Kia Seltos Launched in China with Exclusive 27-Inch Cockpit, 200 HP & 8AT Transmission

Kia has officially unveiled the next-generation Kia Seltos specifically tailored for the Chinese market. Designed to tackle aggressive local competition from joint-venture rivals like the Honda XR-V/Vezel, Toyota Frontlander, Nissan Qashqai, and Volkswagen Tacqua, this model introduces a series of China-exclusive interior and mechanical upgrades that will not be available on global market versions.

From a segment-disrupting 27-inch ultra-thin wide screen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip to a 200-horsepower 1.5T engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, here is everything you need to know about China's exclusive Seltos.

Exterior & Packaging: Expanded Dimensions & X-Line Package

Built on Kia’s "Opposites United" design language, the Chinese-market Seltos grows significantly in size to deliver superior interior roominess:

• Class-Leading Footprint: Body length increases by 75 mm, featuring a segment-leading 2,690 mm wheelbasethat translates directly into expanded rear-seat legroom.

• X-Line Visual Package: For buyers seeking a sporty finish, the X-Line trim offers exclusive Fire Orange paint accents and Smoked Black exterior body kits.

• Versatile Cargo & Storage: Folding the rear seats flat expands cargo capacity to 1,454 liters. Practicality is further elevated by 20 dedicated cabin storage slots and the Kia Add Gear open-source accessory mounting system, easily outclassing traditional competitors like the Honda XR-V and Volkswagen Tacqua in modular convenience.

Smart Cockpit: China-Exclusive Hardware & Generative AI

The cabin serves as the core generational leap over global variants and regional competitors.

27-Inch Ultra-Thin Screen + Snapdragon 8295P

While global models rely on conventional dual-screen setups, the China-spec Seltos comes standard across the entire lineup with a massive 27-inch ultra-thin wide display. Driving the infotainment unit is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P flagship processor—a 5nm chip typically found in premium Chinese EV models priced well above 200,000 RMB (~$29,600 USD / ~€25,600 EUR). This hardware delivers zero-latency touch response, smooth animations, and seamless multi-window split-screen functionality.

Deeply Localized Application Ecosystem

The infotainment system is engineered specifically around Chinese digital habits:

• Dual Navigation: Built-in Baidu and Gaode (AutoNavi) dual-map engines.

• In-Car Entertainment: Integrated iQiyi video streaming and dedicated KTV karaoke apps.

Powertrains: High-Output 1.5T with Class-Exclusive 8AT

The Chinese market receives a mechanical setup tailored for both highway efficiency and performance:

1.5T Turbocharged + 8-Speed Automatic (Top Choice)

• Output: 200 PS (197 HP) and 253 N·m of torque.

• Transmission: 8-Speed Torque-Converter Automatic (8AT).

• Mechanical Advantage: While most Japanese competitors use CVTs and German rivals rely on dual-clutch units, the Seltos is the only vehicle in its segment to offer an 8AT. This setup provides far better launch responsiveness, smooth shift operation, and proven reliability when overtaking or driving with a full cabin.

1.5L Naturally Aspirated + IVT (Entry Option)

• Target: Budget-focused urban commuters.

• Fuel Efficiency: Rated at 6.54L/100km, delivering low daily running costs for city drivers.

Premium Comfort Features & L2 Driving Assistance

To compete in China's feature-heavy market, Kia equips the Seltos with equipment rarely found in entry-level compact SUVs:

• All-Weather Cabin Comfort: Features ventilated and heated front seats plus a heated steering wheel.

• L2 Smart Driving Suite: Includes RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist), allowing drivers to move the vehicle into tight parking spaces remotely using the key fob.