New Kia Seltos SUV undergoes field testing overseas for first time

Spy photos of the second-generation Kia Seltos have been exposed online for the first time. Compared with the previous model, there are some obvious improvements at the front and rear, such as square headlights with LED daytime running lights, rectangular headlights with vertical slats. grille as well as Kia EV5-like LED taillights. However, the window line, A- and B-pillars, roofline and flared wheel arches remain unchanged. The internals are not visible in the latest photos. However, market reports suggest that Kia may adopt a neat cabin design for its redesigned compact SUV, similar to its electric models. It is worth mentioning that the above design features may not be final and the India-spec model may be different from the recently spotted global version.

New Kia Seltos: other expected features

Currently, the technical specifications of this facelifted SUV have not been made public. However, industry rumors suggest that Kia may launch a hybrid version of the model in addition to the traditional turbo petrol and diesel variants. This hybrid option will provide more choices to buyers in the compact SUV segment.

Also read: The new Kia SUV has been officially teased with EV9-inspired design, could it be the upcoming Syros?

In India, the current generation Kia Seltos comes with a range of powertrain options including a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The petrol version develops 113bhp/144Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission. The turbodiesel, on the other hand, produces 114.4bhp/250Nm and is mated to either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed iMT. By comparison, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 158bhp/253Nm and is available with either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed iMT.

Inside, the upcoming Seltos is expected to get a major revamp with a new multi-layered dashboard with orange highlights. LED lights may be installed on the dashboard and door trim, while ambient lighting may also be included. The SUV can adopt a new 2-spoke steering system compared to the 3-spoke steering system.

Although Kia has not revealed any news, market speculation is that the facelifted Seltos may be officially unveiled in the second quarter of 2025. In India, the all-new SUV may debut late next year or early 2026.

Also read: Kia Tasman pickup truck launched globally with two powertrain options, triple screens, ADAS and more

The existing Kia Seltos is priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Its competitors include Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor and Citroen C3 Aircross.

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