2026 Kia Seltos debuts – second-gen is bigger; 2.0L NA and 1.6T engines; FWD or AWD; hybrid model coming

Kia has formally revealed the second-generation Seltosits redesigned compact SUV that may go on sale in India this month, with Korea, North America, Europe and China set to comply with in 2026. The overhauled mannequin arrives over six years after the authentic debuted in 2019 – it was later facelifted in 2022.

Measuring 4,430 mm lengthy, 1,830 mm vast, 1,600 mm tall and with a wheelbase of two,690 mm, the brand new Seltos is noticeably greater than its predecessor and constructed on the K3 platform that can also be utilized by the present Kona in addition to some Hyundai fashions just like the second-generation Kona. For context, the Seltos is occupies a bigger footprint than each the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V.

The most recent Seltos adopts the model’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy and contains a boxy physique not in contrast to current choices just like the EV3 and Telluride. On the entrance, you’ll discover a vast grille with Kia’s ‘Star Map’ lighting signature, whereas alongside the perimeters are flush door handles, diagonal character traces, robust shoulders and a “floating roof” due to partially blacked-out C-pillars.

On the rear, vertical taillights emphasise the SUVs width and stance, accompanied by a light-weight bar operating throughout the tailgate. With the X-Line design package deal, the Seltos will get darkish gun steel finishes and rugged-looking decrease garnishes, whereas the GT-Line is for a sportier aesthetic with body-coloured accents. Three standout colors being launched with the debut at Iceberg Inexperienced, Gravity Grey and a matte Magma Purple.

Transferring inside, the Seltos as soon as once more follows current Kia fashions by having triple shows on the dashboard, with one being the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, one other for local weather controls and a central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. You continue to get bodily controls beneath the center air vents, whereas additional down are USB-C ports and a protracted centre console with a wi-fi charging pad.

The steering wheel is from the Telluride, as is the gear selector stalk (shift-by-wire system) coming off the column that additionally integrates the engine begin button. Kia touts options corresponding to a large panoramic sunroof, customisable 64-colour ambient lighting, premium audio methods from Harman Kardon or Bose, Kia Join, digital key assist, an AI assistant, over-the-air (OTA) software program upgrades in addition to second-row seats that recline by as much as 24 levels (12 levels ahead and backward).

Different options embody wheel sizes starting from 16 to 18 inches, a 12-inch windshield-projected head-up show, driver’s rest consolation seat, a foldable dual-level cargo board and AddGear equipment for improved practicality – the boot house is 536 litres.

The SUV additionally will get a set of driver help methods corresponding to Freeway Driving Help 2 (HDA 2), Lane Following Help 2 (LFA 2), Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help 2 (FCA 2), Secure Exit Warning (SEW), Encompass View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Help-Reverse (PCA-R) and Parking Distance Warning-Entrance/Aspect/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R).

At launch, the Seltos can be provided with two Smartstream petrol engines, the primary being a 1.6 litre turbocharged-direct injection inline-four that serves up 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque and is paired with both a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed guide transmission.

The identical engine additionally is available in excessive output guise with 193 PS and 265 Nm that’s mated solely to an eight-speed automated gearbox. The second possibility is a 2.0 Nu naturally-aspirated inline-four unit with 149 PS and 179 Nm, though Kia didn’t explicitly point out what transmission that is paired with – CVT and six-speed dual-clutch had been additionally listed within the spec sheet. In 2026, a hybrid variant can be launched with vehicle-to-load (V2L) performance in addition to Kia’s Good Regenerative Braking System 3.0

Entrance- and all-wheel drive can be found relying on the powertrain configuration, with the latter gaining terrain modes like Snow, Mud and Sand to enhance the common drive modes (Eco, Regular and Sport). The Seltos will get MacPherson struts on the entrance, whereas the rear will get both a torsion beam or multi-link suspension.

The earlier Seltos was beforehand launched right here in pre-facelift type in January 2021 however quietly went away. There have been plans to carry it again in locally-assembled (CKD) type when Kia companions with Bermaz Autothough that didn’t occur. With the reveal of the brand new Seltos, might the redesigned SUV make its option to Malaysia underneath the principal?

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