Kia has unveiled the second-generation Seltos in India, aiming to reclaim leadership in the mid-size SUV segment. In India’s FY2025 (April ’24-March ’25), the Mid-Size SUV segment grew over 9% YoY, reaching around 14.2% of the total Passenger Vehicle (PV) market. The original Seltos which also debuted in India first back in 2019, was a popular choice initially, but the segment has since become intensely competitive, with the Hyundai Creta receiving a full model change and new entrants such as the Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra and the incoming Renault Duster raising the bar on design, safety and technology. Bookings for the new Seltos open at midnight, with prices to be announced on January 2, 2026 and deliveries beginning mid-January.
Kia says the new Seltos is among its most India-focused engineering programmes to date, with significant involvement from the company’s R&D centre in Hyderabad. The India team contributed to ADAS localisation, digital architecture development and global validation tailored to Indian roads and driving behaviour.
India-Focused ADAS and 30-inch Digital Cockpit
Kia says the Level 2+ ADAS suite now offering 28 functions has been recalibrated for India, improving junction behaviour, lane tracking, two-wheeler detection and pedestrian responsiveness.
Kia India MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee described the second-gen Seltos (codenamed SP3i) as a strategic reset for one of Kia’s fastest-growing global markets. “This is not just a continuation of our success; it is a confident new chapter, bigger, bolder, safer and smarter,” he said, adding that India’s SUV-led growth and rising digital and safety expectations shaped the SUV’s development.
Sai Kiran Kupuli, Head of Project Management, said the update reflects foundational changes across structure, software and safety.
New K3 Platform and Dimensions
The Seltos continues on Kia’s K3 platform, which now incorporates more high-strength and hot-stamped steel for improved crash protection, rigidity and NVH. The SUV has grown to 4,460mm in length, 1,830mm in width and a 2,690mm wheelbase, making it slightly bigger than its direct rivals.
Mechanically, the Seltos carries over all three engines from the outgoing model. The range starts with a 115hp/144Nm 1.5-litre petrol with a 6-speed manual or CVT, followed by a 160hp/253Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol paired with a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT. A 116hp/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel continues with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options. Kia is also working on a petrol-hybrid powertrain on the Seltos. The hybrid setup on this powertrain is in the process of being heavily localised which will help the brand price it competitively.
Inside, the SUV gets a 30-inch dual-screen layout integrating the instrument cluster, infotainment system and HVAC controls. OTA updates now extend to multiple controllers, while the updated Kia Connect suite offers 91 connected-car features, including digital key, predictive maintenance, geo-fencing and remote diagnostics.
Chief Sales Officer Sunhack Park said the new Seltos refines the identity the original model created when Kia entered India. “The first Seltos redefined what India expected from a premium SUV, the new model refines that identity with greater strength and style.” Park added that customers now prioritise structural safety, digital immersion and convenience-led ownership, prompting Kia to expand ADAS coverage and simplify variant configurations. Kia’s national footprint has also grown significantly — from 265 touchpoints in 2019 to over 800 today.
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Atul Sood said the new Seltos reflects a fundamentally different mid-size SUV buyer. “Customer expectations have moved up sharply whether it is safety, size, technology or refinement. The new Seltos reflects that reality with a far more comprehensive upgrade than a mere facelift,” he said. New configuration packs allow buyers to add technology and safety features without stretching to the top variants.
