KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Seltos will be launched on 2 January 2026.
- The familiar engine options have been retained.
- The car has grown in terms of dimensions.
The Kia Seltos was the carmaker's entry ticket in India, and much like its distant cousin, the Santro, the Seltos elevated Kia to raging overnight success. Six years later, the second-generation has finally arrived, growing up in terms of dimensions, boasting an all-new design, interiors and a wider features list too.
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2026 Kia Seltos Engine Options
The recently unveiled second-generation Kia Seltos has retained the trusted 1.5-litre powertrain family but tuned to deliver a more flexible driving experience for Indian buyers.
Under the hood, there are three main engine options. It begins with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol delivering 115 PS and 144 Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or an CVT automatic. Next is the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol pushing out about 158160 PS and 253 Nm, available with either a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Lastly, there is a 1.5-litre diesel (CRDi / CRDi VGT) that produces around 116 PS and ~250 Nm torque, offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
According to the official reveal, all drivetrains remain 2-wheel drive (front-wheel drive), and braking is handled by disc brakes on all wheels, maintaining a no-frills but reliable mechanical setup. Interestingly, even though there have been rumours of an electrified or hybrid drivetrain being on the horizon for the Seltos, the units launched initially in India as per the unveiling stick to purely ICE powertrains.
Still, this familiar yet versatile engine lineup gets a fresh lease of life thanks to the revamped platform, larger dimensions, more premium cabin and richer features meaning whether you prioritise efficiency (the 1.5 NA petrol), torque and performance (turbo-petrol or diesel), or a balanced everyday-friendly package, the new Seltos aims to cover all bases.
Verdict
For someone who values a stylish, tech-rich and well-rounded mid-size SUV, the new Seltos is very appealing; just be ready to shell out for a higher trim if you want the full experience.
