Next-Gen Kia Seltos to Include Hybrid Option

Exciting news for Kia enthusiasts: The Kia Seltos small SUV is set to enter its second generation next year, with a new petrol-electric hybrid power option derived from its Hyundai Kona Hybrid sibling. According to the South Korean publication ETNews, production is scheduled to commence in August 2025, with showroom arrivals in Kia's home market by the end of the year.

This timeline suggests that the first Australian deliveries of the next-gen Seltos could occur at the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026, pending any delays. However, Kia has yet to officially confirm the timing or formally announce plans for the new Seltos.

The new Seltos is expected to feature a 1.6-litre hybrid system from the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Kona Hybrid, with an option for 'electronic' all-wheel drive likely using a second electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The Hybrid's setup includes a 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (77kW/144Nm), a 32kW/170Nm electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering a combined 104kW and 265Nm. Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres for its hybrid small SUV.

This move to introduce a Seltos hybrid aligns with Kia's plans to expand its range of hybrids amid a slowdown in electric vehicle sales growth. The Seltos hybrid will be offered alongside a regular non-hybrid petrol version, despite Kia already offering a hybrid small SUV, the Niro. This means the Niro will face competition from both the new EV3 for the electric market and the Seltos for the hybrid market.

Currently, the Kia Seltos outsells the Niro five to one and is slightly smaller. The next-generation Seltos is likely to grow, though the extent of this growth is unclear. Notably, the Niro will continue to coexist with the EV3 and remain significant in Western Europe, where the Seltos are not sold.

Kia has announced plans to offer nine hybrid models by 2028, up from six in 2024 and eight in 2026, responding to the fluctuating demand for fully electric vehicles.

At Tynan Kia Sutherland, we are excited about the upcoming innovations and are committed to providing our customers with the latest in automotive advancements. Stay tuned for more updates on the next-generation Kia Seltos and other exciting models.

Tynan Kia Sutherland: 642 Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland NSW 2232

Explore our stock online: https://bit.ly/4dCitf5 

Chat with our team online now to learn more: https://bit.ly/4aRJcmt  

📞 Call our Sutherland Kia team on (02) 8545 8888

Sourced from Drive.com.au