The Chinese auto market has now got the new-generation Kia Seltos. Back in January, Kia launched the same new-generation Seltos in India. However, the new SUV available in China differs significantly from the model sold in India. Here’s what the Chinese version gets that the Indian version misses.
New Kia Seltos: Indian Version vs Chinese Version
Dimensions
Dimension-wise, the China-spec Kia Seltos measures 4,460 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,640 mm in height, and a 2,690 mm wheelbase. Now, the India-spec Seltos also features the same dimensions, but one key difference is seen in the boot space. In China, the Seltos features a 483-litre boot, while the Indian model has a 447-litre boot. This is likely due to the Indian version featuring a spare tyre, which the one in China might lack.
Features
In terms of features, the China-spec version offers a more advanced suite than the Indian model. The China-spec Kia Seltos features a 27-inch ultra-wide touchscreen unit for infotainment and passenger entertainment. It also features a separate 10-inch driver’s display unit.
The Indian version of the Seltos features a trinity screen, which, unlike its name, is a dual-screen setup featuring a driver’s display and an infotainment screen, along with a small 5-inch unit (included in the connected setup) for AC control. So, the India-spec misses out on the passenger screen unit offered in the China-spec.
Apart from that, the Seltos on sale in China features a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a 100kW Type-C charging port, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an eight-speaker Bose surround-sound system.
The Indian version of the Kia Seltos boasts similar features, but excludes the heated function and 100kW charging. This is because the Indian market doesn’t need the heating feature. So, in terms of features, an extra cherry that the Chinese version gets is the dual infotainment unit. In terms of safety functions, both versions of the Kia Seltos offer a Level 2 ADAS Suite.
Powertrain
The China-spec Kia Seltos is offered in two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The Indian version packs both engines offered in the China version, and also features a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
However, there’s a leap in power figures. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine of the Seltos in China produces 198 bhp and 253 Nm, while the same engine in the Indian-spec Seltos produces 158 bhp and 253 Nm. The torque figures are the same in both regions; however, the China-spec has more power than the Indian-spec.
On the other hand, the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine in the China-spec Kia Seltos produces 113 bhp and 144 Nm, the same as the India-spec.
What Else?
Kia is already planning to offer a hybrid powertrain with the Seltos in India. However, it has not revealed any specific launch timeline for the Seltos hybrid. We expect the model to launch in mid- to late-2027, just after the Hyundai Creta gets a new-gen update, scheduled for mid-2027.