The Korean carmaker seems to be making future-ready products to smoothly transition from ICE to electrification
The Kia Seltos was recently spied testing with thick camouflage on Indian roads. Now, the rumour mill is spinning fast with speculations about the hybrid engine option. We know that the Seltos is among the highest-selling mid-size SUVs out there. In fact, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos contribute immensely to the overall sales in this segment despite stiff competition from the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Citreon C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate. As one can imagine, there are models from just about every mass market car company in this heavily contested category.
New Kia Seltos Spotted Testing
We know that the second-generation Kia Seltos was recently launched in our market. In this avatar, it has grown in size over the outgoing model, which makes it even more enticing. The Korean auto giant has been able to achieve this courtesy of a new K3 platform. Interestingly, this platform hasn’t just been able to add a few inches to the first-gen Seltos, but also supports electrified mobility solutions. This is a crucial detail to ensure long-term future prospects. That is exactly what leads us to believe that the strong hybrid avatar might be brewing as we speak.
The latest spy images showcase a slightly similar silhouette to the current-gen model. This means that the upgrades might be mechanical. Since we know that it currently draws power from the tried and tested diesel and petrol engines just like the Creta, there is no logical explanation for this except the fact that Kia might be testing a new strong hybrid petrol engine. Remember, the international model of the Seltos, which was revealed a few days ago for the U.S. market, will feature a 1.6-litre strong hybrid engine with an all-wheel-drive configuration. While the AWD setup for the Indian model seems unlikely, considering the cost implications, a hybrid version of the 1.5-litre mill could well be on the cards.
In terms of the design, the test mule looks inspired by the existing model. At the rear, we witness the sleek connected taillamp setup with sharp LED taillights on either end. Apart from that, the bumper is sporty and the SUV features a roof-mounted spoiler and a shark fin antenna. Furthermore, the visuals also capture the rear quarter profile. Here, we are able to see the rising shoulder line, black side pillars, flush-fitting door handles and roof rails. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough visual images for the alloy wheel design. Generally, the hybrid trim could easily set itself apart for visual distinction via a different set of alloys.
Relevance of Hybrid Engine
In recent years, the increasingly stringent emission norms have forced mass market car companies to limit diesel engine options in their cars. In fact, many carmakers have completely eliminated diesel mills from their portfolios, like Maruti Suzuki. Additionally, other carmakers have restricted diesel mills to cars above a certain price bracket, where the potential customers are not too price-sensitive. This is due to the fact that it is pretty expensive to upgrade diesel engines to meet the latest emission regulations. All this has given rise to the increased demand for turbo petrol and hybrid petrol cars.
In order to replicate the turbo-charging effect of the diesel vehicles, turbo petrol cars have done a great job. However, if someone used to purchase a diesel car because they had a lot of running, there is the possibility of strong hybrid petrol cars. They boast impressively high mileage figures, which in turn reduces running costs. Unfortunately, strong hybrid petrol cars are quite expensive in comparison to the corresponding naturally aspirated petrol option.
Talking specifically about the mid-size SUV segment, we know that the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are already available in strong hybrid guise. Furthermore, the upcoming Renault Duster hybrid will also be on sale around the festive season later this year. Hence, the segment is getting heated with hybrid alternatives. While this is a great opportunity for new car buyers to enter this segment with a wide range of choices, it will become challenging for automobile companies to compete for market share. In any case, let us watch out for how things shape up in the coming months.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Having analysed the mid-size SUV segment closely, I believe hybrid technology is gradually becoming the next big battleground for mainstream carmakers in India. What stands out to me is that Kia appears to be preparing well in advance for stricter emission norms and changing customer priorities around fuel efficiency. The Seltos has already established itself as one of the most feature-rich and desirable SUVs in its category, and a strong hybrid option could make it even more appealing to high-mileage users. In my view, as diesel engines slowly lose relevance in the mass market, hybrid SUVs like the upcoming Seltos will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between conventional ICE vehicles and full EVs.
Also Read: Next-Gen Kia Sonet Makes Spy Pic Debut in India
