The end of conventional petrol-powered cars is drawing closer as new vehicles emissions standards take hold.
Kia has cut pure petrol-powered models from its new Seltos range, opting for a hybrid-only approach for the popular compact SUV.
It’s the first time Kia has taken such an approach with its cars, and puts the Korean brand in line with a growing industry trend.
Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards have forced auto makers to rethink their model line-ups, with many future-proofing their models against tightening emission rules.
For instance, brands like Toyota have already begun phasing out petrol-only options across key models.
Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith said it’s a significant shift that reflects what is unfolding in the Australian market.
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“Kia Australia is confident the all-new Seltos will meet 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,” Mr Meredith said.
The Seltos uses the latest K3 platform, shared with models like the Niro and Kona, and tuned locally for Australian conditions.
Specifications are still under wraps, but overseas examples point to a 1.6-litre petrol-electric setup, producing up to 113kW in front-wheel-drive form, and more in all-wheel-drive variants.
Alongside the powertrain overhaul, the Kia Seltos has grown in size slightly, with a longer and wider body sitting on a 60mm stretched wheelbase, a change that is noticeable for rear passengers, with an extra 25mm of legroom.
The added space flows through to the rear of the car, with boot space increasing to 483 litres, pushing the Seltos into more of a larger SUV.
While it still wears the “small SUV” badge, it certainly feels like it’s playing with the big boys.
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The design leans into Kia’s latest design language, with a wider grille, sharper lighting signatures and a more sculpted, upright profile that gives it a strong look.
Details like flush door handles, a floating roofline and bold rear lighting – feel slightly in line with Kia’s electric models.
The cabin has been completely reworked, borrowing heavily from Kia’s electric models. The Seltos now features dual 12.3-inch displays, over-the-air updates and a head-up display projected onto the windscreen, technology that feels really premium.
However, customers will be delighted to hear that Kia has retained physical controls for key functions.
The shift to a column-mounted gear selector also frees up the centre console, creating a more open space, larger cupholders, hidden storage and wireless charging all integrated into a clean layout.
The Setlos also comes with a panoramic sunroof, which is a nice touch.
Rear seats now offer a wider range of recline, while noticeable, it’s nothing to brag about. Rear passengers also get USB-C charging ports mounted on the seatbacks.
A full suite of safety technology is expected, including Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera and remote parking features.
Despite offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability overseas, local models will miss out, which is unfortunate, but Kia said it’s prioritising a space-saver wheel instead.
The new Seltos is expected to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026, with pricing and full specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.
