Kia Seltos Hybrid Spotted for the First Time

Kia Seltos Hybrid has been spotted testing for the first time, giving us a closer look at the upcoming electrified version of the SUV. The test vehicle was seen in the European Alps and was covered in light camouflage.

The hybrid Seltos is expected to make its global debut later this year, while its India launch is likely to take place in 2027. It will sit alongside the petrol and diesel versions of the new Seltos and could become an important addition to Kia's India lineup.

Kia Seltos Hybrid Spotted With Minor Design Changes

The Seltos Hybrid does not look very different from the standard new Seltos. The test vehicle gets a similar overall design, including the same basic front and rear styling.

The main visible change is the new alloy wheel design, which appears to have been developed to suit the hybrid powertrain. The test car also gets hybrid badging, helping distinguish it from the regular ICE version. Apart from these small changes, the hybrid version is expected to share most of its exterior design and features with the standard Seltos.

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1.6-Litre Hybrid Powertrain for Global Markets

In select European markets, the Seltos Hybrid is expected to use a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol-hybrid powertrain. The setup combines a petrol engine, electric motor and a 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery.

The international version produces around 141 PS and 265 Nm, with power sent to the wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The hybrid system has been developed with a focus on better fuel efficiency and smooth everyday driving.

Seltos Hybrid Could Get e-AWD

One of the most interesting features of the global Seltos Hybrid is its electronic all-wheel-drive system.

Unlike a traditional mechanical AWD setup, the e-AWD system uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. This allows Kia to offer all-wheel drive without a conventional mechanical connection between the front and rear axles.

However, it is not yet clear whether the India-spec Seltos Hybrid will get e-AWD. Kia could offer the SUV with front-wheel drive, e-AWD or both depending on the market and customer demand.

India Could Get a Different Hybrid Engine

The biggest difference between the global and India-spec Seltos Hybrid could be under the bonnet.

Reports suggest that Kia could introduce a new strong hybrid system based on a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine for India. The same hybrid technology could also be used in the next-generation Hyundai Creta.

The existing petrol and diesel engines are expected to continue alongside the hybrid option, giving buyers more powertrain choices.

More Hybrid-Specific Features

The Seltos Hybrid is expected to offer most of the features available on the standard model. However, Kia is also likely to add a few features specifically related to the hybrid system.

These could include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 and Stay Mode. The hybrid could also get a front-mounted speaker that produces a sound when the SUV is running in pure EV mode.

Other expected features include Type-C charging ports, sporty seats, physical controls for the climate system, cruise control, a large 30-inch Trinity display and a wide range of ADAS features.

Also Read: Kia Seltos Hybrid to Get e-AWD for the First Time - Details

Kia Seltos Hybrid India Launch

The Kia Seltos Hybrid is expected to launch in India sometime in 2027. If Kia brings the strong hybrid powertrain to India, the SUV will enter a growing hybrid SUV segment.

Its key rivals will include the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, while the upcoming Renault Duster Hybrid and next-generation Hyundai Creta Hybrid could also become competitors.

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