After New Seltos, What? Kia's Future Plans Detailed
Kia launched the second-generation Seltos in India early this year. The new-generation model has grown in size and become a more comfortable place to be. It has already become popular among mid-size SUV buyers. In the near future, the Korean carmaker is expected to launch a number of interesting products in India. These will include conventional internal combustion vehicles, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Here’s a closer look.
KIa plans to launch the Sorento SUV in India towards the end of this year. Test mules have already been spotted on public roads, The Sorento will be a premium seven-seater SUV. The India-spec is expected to stand close to the global model with its design. It will have a modern, technology-rich cabin. In Kia’s lineup, it will be positioned above the Seltos and below the Carnival. When launched, it will likely compete with the Fortuner and the upcoming Jetour T2 plug-in hybrid.
The India-spec Sorento will come with a strong hybrid powertrain that will likely use a 1.5L petrol engine as its base. It will be paired with a small battery pack and an electric motor. Globally, a 1.6-litre strong-hybrid powertrain is available on the SUV, which is unlikely to be brought to India. The Sorento is also likely to be equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD).
The second-generation Seltos will get the 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain sometime in 2027. The exact power and torque outputs of this engine aren’t known yet. In international markets, the Seltos is sold with a 1.6L strong hybrid petrol engine making 139 hp and 264 Nm. This powertrain will not be brought to India.
The 1.5 strong hybrid will have a higher degree of localisation. This will help the carmaker keep costs under check and price the product competitively. The hybrid Seltos will likely remain visually similar to the non-hybrid models, although it may get hybrid-specific alloy wheels.
Kia is planning to introduce two new higher trims- GTX+ and X-Line (O)- on the second-generation Seltos. These will belong to the GT and X lines. The carmaker hasn’t revealed the complete details or feature list of these trims yet. We could, however, see the addition of a dashcam, head-up display (HUD), and air purifier.
The X-Line (O) will continue to have the matte black or grey exterior colours. The new variant may feature additional cosmetic enhancements. GTX+ and X-Line (O) will both be available witrh turbo-petrol and diesel engines, and manual and automatic transmissions.
Kia is also known to be working on a strong hybrid version of the Sonet. This is, in fact, a generational update. The Sonet is now available with petrol and diesel engines- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 diesel and 1.0 turbocharged petrol. Currently codenamed QY2E, the second-generation will be based on the reinforced K1 platform. We lack clarity on which engine will power the hybrid Sonet. It will become Kia’s first strong hybrid offering in the sub-compact SUV segment when launched.
One possibility is for it to use the same 1.5L hybrid engine mentioned above. Or it could do with a new 1.2L strong hybrid. Hyundai is developing a 1.2L hybrid-ready petrol engine for use in models like the Bayon. The same could possibly power the Sonet hybrid as well. Market launch is expected around 2028–2029, sometime after the next generation’s launch in 2027.
Kia also has plans to launch an electric SUV based on the Syros. It will compete with the Tata Nexon.EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and MG Windsor EV, when launched. Test mule sightings have increased recently, pointing to an imminent launch.
The Syros EV will be based on the K1 platform and will have a familiar design. The equipment list is also likely to remain identical to the internal combustion model. Additionally, we may see the inclusion of V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) charging. Two battery packs are likely to be offered- 42 kWh and 49 kWh. The range could be around 369 km per charge. These details haven’t been made official yet.
The Carnival luxury van is now only available with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine. In international markets, it is also sold with a 1.6-litre strong hybrid powertrain, which makes 272 hp and 367 Nm. This is likely to be brought to India in the near future. The carmaker could also choose the 1.5 hybrid petrol for use on the MPV. The Carnival is brought as a CKD import and has steep pricing here. It competes primarily with the more expensive Toyota Vellfire.