Kia Seltos

• The Seltos gets a major facelift this time.
• With a bold new design, the SUV looks very different from its predecessor.
• Apart from a panoramic sunroof and a feature-packed cabin, it boasts a lot of new tech inside.
• This also includes a 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display Panel with dual 12.3-inch screens.

Seshan likes the new design saying, “The second-gen Seltos is clearly larger than before, thanks to the new K3 platform, but the real talking point is the design. As with most Kia models, it’s polarising. You’ll either like it or you won’t, and I’m firmly in the former camp. The boxy stance, wide grille and integrated LED DRLs draw inspiration from the larger Telluride and give the Seltos real road presence. Wider intakes and chunkier bumpers add to the sense of muscle.”

• It's 2026 and safety is top priority even for Kia, and that shows with the new Seltos.
• It boasts a Level-2 ADAS suite with 21 autonomous features.
• So, apart from the usual safety-net it provides collision alerts, lane driving aids, smart cruise control, and more.

Seshan points out, "Safety is a clear strength of the new Seltos. Built on the K3 platform, the bodyshell uses high-strength steel and hot-stamped components to improve rigidity and crash protection. Kia also packs in 24 standard safety features, including six airbags, ABS, brake assist and electronic stability control.
You also get hill-start assist, downhill brake control and vehicle stability management for added confidence, along with tyre pressure monitoring, all-wheel disc brakes, emergency stop signalling, a rear-view camera with sensors and ISOFIX mounts as standard. Kia also packs in 24 standard safety features, including six airbags, ABS, brake assist and electronic stability control."

• The Seltos provides ample cabin space, even better than the predecessor.
• Due to increased legroom, the new Seltos is even more spacious.
• Moreover with the jacked-up dimensions, it now has a more spacious boot offering 447 litres of capacity.

Seshan compares one critical element with the Hyundai Creta while mentioning about the second row comfort. He says, “Rear seat comfort has improved thanks to the longer wheelbase and better-shaped seats with good bolstering and under-thigh support. Rear AC vents and two Type-C USB ports come as standard, but the absence of a boss-mode lever, which allows you to adjust the front passenger seat from behind, is a miss. Again, a feature that is available in the Creta but not here. But you do get retractable sunblinds, which is one of my favourite features and a panoramic sunroof (available from HTK (O) trim).”

• The globally available hybrid isn't cost-effective for India so moght be localised later.
• But for now, the Seltos retains its three engine options.
• The line-up is same with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L diesel, with power outputs ranging from 113 to 158 bhp.

Seshan wished for a manual and is disappointed. He critically says, “The car I drove was equipped with the 7-speed DCT, which delivers smooth, clean shifts and puts power down effectively. It’s tuned more for ease than outright aggression, but paddle shifters and a sport mode do add a layer of engagement. What’s disappointing, though, is the absence of a proper manual gearbox. Kia continues to offer the 6-speed iMT instead of a conventional manual, unlike the Creta and Carens, and that feels like a missed opportunity.”