KIA SELTOS

The second generation of Kia's India debutant is here and we head to Bengaluru to see first hand if this stands tall in the midsize-SUV segment

- STORY: ANAGH BHASKAR | PHOTOS: HARVINDER SINGH

In India's brutal SUV battleground, Kia finds itself in a unique position. On one flank, it is scaling the luxury ladder with the EV9 and Carnival; on the other, it must defend its turf in a compact SUV space where price sensitivity is ruthless. This isn't just a mid-cycle refresh; it is a ground-up generational shift. The stakes are clear: the Seltos must now carry its legacy while absorbing the premium ambitions of a brand that has grown significantly since 2019.

At first glance, the new Seltos looks distinctly more substantial than its predecessor. Utilizing the new K3 platform, the vehicle now nudges the 4,500mm mark in length, with a wheelbase that has grown by a significant 80mm. While the overall dimensions are longer and wider, the car sits a few millimeters shorter, resulting in a more grounded and purposeful stance. Up front, the design wears its global Telluride inspiration proudly. A massive, bold grille dominates the face, creating a dramatic, serious aesthetic that occasionally feels like it is trying a bit too hard to look imposing for its size.

The profile, however, is a masterclass in clean execution. Flush-fitting door handles, a smooth shoulder crease, and crisp character lines lend a sense of intentional simplicity. The 18-inch dual-tone alloys look handsome and give the car a planted look, though an argument could be made that the increased body mass might have balanced even better with slightly larger wheels. Subtle touches, like the neon brake calipers, add a splash of sporting character without being gaudy. At the rear, the design feels like a smart evolution rather than a total departure. The LED elements are integrated with a sophistication that avoids the visual clunkiness found in some of its newer rivals.