Kia set to launch new Seltos SUV in the UK

• New Kia Seltos set for UK launch
• First generation Seltos was never sold in UK
• Second-gen model will be, starting next year
• Pure petrol engines at launch
• Hybrid to follow in 2026
• Slightly smaller than a Kia Sportage

In the market for a new subcompact SUV? You’ll be able to add the Kia Seltos to your leasing wishlist in 2026.

While the Kia Seltos has been on sale in other global markets since 2019, this is the first time the Seltos has been earmarked for UK drivers.

A new second generation model is on the way early next year, and it’s this one we’ll get here in Blighty.

The Seltos will launch with traditional petrol engines before a hybrid hits the leasing market later in 2026.

And here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Kia Seltos, and how big is it?

The Kia Seltos is described as a ‘subcompact SUV’ which puts it into the same leasing bracket as cars like the Ford Puma, VW T-Roc and Renault Symbioz.

At 4,430mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,600mm tall, it’s got smaller proportions than the Kia Sportage but is slightly roomier than the Kia Niro.

Kia says the Seltos is a ‘core model’ in the firm’s global SUV line-up and says it’s ‘functional, comfortable and ready for any lifestyle’. It should make for a cracking family car, then.

The styling is unmistakably Kia. There’s the familiar ‘star map’ lighting signature at the front as well as flush door handles, a floating roofline, and upswept shoulder contours.

Vertical tail lights at the back are said to ‘emphasise width and stability’ while the GT-Line trim gets sportier styling with body-coloured accents.

A 536-litre boot is generous for the class and trumps most rivals. In fact, it’s only marginally down on the luggage space you get with the Kia Sportage (which is up to 591 litres).

What interior features do you get with the Kia Seltos?

The Seltos’ cabin boasts a low, horizontal dash while a Shift-by-Wire (SBW) column system that sits behind the steering wheel frees up the centre console for an uncluttered layout.

Depending on the grade, you can enjoy a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, second-row reclining seats, and premium sound systems from Harman Kardon or Bose.

What engines are available with the Kia Seltos?

There’s no shortage of electric SUVs in Kia’s range (the Kia EV5 is slightly larger than the Seltos or you could already opt for the Kia Niro EV).

But, interestingly, the Seltos will launch in the UK with a choice of traditional petrol engines.

The base 1.6-litre mill delivers a very decent 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque and comes with either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual box.

That 1.6-litre unit is also available with a higher output - boosted to 193 PS and 265 Nm of torque - and comes with an 8-speed auto gearbox.

Or there’s the larger 2.0-litre engine which is optimised for fuel efficiency and is actually less powerful than the 1.6-litre option, coming with 149 PS and 179 Nm torque.

All-wheel drive is there as an option and gets the Kia ‘Terrain Mode’ system, which lets you toggle between Snow, Mud and Sand modes.

Meanwhile a hybrid variant will join the party later in 2026.

Is the Kia Seltos a safe car?

Yep, you should have no safety issues with the Kia Seltos.

The Seltos’ Highway Driving Assist 2 tech is a semi-autonomous system that includes smart cruise control, lane follow assist, curve adaptation and automatic lane change.

You can also enjoy a surround view monitor, parking collision avoidance, and a head-up display.

Twin 12.3-inch screens dominate the cabin, with the infotainment system powered by AI, while you get all of the usual over-the-air updates to keep your software up to date.

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