It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s the next-generation Kia Seltos doing sneaky laps in India! If you thought the current Seltos was the SUV equivalent of a rockstar in its segment, buckle up—Kia’s 2025 revamp is here to flex harder, look sharper, and maybe even convince you that hybrid is the new cool.

What’s Cooking, Kia?

The second-gen Kia Seltos, codenamed SP3 Proto (because calling it “Seltos 2.0” would be too mainstream), is revving up for its global debut in mid-2025. And guess what? India’s got an early taste with spy shots of the prototype doing rounds on our roads. While the current-gen Seltos has been stealing hearts since 2019, Kia clearly thinks it’s time for a glow-up—and we’re not complaining.

Design: EV5 Vibes with a Splash of Swagger

Imagine the Kia Seltos binge-watched EV5 design tutorials and decided to hit the gym. The result? A bold, futuristic makeover while keeping its boxy OG charm intact. The new Seltos flexes angular cuts on its front and rear fascias, sleek LED headlamps with a connected strip, and tail-lamps that look like they’re auditioning for the next Tron movie.

The two-tone ORVMs and quirky diamond-cut alloy wheels scream, “Notice me, senpai!” And while it still fits snugly in its current dimensions, the new aesthetics lean more “sophisticated SUV” and less “mall parking lot filler.”

Under the Hood: Hybrid Dreams and Turbo Fever

Powertrain details are still under lock and key, but expect the usual suspects: turbo-petrol, turbo-diesel, and (drumroll) a petrol-hybrid option. Yep, Kia might finally be throwing a hybrid bone to India, a move that feels both eco-conscious and wallet-friendly. No EV variant yet, but with Kia’s electrification spree, we wouldn’t rule it out.

If you’re already imagining the petrol-hybrid zipping past traffic with a smug “I’m saving the planet” grin, same.

Interior: Techy and Tasteful

The cabin? Think EV3-inspired glow-up. The spy shots (blurry but tantalizing) hint at a multi-layered dashboard with LED ambient lighting, dual-tone upholstery, and orange accents that whisper premium. There’s also talk of a slick two-spoke steering wheel replacing the three-spoke classic—because why have three spokes when you can have two?

And don’t even get us started on the ambient lighting. It’s like Kia wants your SUV to moonlight as a nightclub.

When’s It Coming?

The next-gen Seltos will debut globally in mid-2025, with its India launch expected by late 2025 or early 2026. Kia isn’t stopping there, though. The carmaker plans to drop the Syros compact SUV (mark your calendar for December 19) and a Carens facelift plus an EV variant in 2025. Busy much, Kia?

The Big Question: Will It Be Worth the Wait?

If you’ve been eyeing the Creta and wondering if you should switch sides, the 2025 Seltos might just seal the deal. With EV5-inspired looks, hybrid options, and a cabin that could rival a tech startup’s HQ, it’s shaping up to be a segment disruptor.

So, while you wait, here’s a pro tip: start saving, because when this beauty hits showrooms, it’ll be hard to say no. And Hyundai, you might want to keep an eye on your sibling—they’re coming for your crown.