Kia’s all-New Seltos Is here, bigger, smarter, but the big question Is, will Malaysia get It?

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia has taken the wraps off the second-generation Seltos, a subcompact SUV that has done big numbers globally, and this new one is clearly trying to look and feel more grown-up without losing the “small SUV that does everything” brief.

The company debuted the car online with a world premiere themed “The Protagonist”, basically a brand film angle about chasing goals, freedom and connections, with the Seltos positioned as the car that fits around that lifestyle.

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Kia is also framing this model as a key global product, saying it has been reworked for a more confidence-inspiring drive and “smarter everyday usability”, while keeping its value and reliability reputation in focus.

“The Kia Seltos has always represented best-in-class value, and the next generation model builds on that legacy with an enriched offering that resonates with the diverse passions of our customers. Its expanded global presence and abundant practical and stylish features underline Kia’s commitment to meeting diverse mobility needs worldwide.” - Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation.

Bigger footprint, sharper styling, and two distinct looks

In terms of proportions, the new Seltos sits at 4,430 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall, riding on a 2,690 mm wheelbase. Those numbers matter because Kia is leaning hard on cabin space and practicality, and the wheelbase is usually where you feel it most in the back seat.

Design-wise, Kia says it’s been shaped under its “Opposites United” philosophy, with a wider stance and cleaner, more structured surfacing. Up front, it gets a wider grille and the brand’s “star map” lighting signature, plus a dynamic welcome light sequence. Flush door handles are also part of the package, a detail that usually shows up when a brand wants a cleaner look and a bit of aero credit.

Round the back, Kia has gone for vertical tail lamps that stretch across the tailgate to visually widen the car. Trim-wise, there are two clear flavours, X-Line, which leans rugged with darker finishes and chunkier lower garnishes, and GT-Line, which is positioned as the sportier-looking option with sleeker body-coloured accents. Kia also previewed three colours at the debut, Iceberg Green, Gravity Gray, and matte Magma Red.

Interior, less clutter

Inside, Kia’s talking points are space, visibility and a cleaner layout. The dash is lower and more horizontal to open up the view forward, and the car adopts a column-type Shift-by-Wire setup, which frees up the centre console area.

Feature highlights read like what you’d expect from a modern, tech-forward subcompact SUV, a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour mood lighting, and second-row reclining seats that add up to 24 degrees of adjustment. Audio options include Harman Kardon and Bose systems depending on market and variant. There’s also a Kia Connect Store angle for digital features and entertainment, including collaborations mentioned with Disney and the NBA.

On the display side, Kia says the Seltos gets a panoramic setup that combines two 12.3-inch screens, paired with a dedicated climate control panel. It also lists a head-up display, plus a “Digital Key 2” setup for smartphone access and sharing.

One of the more attention-grabbing claims is the in-car AI assistant. Kia describes it as a generative AI-powered assistant for more natural voice interaction, and its spec info also points to a ChatGPT-powered Kia AI assistant depending on market configuration.

Powertrains, a familiar spread, hybrid comes later

Under the skin, the new Seltos is built on Kia’s latest K3 platform. Kia says body rigidity and noise insulation have been improved, with chassis tuning aimed at a smoother, more stable feel.

Powertrain choices are split into three main petrol options for global markets:

• 1.6-litre T-GDI (Standard Output): 180 PS, 265 Nm, paired with either a 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual

• 1.6-litre T-GDI (High Output): up to 193 PS, 265 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic

• 2.0-litre petrol: 149 PS, 179 Nm, aimed at efficiency and everyday smoothness

All-wheel drive is listed as optional, along with a multi-link rear suspension setup and a Terrain Mode that includes Snow, Mud and Sand settings. There’s also Drive Mode Select with Eco, Normal and Sport.

If you’re waiting for electrification, Kia says a hybrid variant is due in 2026, and it’s not just a badge exercise on paper. The hybrid is set to add Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for powering external devices, plus Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which Kia says automatically adjusts regen based on traffic flow and navigation data to improve energy recovery.

Safety and ADAS, the full modern checklist

Kia is putting a big safety stamp on this car, highlighting extensive use of ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steel for the body structure, paired with a long list of driver assistance features.

The ADAS list includes:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)

• Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2)

• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

• Surround View Monitor (SVM)

• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)

• Parking Distance Warning-Front/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R)

There’s also a windshield-projected HUD mentioned, aimed at keeping key driving info in the driver’s line of sight.

Practicality, cargo space, and modular storage

On the usable-car side of things, Kia lists a 536-litre luggage capacity (VDA), plus flexible storage features like a foldable dual-level cargo board. There’s also an “AddGear” modular accessory system intended to help owners organise everyday items without the cabin turning into a rolling junk drawer.

Kia says global production begins in December 2025, starting with India. After that, launches are scheduled to roll out through 2026 across Korea, North America, Europe and China.

For now, Kia has shown the Seltos as a more premium-looking, more connected take on a familiar formula, bigger cabin-friendly dimensions, a long features list, and a hybrid still a year away. The next real question is what each market actually gets as standard, because this segment lives and dies by pricing and trim walk.

Another question is whether ASEAN will even get this new Seltos.

We did have the previous one in Malaysia for a short stint under Naza’s Kia era, so it’s not totally out of the question. With new management now calling the shots, it might be back on the table, but at this point it’s a wait-and-see situation.

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