Kia has eliminated petrol-powered models from its new Seltos range in response to Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standards. The car manufacturer will adopt a hybrid-only approach, aligning with the legislation that began on January 1, 2025, setting mandatory carbon emission targets for new passenger and light commercial vehicles.
Industry Shift Towards Hybrids
Toyota has already started phasing out petrol-only options across certain models, and Kia is following suit. 'Kia Australia is confident the all-new Seltos will meet the evolving needs of Australian new-car buyers, many of whom are now seriously considering the move to a hybrid vehicle for the first time,' said Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith.
Specifications and Features
While specifications for the Seltos are still unknown, overseas models feature a 1.6-litre petrol-electric setup. The new Seltos will have a longer and wider body, offering an extra 25mm of legroom for passengers. Boot space increases to 483 litres, positioning it as a larger SUV despite its small classification.
The 2026 Kia Seltos range in Australia will include a 12.3-inch twin-screen interior and is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026. Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, a wider range of seat recline, USB-C charging ports, and safety technologies such as Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, and remote parking.
The new Seltos is expected to start at around $35,000, plus on-road costs, and comes with a seven-year unlimited km warranty and a new regenerative braking system.
Kia's Sales Milestones
Kia achieved a million total sales in Australia in late 2025, a rapid increase from the first 500,000 in 2018. In 2024, the brand surpassed 80,000 sales in a single year for the first time.
Emissions Standards Impact
Under the fuel efficiency standard, manufacturers are encouraged to offer more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to avoid penalties, reduce emissions, save consumers money at the pump, and meet net-zero goals. Manufacturers have a set average CO2 emissions target for their fleet; exceeding it can lead to penalties. Those who miss emissions targets must buy credits or pay fines between $50 and $100 per gram/km over the target. The targets will become more stringent each year, encouraging a shift away from high-emission vehicles.
Daily Mail contacted Kia and Mr Meredith for further comment.
