Kamal Ghorui
Kia India has kicked off 2026 on a positive note, posting sales of 27,603 units in January, driven largely by strong demand for the new-generation Seltos. The figure marks a 10.3 per cent year-on-year growth over the 25,025 units sold in January 2025. Kia also recorded a sharp 47.9 per cent month-on-month rise compared to the 18,659 units dispatched in December 2025, pointing to a strong rebound in demand after the typical year-end slowdown.The company said that January sales were supported by consistent volumes across the range, with the all-new Seltos receiving a positive market response, the Sonet continuing its strong run in the compact SUV segment, and the Carens Clavis, along with the Clavis EV, maintaining healthy demand. While the new-generation Seltos builds on its standing as a major player in the mid-size SUV space and is expected to drive Kia India’s next phase of growth, the Sonet has helped sustain the brand’s presence in the high-volume category. Meanwhile, the Carens range has reinforced Kia’s footprint in the recreation vehicle and electric vehicle segments, pointing to rising customer interest in versatile and future-ready mobility options.
Commenting on the monthly performance, Mr Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India said, “The encouraging start to 2026 reflects the continued trust customers place in the Kia brand. The positive response to the new-generation Seltos, steady demand for the Sonet, and growing popularity of the Carens Clavis and Clavis EV, underline the strength and balance of our portfolio. This performance reinforces our focus on offering well-differentiated, future-ready products across segments, while consistently enhancing the overall ownership experience”Sales were also supported by Kia India’s expanding retail and service network, which now spans 841 touchpoints across 376 cities, helping bring the brand closer to customers across both major metros and emerging markets. In addition, the company’s network of 122 Certified Pre-Owned outlets has aided customer confidence by offering seamless exchanges, instant payments and smoother ownership transfers.Talking about the newly launched Seltos, it’s priced from Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The second-gen Seltos brings an all-new design outside, a new interior layout with tons of new-age features, and is also based on the new K3 platform. The prices for the SUV start from Rs 10.99 lakh and go up to Rs 19.99 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom).Even though the Seltos is based on the new K3 platform, mechanically, it remains the same as before. It continues to get three engine options – a 1.5-litre NA petrol with 115hp/144Nm that’s offered with either a 6-speed MT or a CVT gearbox, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 160hp/253 nm that’s offered with an IMT or a 7-speed DCT. Another engine is a 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 116 hp/250 nm that gets a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
