New-gen Kia Seltos debuts with redesigned styling and upgraded cabin features
The second generation Kia Seltos has been officially unveiled, marking a major update to one of the brand’s most successful models in India. First introduced in 2019, the Seltos quickly became a core product for Kia, and the company has once again chosen India for its global premiere. While the SUV receives an extensive redesign inside and out, it continues with the same set of petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engines.
Bookings for the new Seltos will open on December 11 for Rs. 25,000, with deliveries planned to begin mid-January, shortly after the price announcement on January 2.
From the outside, the new Seltos adopts a more assertive look with styling cues that echo Kia’s larger SUVs. A wider grille finished with vertical metallic elements spans most of the front fascia, flanked by redesigned square-shaped LED headlamps and new DRL signatures positioned at the edges. The front bumper features contrasting cladding and updated fog-lamp enclosures.
Along the sides, sharper lines, expanded wheel arch cladding and flush-fitting door handles contribute to the revised appearance. At the rear, the relocation of the number plate to the bumper gives the tailgate a cleaner look, accompanied by inverted L-shaped LED tail-lamps that connect visually with a blacked-out trim across the width. The SUV also receives a new roof spoiler and freshly designed 18-inch alloy wheels. The latest model is 95 mm longer, 30 mm wider with an 80 mm longer wheelbase aimed at improving cabin space.
Inside, the cabin has been comprehensively updated with a more modern layout. A single curved panel houses a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 5-inch climate control display, a setup shared with the Syros. The physical button arrangement on the centre console reflects the same design direction. A redesigned three-spoke steering wheel incorporates drive mode and traction mode toggles, while ambient lighting accents and soft-touch leatherette across the dashboard and doors enhance the perceived quality. Importantly, Kia has retained physical controls for frequently used functions to maintain ease of operation.
The equipment list is extensive, especially in the higher trims. Features include ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat with memory, rear window sunshades, dual-tone leatherette upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, OTA updates, connected car features, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety equipment comprises six airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, all-wheel disc brakes, a rear-view camera, ISOFIX mounts, TPMS and a Level 2 ADAS suite.
Powertrain choices are carried forward unchanged. The lineup includes a 115 HP, 1.5-litre petrol paired with a 6-speed manual or CVT, a 160 HP, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT, and a 116 HP, 1.5-litre diesel offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
As it heads into a competitive midsize SUV market, the new Seltos will square up against models including the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate and the soon-to-arrive Renault Duster.
