Attention, ladies and gentlemen: the Kia Seltos is stepping into a new dimension! Bigger, bolder, and just as connected, it has nothing to envy from its big brother the Sportage. With increased confidence and a robust design, this small SUV is establishing itself as a key player in the segment.
A bold design
The new Kia Seltos does not hold back. With a redesigned look, it sports a futuristic front end thanks to vertically stacked headlights that echo the latest trends from the brand. The enlarged grille and reshaped bumper give the Seltos a strong character, as if the model has just stepped out of an action movie where it faced off against a horde of villains.
On the sides, the Seltos visually resembles the EV5, with flush door handles and plastic cladding that gives it a rugged appearance. The rising beltline and floating roof recall the previous Seltos, but the new line of grooves on the rear doors adds a welcome tension to the overall design.
At the rear, the vehicle is finished with an elongated roof spoiler and a distinctive light configuration that spans the entire width of the tailgate, accentuated by hourglass-shaped vertical extensions. A true work of art in motion!
A modern and functional interior
Inside, the Seltos has undergone a makeover worthy of its flamboyant exterior. The dashboard is now adorned with two 12.3-inch screens that seamlessly blend to create a cutting-edge digital cockpit. In terms of ergonomics, the climate controls have been streamlined, with a few physical buttons to avoid overwhelming technophobe drivers.
Connectivity is on point, with over-the-air updates and even a voice assistant to help you navigate this technological universe. And for music lovers, you can choose between a premium audio system by Harman Kardon or Bose, accompanied by 64-colour ambient lighting that will brighten your night-time journeys.
In terms of space, the Seltos caters to families with its spacious cabin, incorporating practical features like a reclining rear bench and a Kia AddGear mounting system for accessories. The boot capacity has also increased to 536 litres, which is 103 litres more than the previous model. Essentially, it’s like having an extra room in your house.
Improved performance
Now, let’s move under the hood. The Seltos adopts the K3 platform, already proven on models such as the Kia Niro. This new base brings increased structural rigidity and improves sound insulation. At launch, you will have the choice between a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine developing 147 hp (110 kW) and a 1.6-litre turbo engine available in two versions: 178 hp (132 kW) or 190 hp (142 kW), depending on the market. Not bad for a small SUV that intends to make its mark on the road!
In terms of transmission, Kia offers several options: a six-speed manual gearbox, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, or an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. You can also opt for all-wheel drive, which will delight off-road adventure enthusiasts.
But wait! The cherry on the cake will be the arrival of a hybrid version in 2026. Although we do not yet have all the technical details, Kia promises improved efficiency and a brand new regenerative braking system. The sustainable nature of the Seltos seems to echo modern environmental concerns.
Global rollout
The production of the second Seltos will begin before the end of this year, with a global launch planned in key markets such as India, Korea, North America, Europe, and China throughout 2026. For those waiting for the American model, it will arrive as a 2027 model. It’s like waiting for the release of a highly anticipated blockbuster!
Conclusion
In summary, the new Kia Seltos is much more than just a facelift; it positions itself as a serious contender in the compact SUV segment. With its eye-catching design, modernised interior, and multiple mechanical options, it has everything to attract a wide audience. If you dream of a small SUV that can combine practicality and style without sacrificing performance, then the Seltos could well be your next road companion.
