Kia today pulled the cover off the second-generation Seltos in Hyderabad — marking its global debut from India. The compact SUV, already one of Kia’s top sellers in the country, gets a major upgrade. The launch event revealed a wide range of variants, a strong focus on safety, and a host of modern comforts. The automaker also confirmed that bookings begin tonight (₹25,000 token), with full bookings and deliveries expected by mid-January.
Kia Second-Gen Seltos: Variants & Trim Structure
The 2026 Seltos will be offered in 10 variants: HTE, HTE (O), HTK, HTK (O), HTX, HTX (A), GTX, X-Line, GTX (A), and X-Line (A). These fall under three major trims: GT Line, Tech Line, and X-Line — giving customers flexibility based on budget, style, and features.
Kia Second-Gen Seltos Safety Features — A Big Step Up
Kia has packed the new Seltos with a comprehensive safety kit. Highlights include:
- Multiple airbags: front, side, curtain + switchable front-passenger airbag
- Advanced electronic aids: ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, vehicle-stability management, hill-start assist, downhill brake control
- Rollover sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, emergency-stop signal
- Helper features: speed-sensing auto locks, impact-sensing auto unlock, ISOFIX child anchors, tyre-pressure monitor
- Passenger-friendly: rear parking sensors, rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, headlamp escort, auto-light control
- Special care for vulnerable passengers: facilities for senior citizens, pregnant women, children, or persons with reduced mobility
Kia Second-Gen Seltos Features & Comfort — Tech-Forward and Practical
The new Seltos moves well beyond basic expectations. Features confirmed at launch:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 360° surround-view camera system + rear camera
- Wireless charging pad
- Heads-Up Display (HUD) — rare in this segment
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof for cabin ambience
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- 2-row flat-folding seats for flexible cargo and passenger space
- Three traction modes for varied driving conditions
- Blind-View Monitor, Rear-Occupant Alert for safety
Kia says this blend of convenience, tech, and comfort aims to elevate the driving and ownership experience.
Kia Second-Gen Seltos Powertrains & Wheels — Familiar Engines, Better Choices
The 2026 Seltos retains familiar engine options:
- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol: 115 PS / 144 Nm
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol: 160 PS / 253 Nm
- 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: 116 PS / 250 Nm
Buyers will also get choices in wheel design: three alloy sizes — 18-inch black-painted alloys, 18-inch sporty crystal-cut alloys, and 17-inch crystal-cut alloys — plus two 16-inch steel-wheel options (one with a standard cover, the other with a stylised cover).
Kia Second-Gen Seltos Booking & Launch Timeline — What Buyers Should Know
- Bookings open tonight at 12:00 AM with a token amount of ₹25,000.
- Full price announcement expected on 2 January.
- Deliveries to begin by mid-January — early buyers could be among the first to drive the new Seltos on Indian roads.
What This Launch Means for the Indian Compact-SUV Market
- Stronger competition: With better safety, tech, and comfort, the new Seltos raises the bar for rivals in its class.
- Value for money: Multiple variants and trim levels help buyers pick a spec that matches budget and needs.
- Feature-rich expectation: The inclusion of HUD, panoramic sunroof, wireless features, and advanced safety could push other manufacturers to up their game.
- Broader acceptance of feature-packed, mid-size SUVs: As customers get used to premium features in compact SUVs, the market may shift toward more feature-loaded vehicles at mid-range prices.
Looking Ahead — Bigger Questions, Bigger Expectations
Now that the Seltos is out in the wild, all eyes will be on actual pricing and real-world delivery timelines. Will Kia manage demand smoothly? Will the top trims attract buyers over competitors? Will the new safety and convenience features stand up to real-world daily use?
If all goes well, the 2026 Kia Seltos could set a new benchmark — for performance, comfort, and value — in the Indian compact SUV segment.
