Kia Reveals New Seltos at Eden Park
Kia New Zealand parked 40 vehicles on the hybrid turf at Eden Park to launch its all-new Seltos range for media and dealers, Driven Car Guide reported.
The event marked the first time the Auckland stadium has hosted a vehicle launch.
Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald said that by 2026 the local market will feature 66 brands chasing just 50 percent of total volume, calling the current market unsustainable. Kia currently sits fourth in year-to-date sales with a 7 percent market share, according to Driven Car Guide data.
Hybrid Powertrain Replaces Older Engines
The outgoing Seltos relied on a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine for its two-wheel-drive variants, but the new lineup transitions entirely to hybrid systems. The new Seltos has 112kW of power.
Fuel economy for the standard setup ranges between 4.5 and 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres, up from the previous 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres rating. The flagship X-Line variant introduces an eAWD system that adds a 50kW electric induction motor at the rear, lifting total output to 126kW.
Pricing Moves Upmarket Across Five Variants
Kia abandoned the sub-$26,000 entry pricing of the 2019 original, shifting its entire product portfolio toward higher-end configurations. The five-tier lineup now opens at $39,990 for the Light, climbing to $44,050 for the Earth and $47,990 for the Water, according to Driven Car Guide pricing.
The top-spec X-Line demands $51,990 for the two-wheel-drive version and $55,490 for the all-wheel-drive model. Motoringnz noted that private buyers heavily favour the premium X-Line specification, mirroring the sales trend seen with the larger Sportage SUV.
Wheelbase Increases Provide More Cabin Space and Features
Cabin space expands via a 60mm increase in the wheelbase, pushing total vehicle length to 4430mm. Motoringnz highlighted practical touches inside the cabin, including a movable boot floor, sturdy tie-down points, and a 60:40 split-folding rear seat with a through-load hatch.
Drivers can use steering-wheel paddle shifters to adjust regeneration levels or hold gears in a dedicated manual shift mode.
Seltos Competes with Various Compact SUV Models
The redesigned Seltos enters a crowded compact SUV segment dominated by the Toyota Corolla Cross, which sells between $44,990 and $55,990, according to Driven Car Guide. Kia also monitors the upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, priced from $46,990 to $48,490 as reported by Motoringnz.
Additional cross-shopping options include the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona, alongside Chinese hybrid alternatives such as the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS. Driven Car Guide noted that lower-tier variants like the Earth provide a balanced mix of safety assists and surround-view cameras without forcing buyers into the top-tier pricing.
Common Questions About Seltos Hybrid Capacity and Features
What towing capacity does the new Seltos hybrid offer?
Motoringnz reported that the hybrid features a light towing rating suited primarily for small garden trailers rather than heavier loads like boats or caravans.
Which models include the eAWD system?
Driven Car Guide stated that the eAWD setup is exclusive to the flagship X-Line AWD variant, which combines the standard hybrid powertrain with an independent 50kW rear electric motor.
How much boot space versatility does the updated cabin provide?
According to Motoringnz, the interior features a movable boot floor, storage cubbies, and sturdy plastic mountings that function as both hooks and tie-down points.
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