Kia has just unveiled the all-new second-generation Kia Seltos in an online world premiere. Building on the global success of the first generation, the all-new model features bolder, more modern styling and updated proportions. The launch campaign, themed “The Protagonist,” emphasises how the new Seltos moves away from the “dinky” compact SUV look to better align with Kia’s larger, more upmarket models.
Indeed, the all-new Kia Seltos now embraces the boxier design language seen on newer Kia models like the EV9 and Sorento, with a rear fascia that looks almost identical to the EV5, featuring a nearly-full-width tail light design, complementing with strong, geometric lines of the rest of the vehicle. Up front, it sports a split headlight design, with vertically positioned daytime-running lights separated from the main beams integrated into the marque’s signature tiger nose grille.
Lower down, the body is accented with subtle yet confident skirting, highlighted with silver trims that lend a rugged appearance. The Seltos rides on up to 19-inch “X-Line” wheels, featuring a square-ish, two-tone three-spoke design, with squared-off wheel arches completing the boxy aesthetic.
The subcompact SUV now measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Compared to the previous generation, it is slightly larger and lower, being 115 mm longer, 30 mm wider, 45 mm shorter in height, while its wheelbase is 80 mm longer. It is now mostly larger than its main rival, the Honda HR-V, giving it a more spacious stance on the road.
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During the premiere, the all-new Kia Seltos was revealed to be available in three standard colours: Iceberg Green, Gravity Grey, and Matte Magma Red. Buyers can also opt for the X-Line trim, which features dark gunmetal finishes and reinforced lower garnishes to emphasise rugged capability, or the GT-Line, which delivers a sportier aesthetic with sleek, body-colored accents.
Inside, the all-new Kia Seltos boasts dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment system, complete with over-the-air (OTA) update support. Enhancing the cabin experience are the heads-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and the choice of a premium Harmon Kardon or Bose sound system.
Drivers can also customise their in-car entertainment with additional content featuring collaborations with Disney and the NBA, adding a playful and personalised touch to the tech-forward interior.
Adding to that, the interior is now more open thanks to the transition from a traditional centre shift-knob to a new column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) system. This allows for a new floating centre console design, opening up the front footwell for more space. Speaking of which, the centre console is also generously fitted with practical storage spaces and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices.
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Aligned with Hyundai Motor Company’s multi-pathway approach to powertrains, the all-new Kia Seltos will remain exclusively with internal combustion engines (ICE). Options include a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 149 hp and 179 Nm, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp and 265 Nm, and a slightly uprated version of the latter delivering 193 hp.
Paired with a multi-link rear suspension, the all-new Kia Seltos is also available with all-wheel drive, featuring Terrain Mode with settings for Snow, Mud, and Sand to enhance stability in challenging conditions. Drive Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport) further adapts performance for different driving environments.
Built on the K3 platform, the Seltos promises confident, refined, and versatile driving performance. Enhanced body rigidity, improved noise insulation, and balanced chassis tuning ensure smooth and stable handling, while optimised suspension and steering contribute to stability and precise control on the road.
Kia has confirmed that a hybrid powertrain will be offered at a later date in 2026. This hybrid system will be the first car to feature Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 – a next-generation system that automatically adjusts the regenerative braking based on traffic flow and navigation for optimal performance. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function will also be available for passengers to charge household appliances.
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Safety-wise, the all-new Kia Seltos will feature a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes features like Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R).
Kia says global production of the all-new Seltos will begin in December 2025, starting in India, followed by launches in Korea, North America, Europe, and China throughout 2026. With Kia recently assuming sales operations in Malaysia, the all-new Seltos could be the perfect model to mark a fresh chapter for the brand, offering a new era of design, performance, technology, and appeal.
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