2026 Kia Seltos Spotted Testing In India For The First Time
The South Korean automotive giant Kia India has been actively working on the development of the much-anticipated second-generation Seltos. This new model’s test mules have been spotted testing in South Korea for a while now. However, recently, a test mule of the upcoming Seltos was spotted testing in India for the first time. This particular mule was covered in heavy camouflage, but despite it, we can note a few major changes that will set apart this new model from the current model.
2026 Kia Seltos: First time spotted in India
This first-ever test mule of the Kia Seltos being tested on Indian soil was seen boasting a ton of new design elements. Starting off at the front, the new Kia Seltos was seen with a completely new front fascia. On the front, the new Seltos will come equipped with a split headlight set-up.
However, unlike normal split headlight set-ups, where the main LED headlight unit is placed in the middle of the bumper, the new Seltos will feature the main LED headlight unit on the side of the LED DRL. Speaking of the LED DRLs, unlike the current model’s LED DRL, which is horizontally mounted, this one has been placed vertically.
A similar LED DRL pattern is offered on the newly launched Syros mid-size SUV and the Carens Clavis MPV. The new Seltos’ main headlight unit will also get a vertical LED DRL, and there will also be a brand-new front grille with rectangular elements.
From the spy image, the actual design of the bumper is not clearly visible due to the camouflage. However, we can expect to see a more aggressive and modern bumper with a faux silver skid plate on the bottom.
Eagle-eyed viewers will also note that there is a radar sensor on the lower portion of the front bumper. This radar will be used for ADAS Level 2, which is currently also offered in the Seltos. The list of ADAS features offered in the Seltos includes Forward Collision Warning/Avoidance, Lane Departure Warning/Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Go, among many others.
Moving on to the side profile, we can note that the new Seltos will be getting a similar silhouette as the current model. However, its window line has now changed, and this test mule was spotted with spider web-style black and silver dual-tone alloy wheels. The rear-end images of this particular test mule have not been shared. However, like the front, the rear will also be completely redesigned with new connected LED taillights and a new bumper.
Interior design
Like the rear, there are no images of the interior of the upcoming Seltos. However, we can expect the new Seltos to get new Carens Clavis-like 12-inch connected screens for the touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument gauge cluster. There will also most likely be dual-zone climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof, along with other features.
Powertrain
As for powertrain options of the new Seltos, Kia is expected to introduce a strong hybrid powertrain, which it has announced for the international markets. The SUV could get a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which will make 141 bhp and 265 Nm of torque. This new engine could be introduced as the company is planning to phase out its time-tested diesel engine across the globe and in India in the coming period.
Apart from this new motor, the petrol engine options from the current model are likely to be offered with the new model. These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which makes 114 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which makes 158 bhp and 250 Nm of torque.
Via NitroRush