New Kia Seltos to be sold alongside outgoing version?
The as-yet-unrevealed new Kia Seltos might be sold alongside the outgoing version locally in the medium term, according to the head of the brand’s SA distributor…
- New Seltos might be sold alongside existing model in SA
- Set to be “a little bit bigger” and “a little bit pricier”
- Expect an official Seltos reveal towards the end of 2025
The head of the Kia brand in South Africa says the as-yet-unrevealed new Kia Seltos will be “a little bit bigger” and “a little bit pricier” than the outgoing version, suggesting the 2 generations could be sold alongside one another locally in the “medium term”.
Paul Turnbull, Chief Executive Officer of Kia South Africa since July 2024, made the comments during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2025 in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at the start of October.
“The other exciting one that’s being launched worldwide soon is the new Seltos – a really nice-looking car,” Turnbull told us, when asked about the Seoul-based brand’s broader product plans for the local market in 2026.
“It’s a little bit bigger than the old one – actually probably Sportage size – it’s really nice. Lots of tech. They’ve really gone big with that car,” he added. For the record, the current-generation Seltos measures 4 365 mm from front to back, while the pre-facelift NQ5-series Sportage is 4 515 mm long.
“We can start ordering from February [2026], so it depends on our runout. But it’s going to be a little bit pricier than the old one, so we can probably have both on the showroom [floors] for the medium term,” Turnbull revealed.
While little official information on the new Seltos is yet available, a recent Korean Car Blog report suggests a full reveal will take place on 10 December 2025, with sales expected to start in India – where this model will again be built (at the brand’s Anantapur plant) – early in 2026.
As a reminder, the current Seltos portfolio in Mzansi comprises as many as 10 derivatives, with pricing currently running from R379 995 to R626 995. Engine options include a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol mill and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor.
The Seltos launched in South Africa in February 2020, before a facelifted version touched down in April 2024 (with entry-level LS derivatives arriving a year later). In 2023, the South Korean firm’s local distributor sold 2 230 units of the Seltos, a figure that fell to 1 652 units in 2024. Year to date at the end of October 2025, Kia SA has registered 1 867 more examples.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the new Kia Seltos be sold alongside the existing model in South Africa?
A: According to Paul Turnbull, CEO of Kia South Africa, the 2 generations might be sold alongside one another locally in the “medium term” because the new model is expected to be “a little bit pricier” than the outgoing version.
Q: When is the reveal of the new Kia Seltos expected?
A: A recent ‘Korean Car Blog’ report suggests the full reveal will take place on 10 December 2025.
Q: How will the new Kia Seltos compare in size and price to the current model?
A: The new Seltos is expected to be “a little bit bigger” (with the CEO suggesting it will be “probably Sportage size”) and “a little bit pricier” than the outgoing version. For context, the current Seltos measures 4 365 mm, and the pre-facelift Sportage is 4 515 mm long.
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