New Kia Seltos spied undergoing emission testing in Korea ahead of Dec 10 India debut. Bigger size, 30-inch display, hybrid hints & more! Early 2026 launch vs Creta.
The new Kia Seltos is making waves with fresh spy shots from South Korea, showing it hooked up for rigorous emission tests just days before its big India reveal on December 10, 2025. This second-generation model promises a bolder, roomier design and tech-loaded cabin, building on the massive success of the original that has sold over 5.2 lakh units in India, grabbing 46.5% of Kia’s total sales here. As test mules zip through final checks with exhaust pipes and boot-mounted gear, excitement builds for an early 2026 launch that could redefine the midsize SUV game.
Kia has been teasing the new Kia Seltos for months, with sightings in India and abroad hinting at evolutionary upgrades tailored for Indian roads. Current models measure 4,365mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,645mm tall with a 2,610mm wheelbase, but the newcomer grows larger for better space—think more legroom and shoulder room for families hitting highways or city traffic. Emission testing aligns with strict norms in Korea and India, ensuring the new Kia Seltos meets real-time driving standards before hitting showrooms.
Striking Design Evolution of New Kia Seltos
The new Kia Seltos ditches the curvy lines for a boxier, upright stance that screams modern toughness, much like Kia’s EV6 and Carens influences. Front and rear get sharper bumpers, slimmer LED headlights, and connected taillights for that premium glow-up, paired with fresh alloy wheels in sizes up to 18 inches. Roof rails and ORVMs carry over with tweaks, while new colors like matte finishes could spice up the palette, appealing to style-savvy buyers in bustling markets like Mumbai or Delhi.
Inside, the new Kia Seltos cabin feels like a tech haven. A massive 30-inch Trinity display merges dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and gauges, plus a 5-inch climate touchscreen—leaping ahead of the current 10.25-inch setup. Expect wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, upgraded connectivity with OTA updates, and ambient lighting for those late-night drives. Materials step up too, with soft-touch surfaces and ventilated seats in top trims, making it a cozy cocoon for five.
This design shift isn’t just cosmetic; it’s about practicality. The longer body means a bigger boot—potentially over 400 liters—and sliding rear seats for flexible space, perfect for weekend getaways or grocery hauls. In a segment where first impressions rule, the new Kia Seltos positions itself as the bold rival to boxy contenders like the Tata Sierra.
Powertrain Punch: What’s Under the Hood?
Powering the new Kia Seltos in India? Familiar yet refined options stick around: a 1.5L petrol (115 hp), turbo-petrol (160 hp), and 1.5L diesel (116 hp), all mated to manuals, iMT, or automatics. The big news: diesel gets a slick 7-speed DCT replacing the 6AT for smoother shifts and better mileage—aiming for 20+ kmpl highway. Globally, a 1.6L hybrid (141 hp combined) joins with 31 mpg efficiency, but India might wait for local tuning amid rising green demands.
Driving dynamics shine with front-wheel drive standard, possible AWD hints for top variants, and suspension tuned for pothole-prone roads. The new Kia Seltos base engine dishes 146 hp and 132 lb-ft torque from a 2.0L, per US specs, with variable valve timing for peppy response. Safety nets include 6 airbags, ESC, hill-hold, and all-disc brakes across the board.
Fuel efficiency gets a boost too—expect 18-22 kmpl mixed for petrol, higher for diesel—thanks to lighter materials and aero tweaks from emission prep. For enthusiasts, the turbo’s 253 Nm twist will thrill on overtakes, keeping the new Kia Seltos fun without guzzling fuel.
Tech and Safety: Future-Proof Features
Step into the new Kia Seltos and you’re greeted by Level 2 ADAS wizardry: adaptive cruise, lane-keep, auto emergency braking, and blind-spot alerts, expanding on the current model’s suite. The 30-inch panoramic screen runs Kia Connect 3.0 for remote AC start, geo-fencing, and voice commands in Hindi/English—ideal for diverse Indian users.
Comfort perks abound: keyless entry, wireless charging, 360-degree cameras, and a Bose sound system in GT-Line trims. Rear vents, USB-C ports, and sunroof ensure no one feels left out. The new Kia Seltos even teases heads-up display and digital keys, rivaling pricier Germans.
Safety scores high with reinforced chassis and 5-star Global NCAP potential, building on the original’s legacy. In real-world chaos—from rain-slicked Bengaluru streets to Himalayan twists—these aids deliver peace of mind.
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Market Dominance and Rivals
The new Kia Seltos enters a battlefield where it already reigns. With 46.5% of Kia’s India sales and consistent top-5 compact SUV spots, it’s a sales beast. Priced from ₹11-20 lakh expected, it eyes the Hyundai Creta (monthly 15k+ units), Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and VW Taigun.
What sets it apart? Value-packed features at Creta prices, bolder styling, and diesel reliability Indians love. Upcoming foes like new Renault Duster and Tata Sierra loom, but Kia’s 7-year warranty and service network give edge. Sales trends show SUVs booming—new Kia Seltos could hit 2 lakh annual units post-launch.
Buyers love its highway stability and city maneuverability; facelifts kept it fresh. The new Kia Seltos hybrid tease aligns with India’s EV push, potentially stealing eco-shares from Hyryder.
Why New Kia Seltos Excites Buyers
For families, the new Kia Seltos means more space without upsizing to Innova. Young pros get the tech flex—panoramic sunroof, ADAS—to impress on Instagram roads. Resale holds strong at 80% after 3 years, per data.
