Kia India has officially launched the second-generation Seltos, marking a major upgrade for one of India’s favorite midsize SUVs. This isn’t just a minor “facelift” with a few cosmetic changes; it is a completely new version built from the ground up to be bigger, smarter, and more luxurious.
With prices starting at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Kia is looking to regain its top spot in a very crowded and competitive market.
1. A Fresh Look and Bigger Size
The new Seltos is built on Kia’s new global “K3” platform. This makes the car larger than before, giving it a stronger presence on the road.
- Size Matters:It is now 4,460 mm long and has a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and back wheels). This extra length means more room for passengers inside.
- Modern Design:It follows Kia’s new “Opposites United” design style. It features a sharper “Digital Tiger Face” grille and “Star Map” LED lights that look very futuristic.
- Premium Touches:Depending on which model you choose, you get 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, flush door handles (that sit flat against the car), and a massive dual-pane panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel bright and airy.
2. A High-Tech Interior
Inside, the Seltos has moved closer to luxury car territory. The cabin is more spacious and uses high-quality materials.
- The Giant Screen:The highlight of the dashboard is the 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display. This is a single, continuous piece of glass that houses two 12.3-inch screens—one for the driver’s gauges and one for the infotainment system.
- Comfort Features:To handle Indian summers, it comes with ventilated front seats (that blow cool air). The driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable with a memory function, so it remembers your favorite position.
- Style and Utility:You can choose from different interior colors, including a sporty “Hunter Green” for the X-Line version. It also has a 447-litre boot, which is plenty of space for family luggage.
3. Advanced Features and Connectivity
Kia is known for packing its cars with gadgets, and the new Seltos is no exception.
- Kia Connect 2.0:This allows the car to receive software updates over the air (like a smartphone) and lets you control certain car functions remotely using your phone.
- Sound and Atmosphere:It features a premium 8-speaker Bose sound system and 64-color ambient lighting that you can change to match your mood.
- Convenience:It includes dual-zone climate control (so the driver and passenger can have different temperatures), a 360-degree camera to help with parking, and wireless charging for your phone.
4. Engine and Gearbox Options
Kia offers three different engines, ensuring there is an option for every type of driver:
| Engine Type | Power | Best For… |
| 1.5L Petrol | 115 bhp | City driving and smooth commuting. |
| 1.5L Turbo-Petrol | 160 bhp | Driving enthusiasts who want speed and power. |
| 1.5L Diesel | 116 bhp | People who drive long distances and want better fuel economy. |
You can choose from several gearboxes, including a standard manual, an “iMT” (manual without a clutch pedal), a smooth CVT, or a lightning-fast 7-speed DCT automatic.
Variant-wise Price (Ex-showroom)
| Powertrain | HTE | HTE (O) | HTK | HTK (O) | HTX | HTX (A) | GTX | X-Line |
| 1.5L Petrol (6MT) | ₹10.99L | ₹12.09L | ₹13.09L | ₹14.19L | ₹15.59L | ₹16.69L | – | – |
| 1.5L Petrol (IVT) | – | ₹13.39L | ₹14.39L | ₹15.49L | ₹16.89L | ₹17.99L | ₹18.39L | ₹18.39L |
| 1.5L Turbo (6iMT) | – | ₹12.89L | ₹13.89L | ₹14.99L | – | – | – | – |
| 1.5L Turbo (7DCT) | – | – | – | ₹16.29L | ₹17.69L | ₹18.79L | ₹19.19L | ₹19.19L |
| 1.5L Diesel (6MT) | ₹12.59L | ₹13.69L | ₹14.69L | ₹15.79L | ₹17.19L | ₹18.29L | – | – |
| 1.5L Diesel (6AT) | – | ₹14.99L | ₹15.99L | ₹17.09L | ₹18.49L | ₹19.59L | ₹19.79L | ₹19.79L |
Note: For the flagship GTX (A) and X-Line (A) variants with ADAS and top-spec transmissions, prices reach up to ₹19.99 lakh.
Quick Summary of What You Get
- HTE & HTE (O):The entry point. Great for those who want a solid, large SUV without spending on fancy tech. The “(O)” variant adds the essential touchscreen and better safety tech.
- HTK & HTK (O):The “Value for Money” sweet spot. These variants now include features like the panoramic sunroof and wireless charging in the “(O)” trim.
- HTX & HTX (A):The luxury choice. Features the full leatherette interior and the dual-screen “Trinity Display.” The “(A)” version introduces Level 2 ADAS safety features.
- GTX & X-Line:The performance and style flagships. These come exclusively with the most powerful engines (Turbo Petrol/Diesel) and special matte or glossy black styling
5. Top-Tier Safety
Safety is a huge focus for this new generation. Every Seltos now comes with six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control and disc brakes on all four wheels for better stopping power.
The most impressive update is the Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). This system uses cameras and radar to provide 21 different safety functions, such as:
- Emergency Braking:The car can automatically brake if it senses a collision.
- Adaptive Cruise Control:It maintains a safe distance from the car in front, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Keep Assist:It helps steer the car to keep it in the center of the lane.
6. The Competition
The midsize SUV segment is the toughest in India. The new Seltos will be fighting for customers against popular rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. It also competes with the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and new upcoming models like the Tata Curvv and Tata Sierra.
By offering a mix of high-end tech, multiple engine choices, and a fresh design, Kia hopes the second-gen Seltos will remain a top pick for Indian families
