The all-new Kia Seltos has officially entered Southeast Asia after debuting at the 2026 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show—but there is a catch.
Kia launched its second-generation Seltos with no hybrid option and a smaller 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. If you’ve read and watched our First Drive with the subcompact crossover, you’d know that domestic models are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged mill, along with an available hybrid configuration.
This suggests that Indonesia’s units are likely sourced from India or China, where that specific powertrain is available. While the Philippines will probably get its units directly from South Korea, this regional release shows just how flexible a global Seltos lineup could be.
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As mentioned, Indonesian car buyers will be getting a Seltos with a 1.5-liter engine, which is rated for 113hp and 144Nm of torque. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the 1.6-liter turbo produces 190hp and 265Nm of torque, with the hybrid listed at 139hp and a similar 265Nm.
Right away, those three engine options would give car buyers in the Philippines a lot of flexibility on power and price. Moreover, the Seltos is also offered in three variants, with varying finishes and finishes between them.
Interestingly, the dimensions given by Kia Indonesia have the Seltos measuring slightly larger than those in South Korea. Specifically, the nat-asp Seltos comes in at 4,460mm long, while the 1.6-liter version measures 4,430mm in length. It’s a marginal difference, and most will probably not notice.
There is still no official date for the Seltos’ Philippine debut. While we watch and wait, let us know which configuration you’d like to see on the local market.
