Now Reading: All-New Kia Seltos Review: Is the Hyundai Creta Finally in Trouble?
-
01
All-New Kia Seltos Review: Is the Hyundai Creta Finally in Trouble?
All-New Kia Seltos Review: Is the Hyundai Creta Finally in Trouble?
The Kia Seltos has always been a segment disruptor, and with the all-new generation, it returns bigger, bolder and far more technologically advanced than before. Globally unveiled from India, the new Seltos represents a clear evolution of Kia’s most successful SUV, combining a stronger platform, a more commanding design and a significant upgrade in cabin experience. The objective this time is clear — not just to stay relevant, but to raise the bar in the midsize SUV segment once again.
The biggest transformation is immediately visible in the design. The proportions have grown, with the new Seltos now stretching to 4,460 mm in length, making it the longest SUV in its segment. The wider stance and reinforced structure add a sense of authority on the road. Up front, Kia’s new Digital Tiger Face grille dominates the nose, flanked by Ice Cube LED projection headlamps with a dynamic welcome function.
The Star Map LED DRLs create a distinctive lighting signature, while the connected Star Map LED tail lamps at the rear ensure the Seltos is instantly recognisable, especially after dark. From the side, features such as automatic flush door handles, bold shoulder lines and large alloy wheels add to the premium appeal, while elements like the robust front and rear skid plates ensure the SUV retains its tough, upright character rather than drifting into soft crossover territory.
Step inside, and this is where the biggest leap has happened. The cabin feels more modern, more premium, and clearly inspired by larger and more expensive SUVs. The highlight is the massive Trinity Panoramic Display, which seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into one wide, curved layout. This layout not only improves visibility but also gives the dashboard a clean, contemporary look.
The extended wheelbase translates into a roomier cabin, especially for rear passengers, while improved seat cushioning, leatherette upholstery and dual-tone interior themes elevate the overall sense of comfort. Boot space now stands at 447 litres, an increase over the previous model, making the Seltos more practical for long road trips and weekend getaways.
Talking about features, the Seltos is loaded to the brim and more. You get a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers, ventilated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera with blind view monitor, and Kia Connect 2.0 with OTA updates and remote diagnostics.
The dual-pane panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space inside the cabin, while ambient lighting with up to 64 colours adds a strong premium touch during night drives. Powered front seats with memory, welcome and relaxation functions further reinforce the Seltos’ upmarket positioning, especially in higher variants.
Safety has also taken a big step forward. Built on Kia’s strengthened K3 platform, the new Seltos now offers a robust standard safety package along with six airbags and all-wheel disc brakes. Higher variants get ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alerts and parking collision avoidance assist. This makes the Seltos one of the most technologically advanced and safety-focused SUVs in its segment.
Under the hood, Kia offers three engine options — a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission choices include manual, iMT, IVT, torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring there’s something here for every kind of buyer. We’re driving the turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT. Hands down, this is the best engine to go for if you’re planning to buy the Seltos.
It’s more refined now, the DCT works very well with the turbo unit, and while the specs remain unchanged at 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, the way the power is delivered feels more polished. The difference between Eco, Normal and Sport modes is noticeable, and in Sport mode, acceleration is strong with excellent mid-range performance that allows quick overtakes without having to mash the accelerator.
Braking performance has also improved, with Kia using revised brake hardware, and the traction modes come into play when driving on loose or uneven surfaces. The 10 mm increase in ground clearance further adds confidence when tackling bad roads or mild off-road sections.
Limited time during the first drive meant it was mostly a dash to the shoot location and back, but the changes underneath are noticeable. The use of the new K3 platform brings suspension enhancements, with revisions to the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam axle.
The ride quality feels more absorbent than before, especially as speeds build and road surfaces worsen. The steering has also been updated with a new motor, making it lighter and more effortless in urban conditions. Handling remains familiar, which is a good thing, as the earlier Seltos was already a capable handler. There is slightly more body roll when pushed hard through corners, but this is only evident at the limit and is a trade-off for improved ride comfort.
On first impressions, the all-new Kia Seltos feels like a very calculated and confident step forward. The design is sharper and more aggressive, the cabin feels significantly more premium than before, and the feature list is now right up there with the best in the segment. What’s interesting is that this time around, the Seltos genuinely looks like it has what it takes to challenge — and possibly dethrone — the current segment champion, the Hyundai Creta.
With its bolder styling, tech-heavy interior, Level 2 ADAS and an overall upmarket feel, Kia is clearly pitching the Seltos as the more premium and more modern alternative. Prices will be announced in January, and if Kia manages to get the pricing right, the all-new Seltos could once again shake up the midsize SUV segment in a big way.
