The all-new Kia Seltos has arrived in Australian showrooms, and for the local market it is hybrid only, priced from $39,990 drive-away. The range spans six grades, and every one pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid system and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The range and the rivals
Pricing runs from the S at $39,990 drive-away, through the S Safety Pack at $42,490, the Sport at $43,990, the Sport+ at $46,990 and the GT-Line front-wheel drive at $52,990, to the GT-Line all-wheel drive at $55,490. Kia has not yet released official power or fuel economy figures. The opening price matters: the Kia Seltos matches the Hyundai Kona Hybrid to the dollar at $39,990 drive-away, and sits about $4,500 under Kia's own larger Sportage Hybrid at $44,490 drive-away. All-wheel drive is an electric setup offered only on the top GT-Line.
Cartell Assessment
Hybrid only is a bold call in a segment where cheaper petrol-only rivals still sell well, but the $39,990 drive-away start keeps the Seltos competitive against the Kona it shadows on price. The sting is grip. If you want all-wheel drive, you have to climb all the way to the $55,490 GT-Line, so that reassurance costs flagship money here.
AU Outlook
Expect Kia to publish official power and economy numbers closer to broad availability. The small-SUV aisle just got tighter, and the Seltos versus Kona Hybrid price match is the one to watch at the value end.
