could the 2023 kia seltos become australia's favourite small suv? updated model takes the fight to mazda cx-30, mitsubishi asx, mg zs and hyundai kona
The Kia Seltos was officially unveiled at this week’s Busan motor show in South Korea. (Image credit: Matthew Campbell)

The Kia Seltos is a popular pick among Australian buyers, but supply issues in the last year have seriously hampered its sales potential.

Kia could have sold a lot more examples of the Seltos if it had been able to get its hands on more stock, particularly of higher grade variants.

To the end of June this year, Kia has sold 4654 Seltos’ in Australia, which is 14.2 per cent down on the same period last year.

Among its small SUV rivals, it is trailing the top-selling MG ZS (10,380), Mazda CX-30 (8294), Hyundai Kona (6641) and Mitsubishi ASX (5839).

But could a significant mid-life refresh, and improving supply, finally give the Seltos the push it needs to edge its competitors?

While Kia released some details of the updated small SUV a few weeks back, fresh info has been announced at the model’s official unveiling at the 2022 Busan motor show in South Korea.

Kia Motors Australia has confirmed that the new Seltos will hit local showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year, but more specific timing will have to wait.

There are rumours that the updated Seltos will adopt a hybrid powertrain – possibly borrowed from the new Niro SUV – but Kia Motors isn’t releasing technical information about the updated model until later this month.

could the 2023 kia seltos become australia's favourite small suv? updated model takes the fight to mazda cx-30, mitsubishi asx, mg zs and hyundai kona

If it gets a hybrid, it would give the Seltos even more firepower against other petrol-electric models in the segment, including the upcoming new-gen Nissan Qashqai, Toyota C-HR and freshly launched Honda HR-V, as well as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid.

The outgoing Seltos comes with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine matched with a continuously variable transmission, as well as a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The updated Seltos gains a sharper new look, with a restyled front end that includes new LED headlights and daytime running lights similar to those on its larger Sportage sibling.

The split in the grille also sits higher and includes a light bar, at least on the top-spec international market model in the press images. It also features a new front bumper design.

At the rear, there’s a new tail-light signature incorporating a light bar running the width of the tailgate. The new rear lighting design is not dissimilar to the GWM Haval Jolion.

could the 2023 kia seltos become australia's favourite small suv? updated model takes the fight to mazda cx-30, mitsubishi asx, mg zs and hyundai kona

Inside the Seltos gets a cabin tech upgrade, with higher grade models adopting the integrated dual multimedia and instrument screens found in the Sportage, Carnival and Sorento.

It also swaps out the regular automatic gear shifter for a shift-by-wire dial in the console, and gains some other interior visual tweaks.

Pricing and full specification will be released closer to the model’s local launch but given the upgrades and the increasing cost of materials that many manufacturers are passing on, expect a possible price increase.

Currently the Seltos starts from $27,290 before on-road costs for the entry grade front-wheel drive 2.0-litre S auto and tops out at $42,700 for the GT-Line 1.6-litre turbocharged all-wheel drive.

Keyword: Could the 2023 Kia Seltos become Australia's favourite small SUV? Updated model takes the fight to Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, MG ZS and Hyundai Kona

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Mazda CEO Says Electric Vehicles (Other Than Teslas) are “Not Taking Off”

Mazda’s Chief Operating Officer, Masahiro Moro, has expressed some frustrations that the company’s battery-electric lineup is struggling to gain traction, stating that any EV, other than a Tesla, simply isn’t popular with buyers. In a surprisingly candid interview with Fortune, Moro said that “EV is an absolutely important technology, and ...

View more: Mazda CEO Says Electric Vehicles (Other Than Teslas) are “Not Taking Off”

Here's Why You Shouldn't Buy The Hyundai Ioniq N (At Least Not Right Away)

The Ioniq 5 N is shaping up to be one of the all-time great performance EVs. But if you want to save some cash, look to its corporate cousin.

View more: Here's Why You Shouldn't Buy The Hyundai Ioniq N (At Least Not Right Away)

2024 Kia EV9 EPA Range, Efficiency And Pricing Overview

Compared to the Kia EV6, it consumes roughly one kilowatt-hour more per every 10 miles.

View more: 2024 Kia EV9 EPA Range, Efficiency And Pricing Overview

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Price And EPA Range Overview

The 2024 model year is less expensive, while offering up to 361 miles of range.

View more: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Price And EPA Range Overview

Hyundai Creta EV spied in South Korea with fake exhaust

The Creta EV will rival the upcoming Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra XUV.e8 and Honda Elevate EV. A test mule of what is believed to be the electric version of the Hyundai Creta has been spotted testing in South Korea. Hyundai went to great lengths to hide the identity of ...

View more: Hyundai Creta EV spied in South Korea with fake exhaust

Loose USB-A ports in my Hyundai i20: Want to switch to USB-C ports

I use them for charging and Apple CarPlay but they become loose and the connection gets lost while going through small rough patches. BHPian Nicky recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Hello all, I have a Hyundai i20 that I bought in 2020. It comes with USB-A ports for ...

View more: Loose USB-A ports in my Hyundai i20: Want to switch to USB-C ports

CEO of Mazda, which makes one bad EV, says EVs don’t sell (except Teslas)

The CEO of Mazda, a company that makes one very mediocre electric car, is still trying to make electrification sound like some strange one-off consumer fad. In an interview with Fortune, Masahiro Moro basically says that if an EV isn’t a Tesla, it’s sitting unsold on a dealer lot ...

View more: CEO of Mazda, which makes one bad EV, says EVs don’t sell (except Teslas)

Hyundai to suspend operations at its main factory to bolster electric vehicle production

South Korea’s largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, is bolstering EV production despite rumors that the market is slowing. The automaker revealed plans to suspend operations at its main factory in South Korea as it shifts its focus toward EVs. On Monday, Hyundai said it will temporarily suspend activities at its ...

View more: Hyundai to suspend operations at its main factory to bolster electric vehicle production

Kia Sonet Vs Kia Seltos Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Prices Slightly Increased Compared To 2023

Kia Sonet Vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

Kia Seltos receives a price cut of Rs 2,000

Kia Sonet Vs Hyundai Creta Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

Does the Hyundai Tucson N Line come in automatic?

Hyundai Motor to halt Asan factory in S.Korea for EV factory construction

Kia Sonet Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

Mitsubishi Triton Prices and Specs Confirmed, Arrives February 2024

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Goes On 2,751km Southeast Asia Tour

2024 Kia EV6: Price And EPA Range Overview

Affordable hatchbacks with the best warranties in South Africa

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel