- New Seltos takes on Kia's latest look and technology.
- Hybrid on the way with intelligent braking-regeneration.
- Current Seltos is Kia's top-seller in New Zealand.
Kia has revealed the second generation of its Seltos SUV, which it calls "globally successful" and one of its "key models". That's certainly true of New Zealand; among the brand's plethora of new-gen and electric vehicles, the current Seltos remains its biggest seller and the number-four passenger/SUV model overall year-to-date.
The new model retains a compact footprint: it's grown 45mm in length but is still just 4430mm long, with a longer wheelbase for more passenger space.
On the outside, there's a wider grille with Kia’s "star map" lighting signature and dynamic welcome light sequence; the door handles are flush for enhanced aerodynamics.
It retains the "floating roof" look, while the vertical tail lamps extend across the tailgate to emphasise width. The X-Line trim offers dark gunmetal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes, while the GT-Line focuses on body-colored accents.
At the world premiere, Kia unveiled three new colours: Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray and a matte Magma Red.
While market-specific powertrains and specifications are yet to be announced, Kia promises "a balanced range of powertrain options... to meet diverse customer needs across global markets".
At launch there are 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engines in standard (132kW/265Nm) and high (142kW/265Nm) outputs, with 7-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed automatic transmissions respectively. As with the current model, the larger-capacity 2.0-litre is the most modestly powered: 110kW/179Nm, likely still (although not confirmed in Kia's media information) with a continuously variable transmission.
There's still optional all-wheel drive, paired with a multi-link rear suspension and Terrain Mode, offering drive settings for Snow, Mud and Sand.
Kia says a hybrid variant will join the lineup in 2026. Along with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality for powering external devices, the hybrid model will introduce Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which automatically adjusts braking based on traffic flow and navigation data.
Inside, the adoption of a column-type shift-by-wire (SBW) system frees up the centre console. The second-row seats are recline-adjustable by a total of 24 degrees (12 degrees forward and backward).
Luggage capacity is 536 litres and flexible storage configurations include a foldable dual-level cargo board. Kia’s AddGear accessory system allows customers to attach modular storage accessories to keep everyday essentials organised.
Global production of the all-new Seltos begins in December 2025 starting with India (a primary manufacturing hub for the model, along with South Korea), followed by launches in the rest of the world throughout 2026.
