Kia Seltos Gets Australian Sales Approval
The much-anticipated new-generation Kia Seltos small SUV is one step closer to Aussie buyers, with it now approved for sale Down Under. The car’s homologation filing to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts confirmed key details ahead of its arrival later this year. Seltos is one of Kia’s most popular names and is the brand’s fourth best-selling model on sale in Australia in 2026. The popularity of the Seltos can be attributed to its versatile design, feature-packed interior, and robust performance, which have made it a favorite among Australian car buyers.
The Seltos shapes up similarly to the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and ($36,950) and Toyota Corolla Cross ($37,440). It will also pose a new challenge to the best-selling Chery Tiggo 4, with hybrid variants starting from $29,990. The competitive pricing of the Seltos is expected to give it an edge in the Australian market, where buyers are increasingly looking for affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Seltos’s hybrid powertrain, in particular, is likely to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance.
Kia has officially kept Australian details close to its chest, but now some key details have been exposed in new government filings. We now know the hybrid-only Seltos will be available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts. Both are powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and electric motor set-up, making either 118kW or 169kW, which is more power than South Korean examples. The increased power output in the Australian models is likely due to the different regulatory requirements and driving conditions in the country. The hybrid powertrain is also expected to provide improved fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for buyers who want to save on fuel costs.
This will be Kia’s first Seltos model to feature a hybrid set-up in Australia. Kia has provided no indication the overseas petrol models of the new Seltos will ever make their way to Australia. The decision to offer only hybrid models in Australia reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles in the country. The Seltos’s hybrid powertrain is also expected to provide a smoother and quieter driving experience, which will appeal to buyers who value comfort and refinement.
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Measuring 4430mm long, 1830mm wide, 1600mm high and with a wheelbase of 2690mm, it is a similar size to its rivals the Kona and the Corolla Cross. The sunroof and power mirrors will be optional extras for the car. The Seltos’s dimensions suggest that it will offer a spacious interior, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The optional sunroof and power mirrors will add to the car’s premium feel and provide improved visibility and convenience.
The Seltos has been officially slated for a Q4 2026 release, with CarsGuide previously reporting October as a more specific time frame. The base petrol grade Seltos is available in South Korea from around 25 million won, or roughly $25,000, with the hybrid closer to the equivalent of $30,000. Kia models incur a price hike on South Korean equivalents, meaning the more expensive hybrid Seltos is likely start in the mid-$30,000s range. The pricing of the Seltos will be critical in determining its success in the Australian market, where buyers are highly price-sensitive. The car’s features, performance, and fuel efficiency will also play a significant role in influencing buyer decisions.
The Australian market is highly competitive, with many established players offering a range of small SUVs. The Seltos will need to differentiate itself from its rivals through its unique features, design, and pricing. Kia’s reputation for building reliable and feature-packed vehicles will also be an important factor in attracting buyers. The company’s decision to offer a hybrid-only model in Australia reflects its commitment to providing eco-friendly vehicles that meet the changing needs of buyers. As the Australian market continues to evolve, the Seltos is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for small SUVs and hybrid vehicles.
