The Indian automotive industry is all set to see its first launch in 2026, with Kia India scheduled to launch the next generation Seltos tomorrow on January 2, 2026. The second generation Seltos brings an all-new design, a new interior layout with several new-age features, and is also based on the new K3 platform. Booking of the new Seltos is already going on, its booking amount is Rs 25,000. Interested customers can book online or visit their nearest dealership.
The variant lineup remains the same as before with Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line trims. The Tech Line forms the core of the lineup with variants such as HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTX and HTX(A). Sitting above them, the GT Line is offered in GTX and GTX(A) versions and adds a richer equipment list along with sportier styling cues. The X-Line package, featuring its darker, more aggressive aesthetic, is exclusive to GT Line trims.
In terms of design, the front of the new Seltos clearly takes inspiration from Kia’s large global SUVs. Its grille now dominates the fascia with a bold, stepped pattern highlighted by vertical gunmetal inserts, which span almost the entire width of the nose. The square LED headlamps are placed at both corners, continuing the upright theme, while the DRLs create a vertical light signature that is further enhanced by the lightning-bolt-shaped LED element located on the outer edges. At the bottom, the bumper features contrasting black cladding and neatly integrated, rectangular surrounds for the fog lamps, adding to the strong looks of the SUV.At the sides, the shoulder line is more pronounced, the wheel arches are chunky, and it rides on newly designed 18-inch wheels. Traditional pull-type handles have been replaced with flush-fitted units. Kia has retained its signature pinch in the window line near the C-pillar, but this now flows into a blacked-out element that connects the rear quarter glass to the windscreen, giving the SUV a wraparound effect. At the rear, the number plate holder has been moved to the bumper for a cleaner tailgate, but the real attraction is the new inverted L-shaped LED light signature.
Moving inside, the cabin undergoes a major makeover and still echoes some familiar Kia design cues. The centerpiece is a panoramic digital layout made up of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a dedicated 5.0-inch climate-control display. The center console retains the practical spread of physical buttons and rotary controls, but the steering wheel is all-new, sporting a three-spoke design with integrated drive and traction mode buttons.In terms of features, it gets ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat with memory, rear sunshade, dual-tone leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, 64-color ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, OTA updates, connected-car function and Level 2 ADAS. Safety kit features include six airbags, ESC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts, tyre-pressure monitoring and a standard rear-view camera that is part of the equipment roster.Moving on to the powertrain options, even though the Seltos is based on the new K3 platform, it remains mechanically the same. It will continue to be offered with three engine options – a 115hp/144Nm 1.5-litre NA petrol offered with a 6-speed MT or CVT gearbox, and a 160hp/253Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol offered with an IMT or a 7-speed DCT. The second engine is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel producing 116 hp/250 Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic. In terms of dimensions, the new Seltos is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the old model and measures 4,460 mm in length, 2,690 mm wheelbase, 1,830 mm width and 1,635 mm height.
