2023 Kia Seltos: Initial details for Australia revealed

The 2023 Kia Seltos is due in Australia before the end of this year with a choice of four model grades, two engines, more technology, and revised engines.

Due in Kia Australia showrooms between October and December 2022, the updated Seltos gains a new look inspired by the larger Sportage, an overhauled interior, new transmission, and additional features.

Prices have not been confirmed, but with new features added across the range, expect the updated Seltos to cost more than the current model, which is priced from $29,290 to $45,290 drive-away.

Four model grades will continue to be available – S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line – with a choice of two engines: a carry-over 112kW/180Nm 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder, and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder.

While the 2.0-litre engine carries over with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the 1.6-litre engine swaps its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for a conventional eight-speed 'torque-converter' auto for a "smoother" drive, Kia says.

Outputs for the 1.6-litre engine are yet to be confirmed for Australia. Korean models have received a significant power boost for 2023, from 130kW to 148kW (and 265Nm) – but it's unclear if Australia will follow.

The 2.0-litre engine will be available across the range, while the 1.6-litre turbo option will be limited to higher-grade Sport+ and GT-Line variants.

Design changes include new front and rear bumpers, revised headlights, all-new full-width tail-lights, and a selection of tweaked alloy wheel designs.

In Australia, GT-Line variants score a unique 'star-map' LED headlight signature – though it's unclear if LED headlights are standard across the range, or are limited to the flagship model grade.

Alloy wheels are now standard across the range – with a higher-end machined design on the Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line – spelling the end of the base S model's 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.

Inside, a new dashboard inspired by the larger Sportage and electric EV6 features, with a new-design climate control panel.

Analogue instruments have been phased out, with the base S featuring a 4.2-inch driver display and digitised speed/tachometer readouts – and all other models gaining a widescreen 10.25-inch instrument display.

Rear air vents, USB-C charging points and a full-size spare wheel are newly standard across the range, while the GT-Line now offers memory for the power driver's seat, and a power tailgate.

Safety has been upgraded too, with lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert (both capable of detecting and braking for obstacles), and traffic sign recognition now standard across the range.

These features were previously standard only on the Sport+ and GT-Line, or in a $1000 Safety Pack (which now appears to be discontinued) on the S and Sport.

Kia Connect functionality – with a smartphone companion app, allowing remote control of various vehicle functions – is standard on all models from the Sport up, after it debuted on the new Niro small SUV last month.

Seven colours are available across the range – Mars Orange, Snow White Pearl, Pluton Blue, Steel Grey, Neptune Blue, Gravity Grey and Fusion Black – with the GT-Line offering two-tone combinations, with Clear White or Pluton Blue bodies and black roof finishes.

The 2023 Kia Seltos is due in Australian showrooms before the end of 2022, with local pricing and full specifications to follow closer to launch.