New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions

The mid-size SUV segment just got louder. Kia has taken the wrapper off the all-new Seltos and invited media for a first drive today — and the result is a bold, tech-heavy machine that redefines what buyers expect at this price point. Kia’s global rethink — new K3 platform, a dramatically reworked interior, a Trinity panoramic display and Level-2+ ADAS — positions the Seltos as a true class leader. Kia

New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions — what’s new at a glance

New K3 platform for improved ride comfort and safety. Kia Global Media Center
Command-centric Trinity Panoramic Display (huge integrated screens + cluster). Kia
Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting and Bose 8-speaker audio on higher trims.
Multiple 1.5-litre petrol options (Smartstream G1.5 & turbo variants) and a diesel option; expected India prices from ~₹12 lakh (est).
ADAS Level-2+ suite and improved NVH courtesy of revised suspension tuning.

Design & Presence — bold and more SUV than ever

Kia has dialled up the Seltos’ stance: boxier proportions, a taller bonnet and sharpened surfacing give it a serious road presence. The new face is more sculpted and the overall silhouette reads as more premium and planted compared with the outgoing model — a move that helps it stand out in an increasingly crowded mid-size segment. Reviewers describe the styling as polarising but undeniably attention-grabbing.

Why it matters: New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions new looks now match the interior quality and tech, so buyers who prized features over flash get both.

Interior & Tech — a major level-up

Step inside and the headline is the Trinity Panoramic Display — a sweeping, driver-facing screen array that integrates digital cluster, large infotainment and a central control area into one command-centric unit. Kia also fits dual-tone premium trims, 64-colour ambient lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and an upscale fit-and-finish that reviewers say feels more premium than before. Kia

Top tech highlights:

Trinity Panoramic Display with seamless UI.
Bose 8-speaker sound (top trims).
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates.

User impact: better materials and a more ergonomic, driver-focused layout translate into higher perceived value and longer cabin comfort on long drives. Reviewers praised the Seltos’ new interior as a step above most competitors.

Powertrains & driving impressions

New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions offers modern 1.5-litre engines across the lineup — multiple petrol tunes and a diesel option in some markets. The Indian line-up is expected to include two petrols and one diesel (including the Smartstream G1.5 in different states of tune). Kia markets the Seltos with drive-mode options, paddle shifters on auto versions, and more refined engine and gearbox mapping.

On the road (media drive takeaways):

Ride & comfort: The K3 platform and re-tuned suspension make the ride noticeably plusher and more composed than the previous Seltos — tuned for comfort rather than sharp sporty responses. Reviewers note a plush ride with reduced road-noise.
Handling: The Seltos retains confidence on sweeping bends; steering feedback is balanced, though the new emphasis is on stability and comfort.
Engine feel: The turbo petrols offer strong mid-range punch; refinement is good but some media noted slightly more audible engine tones compared with the older car during hard acceleration. Expect real-world mileage in the mid-teens (final ARAI figures pending).

Safety & ADAS — Level-2+ for a safer drive

Kia has significantly improved safety packaging with ADAS Level-2+ aids (lane keep, adaptive cruise with stop & go, blind-spot warnings, collision mitigation, etc.) and a robust passive safety spec (6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX). These systems elevate the Seltos from tech-heavy to safety-complete in the segment. Kia Global Media Center

Pricing, trims & launch timeline (India)

Kia India has confirmed a full market launch on January 2, 2026 (formal prices are expected at launch). Industry trackers estimate starting prices in India to be around ₹11–12 lakh ex-showroom, with top trims likely reaching into the ₹20-plus lakh bracket depending on features and ADAS fitment. Kia has also rolled out attractive year-end offers on Seltos stock.

Note: final on-road prices, variant-wise feature maps and official ARAI mileage will be available at launch — we’ll update this post as soon as Kia releases the full pricebook.

Competitor comparison — how the new Seltos stacks up

Against the Hyundai Creta, MG Astor/Hector and the Tata Seltos cousins, the new Seltos competes strongly on tech and interior quality while pushing ride comfort above its previous sporty bias. It looks to outclass rivals on cabin tech (Trinity display + Bose audio) and ADAS package, while pricing will determine its final market positioning.

Who should buy the new Seltos?

Buy it if: you want a tech-forward SUV with premium cabin feel, strong feature list and a comfortable ride for family duties.
Consider alternatives if: you prioritize outright sporty handling, lower price points, or diesel fuel-economy for long highway mileage.

Quick Pros & Cons in New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions:

Pros

Class-leading cabin tech & display package. Kia
Plush ride and improved NVH.
Comprehensive ADAS and safety kit. Kia Global Media Center

Cons

New design might divide buyers (polarising appearance).
Final pricing will be key — higher trims could be expensive.

FAQs — publishable & SEO-friendly

Q1: When will the new Kia Seltos be available in India?
A: Kia has slated the official launch for January 2, 2026, with bookings already open at select dealerships and offers running through December. Final deliveries will follow soon after launch.

Q2: What are the main engine options for the new Seltos?
A: The Seltos is offered with multiple 1.5-litre Smartstream petrol options (including turbo variants) and a diesel option in some markets. Exact specs and variant distribution for India will be confirmed at launch.

Q3: Does the new Seltos get ADAS?
A: Yes — Kia shows New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions with ADAS Level-2+ features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection and collision mitigation on higher trims. Kia Global Media Center

Q4: How is the ride quality compared to the older Seltos?
A: The ride is noticeably softer and more comfort-oriented, thanks to revisions on the new K3 platform and suspension tuning. That makes it more suitable for family users and long drives.

Final verdict — is the new Seltos a gamechanger?

Yes — but with a caveat. The New Gen Kia Seltos Drive Impressions reflects serious step up in technology, interior quality and safety. If Kia prices it competitively, it will be a top pick for buyers wanting a premium, tech-heavy mid-size SUV. We’ll be publishing detailed variant-wise reviews, comparison tests and ownership impressions as soon as full pricing and ARAI figures land at launch.

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