Next-Gen Kia Seltos To Get Hybrid And Electric Models: New Images Reveal More

It is no secret that Kia is working on the next-generation Seltos. The SUV has already begun testing in many parts of the world, including India. A new set of spy shots hints at more design details of the new SUV. As suggested by the previous pictures, the new generation could get a Telluride-inspired design. Now, it looks like two different bumper designs will be on offer- possibly differing between variants and powertrains.

You get to see the two possible designs in the images here. One is sleek and stylish while the other is a lot bolder. You'll find clear resemblances to the designs of the EV9 and Syros. The styling will also stand close to those of many modern KIA cars. Reports say that the India-spec could stand close to the one sold in Korea, in terms of design.

The carmaker will offer a range of powertrains on the new Seltos. In addition to petrol and diesel powertrains, there will be a hybrid option as well. Latest reports, however, suggest that a Seltos EV could be on the cards as well, and that one of these bumpers could go into the EV. This can be affirmed by the alloy wheel design. While the internal combustion (and hybrid) versions could come with conventional wheels, the EV will have closed-off, aerodynamic wheels.

The first mass-market EV from the Korean carmaker would be the Clavis EV, scheduled to go on sale in July this year. It will likely use the Creta EV's powertrains. The Seltos EV could feature similar powertrains as well. This means that two battery packs could be offered- 51.4 kWh and 42 kWh. Time remains before we have more details of this product.

Like the outgoing model, the new-gen Seltos will also be based on the Hyundai-KIA K2 platform. This chassis is, in fact, derived from the PB and GB platforms. Though most dimensions are likely to remain unchanged on the new model, some reports suggest it to be slightly longer and thus come with more room on the inside.

Circling back to the design, speculations suggest the new vehicle to come with a Telluride-like front fascia, boxy headlamps, a notably larger grille, prominent bumpers, a cleaner tail section, connected LED tail lamps and new wheels.

Inside, the new Seltos is expected to feature a new layout and better trims. It will likely come with a new multi-layered dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, and more features.

Expected Petrol/Diesel Powertrains

Like the outgoing model, the new Seltos will come with turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. It will likely be powered by the same 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 turbocharged petrol and 1.5 diesel. In addition to these, a new petrol hybrid is also expected to join soon. Interestingly, Kia will bring this to India, when the second-generation Seltos launches here.

The new hybrid petrol is claimed to stand superior, as it uses a bigger 1.6L petrol engine as its base. It could be similar to the petrol hybrid powertrain used on the Kia Niro, and is expected to deliver 141 bhp and 265 Nm on the Seltos.

Reports suggest that the new hybrid engine could come mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It remains to be seen if there would be a manual transmission offered with this powertrain as well. The new hybrid is claimed to return a fuel efficiency of up to 19.8 kmpl.

KIA could also offer an electronic All Wheel Drive (e-AWD) setup on the new Seltos in many global markets. This is, however, unlikely to be brought to India. The AWD Seltos will primarily be sold in European markets. Plus, AWD isn't new on the Seltos. The outgoing generation gets it in many markets outside India.

Image credit: Vijay Baisoya, NYMammoth