Kia Australia has confirmed the next-generation Seltos will only be available with a hybrid powertrain when it arrives in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, citing the need to ‘future-proof’ the small SUV amid ever-tightening emissions regulations.
The announcement comes after CarExpert speculated that Australia’s next Seltos could follow its British counterpart in going hybrid-only, and it’s now confirmed that both markets will be aligned in offering only petrol-electric variants with front- and all-wheel drive configurations.
The Korean brand’s decision echoes Toyota’s move to go hybrid-only across a large portion of its model lineup, and Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith says there’s strong local demand for the brand’s hybrid SUVs.
“Kia Australia is confident all‑new Seltos will build on the strong reputation of this familiar nameplate, while meeting the evolving needs of Australian new‑car buyers, many of whom are now seriously considering the move to a hybrid vehicle for the first time,” he said.
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“Us moving into a full-hybrid option with Seltos is really, really important for what the market wants, but also from a [New Vehicle Efficiency Standard] point of view. That has to become part and parcel of what the product planning team does now. It’s one of the variables you’ve got to look at very closely when you bring product into Australia.”
Powertrain specifications have yet to be confirmed for Australia, but we can look to the UK market for an idea of what we’ll get. There, all hybrid variants will come with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor and battery pack, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
Hybrid front-wheel drive (2WD) models produce up to 113kW of power, while hybrid all-wheel drive grades add an electric motor to the rear axle for an increased output of 131kW. Outside the UK, other non-hybrid turbo engines will still be available in Europe.
Seltos HEV vehicles sold in the UK get vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality – making them the first hybrid vehicles from the Hyundai Motor Group to feature that capability – allowing them to power and charge external electrical devices. However, Kia Australia has confirmed it will not offer the technology locally.
The brand says it has instead opted to fit a space-saver spare wheel in all 2WD variants, citing greater appeal for that in the Australian market. Packaging limitations mean a spare wheel will not fit under the boot floor if the vehicle is fitted with a V2L inverter.
The new Seltos has moved to Kia’s latest K3 platform, which underpins the Kia K4, Kia Niro, and Hyundai Kona, among other models. As with other Australian-delivered Kias, the new-generation small SUV has been subject to the brand’s local chassis development program.
Kia’s answer to the top-selling Kona, and the Chery Tiggo 4 which is also available with hybrid power, has grown in almost every dimension. Measuring 4430mm long and 1830mm wide, it’s 45mm longer and 30mm wider than the model it replaces, but its height has been reduced by 30mm to 1600mm.
Its wheelbase is 60mm longer at 2690mm, while boot space has been bumped up slightly to 483 litres, making it physically comparable to the hybrid-only Toyota Corolla Cross but with a larger boot.
The larger body is draped in an entirely new design that is now more closely aligned with the rest of Kia’s current model range, while its interior is also fresh and packed with the Korean brand’s latest tech.
Highlights include a three-screen layout comprising two 12.3-inch displays in the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and a second touchscreen for the climate control positioned between them. This same setup has already been seen in models like the EV5 and EV9 electric SUVs.
It will now support over-the-air (OTA) software updates and is packed with an extensive suite of safety gear, including Highway Driving Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Smart Cruise Control 2.0, and a surround-view camera.
Kia says it’s “targeting a dual 4/5-star ANCAP rating” for the new Seltos.
Pricing and full specifications have yet to be confirmed, but Kia Australia product planning manager Raymond Pok told CarExpert the brand will ensure both are “very competitive” despite the powertrain and tech enhancements.
“We know the small SUV segment is very competitive with all the existing players and all the new entrants too,” he said at the new model’s local static debut, adding that hybrid power won’t just meet federal emissions requirements.
“The hybrid powertrain meets Euro 6d emissions standards. Obviously there’s the NVES factor, but also just generally meeting customer demand.
“Hybrid demand has gone through the roof over the last little bit. We’ve even seen with Sportage, where we’ve launched hybrid, customers moving across to the hybrid powertrain. We’re pretty confident with Seltos from that hybrid-only standpoint.”
Nonetheless price increases are likely for the new-generation Seltos. For context, the outgoing model starts at $31,250 before on-roads for the base S 2WD, and extends to $46,670 before on-roads for the GT-Line AWD flagship – but of course no hybrid options are currently available.
The Corolla Cross, meanwhile, starts at $37,440 before on-roads for the GX 2WD and extends to $50,990 for the GR Sport AWD, and it’s offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
“Current Seltos has done great things, and the new-model Seltos certainly continues that legacy forward,” Mr Pok told CarExpert.
“It’s got a bold, striking design, increases in length, width, practicality, and packaging as well, and a bunch of new features. We’re pretty confident it’ll be a pretty compelling offering in that small SUV segment.”
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