’ shows how these two SUVs are from different segments with 7-speed DCT gearboxes perform in a drag race.
0The Contenders0
The Kia Seltos here is the top-of-the-line GTX (O) variant from the exclusive GT trim, which gets a combination of a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol SUV and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission under its hood. The engine here produces a maximum power output of 140 PS, while the peak torque output is 242 Nm.
The Mercedes Benz GLA 200d here gets a heavier 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which produces 135 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque output. It gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for the powertrain, with paddle shifters and sports mode also on offer.
Drag racing a mass-segment car with luxury ones may not be the best idea
The Seltos already has an advantage over the GLA 200d with a lower kerb weight, one of the key definers in a drag race. Let’s see how the results turn out to be.
0Kia Seltos T-GDI vs Mercedes Benz GLA 200d: Drag Race0
But the Seltos is also quite powerful
This drag race between the Kia Seltos and Mercedes Benz GLA 200 consisted of four rounds.
1Round 11
In the first round, the GLA 200d had a late launch, which cost it till the end of the drag race, as the Seltos maintained a clear lead from beginning to end.
1Round 21
In the second round, the GLA 200d started with a good launch and got a good lead in the start. However, the Seltos gradually picked the pace and flew past the GLA 200d.
1Round 31
This round was similar to the first round, with the Seltos starting with an early lead over the GLA 200d. It continued to the end.
1Round 41
Both the SUVs had an equally good launch in the start. However, the gap between the Seltos and GLA 200d widened as the speeds increased.
0Kia Seltos Vs Mercedes GLA Drag Race Conclusion0
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In all four rounds, we can see that the Kia Seltos, with its smaller and more powerful but less torquey turbocharged petrol engine, won by a good margin over the Mercedes Benz GLA 200d with its diesel engine.
Compared to the 1,585 kg kerb weight of the GLA 200d, the Seltos T-GDI weighs 1,361 kg, thus having an advantage of a whole 224 kg over the former. With higher power output and lower kerb weight, the Seltos proves to be a brisker SUV with a better power-to-weight ratio compared to GLA 200d.
Do you think mass-market turbocharged petrol SUVs are as fun-to-drive as a similarly-sized luxury SUV? Drop your comments section below.
Keyword: Can A Humble Kia Seltos Get Ahead Of Mercedes-Benz GLA In A Drag Race?