The 2026 Kia Seltos Diesel is likely to feature a 7-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel efficiency, and refined performance. Check out all details on specs, features, and how it compares with rivals like Hyundai Creta and Tata Curvv.
New-Gen Kia Seltos Coming Soon with Major Upgrades
The Seltos diesel 7-speed AT would be a high-quality product in the kala of the mid SUV market Kia is preparing the new-gen Seltos which, presumably, will be released shortly. Spies of the test mules in the recent months have shown that the new model is bound to get several updates in both the exteriors and the interiors. Our sources have given us the latest development, in that the new-gen Kia Seltos may have an option of 7-speed AT transmission with 1.5-litre diesel engine. Give us some more information about this tale.
Engine Specifications and Transmission Details
New-gen Kia Seltos 1.5-L diesel 7 AT Existing Kia Seltos 1.5-L diesel is available with transmission of 6MT and 6AT. This engine produces 116 PS, and 250 Nm of torque. The new-gen Seltos will be provided with 7-speed AT with the 1.5-litre diesel engine. It will be an upgrade in segment, unlike the current 6AT transmission.
Advantages of the 7-Speed Diesel Automatic
2026 Kia Seltos Diesel Spied. Credit – Ayush There are several advantages that can be received with the 7AT diesel version. An example is that the noise and vibrations would be minimized. This would guarantee easier highways and less noise in the cabin. It will also have a 7 th gear enabling low RPM cruising. This will in turn assist in enhancement of fuel efficiency.
The other possible advantage may be faster mid-range response. The SUV will be able to act more maneuverably in the traffic environment since there will be closer gear ratios between the 3 rd -5 th gear since a 7-gear setup will be available. The 7-gear system might also help to decrease the level of emissions, which will enable the SUV to meet the higher standards of the appropriate norms that will be implemented in the future. Kia would tend to evolve the 7-speed AT to adapt to the Indian driving conditions and overcome the extreme weather conditions instead of adapting to the different extreme weather conditions.
Rival SUVs and Diesel Segment Comparison
The diesel powertrains find it difficult and expensive to comply with the stricter emission norms. Therefore, the number of diesel offerings in the mass-market segments is lower. Hyundai Creta is the existing market leader in the 4.2 to 4.4m SUV segment. The Creta 1.5-litre diesel has 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic as options of transmission, which is also similar to the current Kia Seltos.
Future of Diesel SUVs in India
Other segment bestsellers are Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara. Both these SUVs do not have an option of a diesel engine. This is also the case with the new Maruti Victoris. Honda Elevate has a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT automatic transmission.
There are petrol and diesel engines of Tata Curvv. The 1.5-litre diesel has 118 PS and 260 Nm of torque. It has transmission options of 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCA. VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are other famous SUVs within this segment and they are provided with petrol engines. Future Tata Sierra will probably receive an option of diesel engine, probably the 2.0-litre variant of Tata Harrier.
