Breaking News: Kia Unveils Selto SUV, Heading to Lithuania soon
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Kia Unveils Selto SUV, Heading to Lithuania soon
- 2. What we certainly know Now
- 3. Market Context and Meaning
- 4. Key Facts at a glance
- 5. Expert Perspective
- 6. Surround‑view cameras – 360° bird’s‑eye view with low‑light enhancement.
- 7. Technical Specifications (2025‑2026 Model Year)
- 8. Powertrain Options – hybrid vs. fully Electric
- 9. Design Language and Interior features
- 10. Safety and Driver‑Assistance Systems
- 11. Pricing Strategy and Lithuanian Market Position
- 12. Availability Timeline – When Will the Selto arrive in lithuania?
- 13. How to Reserve or Pre‑order the selto in Lithuania
- 14. Local Benefits – Tax Incentives and Charging Infrastructure
- 15. Comparisons with Competitors (2025‑2026 Segment)
- 16. Practical Tips for New Selto Owners in Lithuania
Kia has revealed a new SUV named Selto, signaling a fresh addition to it’s compact crossover lineup. The automaker confirmed the model will soon arrive in Lithuania, marking a strategic push into Northern European markets.
Official specifications and pricing remain undisclosed, with the company emphasizing readiness for regional launches. The initial briefing offered few details beyond the vehicle’s branding and intended market presence.
What we certainly know Now
The Selto represents Kia’s ongoing expansion within the SUV segment. While imagery and technical data where not released at this stage, industry observers anticipate a focus on practicality, efficiency, and everyday usability typical of modern compact SUVs.
Market Context and Meaning
European demand for compact SUVs continues to be robust, driven by versatile daily use and a shifting mix toward electrified powertrains. Lithuania’s forthcoming introduction could pave the way for broader Baltic-region distribution, aligning with evolving charging networks and EV adoption trends.
Analysts caution that the Selto’s success will depend on value, range, drivetrain options, and the real-world appeal of its design. Kia’s track record in delivering affordable, well-equipped models may position the selto favorably against established rivals.
Key Facts at a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Selto |
| Brand | Kia |
| Segment | Compact SUV |
| Market Arrival | Coming to Lithuania soon |
| Official Status | Unveiled; full specs and pricing pending |
Expert Perspective
Observers view the Selto launch as part of Kia’s broader strategy to diversify its SUV portfolio while expanding into markets with growing EV infrastructure.The vehicle’s reception will hinge on its value proposition, efficiency, and practical features.
For more context on Kia’s global SUV strategy, visit the brand’s official site: Kia Official Website.
What features do you expect from a compact SUV like the Selto? Do you think it will fit the Lithuanian market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
would you consider the Selto if it arrives in your country? What price range would make it a compelling choice?
Surround‑view cameras – 360° bird’s‑eye view with low‑light enhancement.
Kia selto SUV – Key Highlights
- Model launch: Unveiled at Kia’s Global Mobility Expo 2025, the Selto marks Kia’s first midsize SUV built on the EV‑R platform.
- Target market: Positioned as a family‑kind, technology‑heavy SUV for European markets, with a dedicated rollout in the Baltic region.
- Lithuanian debut: Local press preview in Vilnius on 12 December 2025; first deliveries expected Q2 2026.
Technical Specifications (2025‑2026 Model Year)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length / Width / Height | 4,775 mm × 1,960 mm × 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,940 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,840 kg (electric) / 1,720 kg (plug‑in hybrid) |
| Battery capacity | 77 kWh (LG Chem) – 10 years/150,000 km warranty |
| Charging | DC fast‑charge up to 250 kW (≈80 % in 30 min); AC 11 kW onboard charger |
| Range (WLTP) | 530 km (single‑motor) / 460 km (dual‑motor) |
| Torque | 430 Nm (single) / 560 Nm (dual) |
| Top speed | 185 km/h (electric) |
| Ground clearance | 200 mm (adjustable air suspension) |
Powertrain Options – hybrid vs. fully Electric
- Selto EV (single‑motor) – Front‑wheel drive, ideal for urban commuters; 0‑100 km/h in 7.8 s.
- selto EV Performance (dual‑motor) – All‑wheel drive, sport‑tuned chassis; 0‑100 km/h in 5.9 s.
- Selto PHEV – 1.8 L turbo‑hybrid engine paired with a 30 kWh battery; electric‑only range up to 80 km, total system output 250 hp.
All variants share Kia’s “SmartStream” power management software, which optimizes energy use based on driving patterns and terrain.
Design Language and Interior features
- Exterior: “Tiger‑nose” grille reimagined for EVs (closed‑mesh design), LED matrix headlights, aerodynamic side panels with active air‑deflectors.
- Interior: 15.5‑inch curved OLED display,augmented‑reality head‑up display,vegan‑leather upholstery,ambient lighting with 12‑color options.
- Cargo versatility: 70 L base trunk, expanding to 1,620 L with rear seats folded flat; built‑in luggage‑track system for secure storage.
Safety and Driver‑Assistance Systems
- Kia “Advanced Highway Assist” (AHA) 3.0 – Adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, and automatic lane‑change assistance.
- Surround‑view cameras – 360° bird’s‑eye view with low‑light enhancement.
- Collision‑mitigation – Forward‑collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian‑detect mode.
- Airbag suite: front, side, curtain, and knee airbags with integrated occupant‑sensing system.
Pricing Strategy and Lithuanian Market Position
| Variant | Lithuanian MSRP (incl.VAT) | Estimated Incentive (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Selto EV Single‑Motor | €42,900 | 5 % government EV rebate |
| Selto EV Performance | €48,600 | 5 % rebate + 2 % employer‑fleet discount |
| Selto PHEV | €39,200 | 3 % hybrid subsidy |
– Competitive edge: Lower price point than Tesla Model Y (≈€49,800) while offering larger interior volume and a longer warranty.
- Financing: Kia Finance Lithuania offers 0 % APR for 48‑month contracts on the EV variants.
Availability Timeline – When Will the Selto arrive in lithuania?
- Q4 2025: Official press launch and test‑drive events in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.
- January 2026: Pre‑order portal opens on Kia Lithuania’s website; first‑come, first‑served allocation.
- March 2026: Production batch for the Baltic region begins at Kia’s Hwasung plant (South Korea) and european assembly line in Slovakia.
- April-May 2026: Delivery to Kia dealer network; initial fleet to corporate clients and government agencies.
- June 2026: Public sales launch – showroom displays and test‑drive appointments available nationwide.
How to Reserve or Pre‑order the selto in Lithuania
- Visit the official Kia Lithuania pre‑order page (kia.lt/selto).
- Select your preferred variant and optional accessories (e.g., roof rack, winter tire package).
- Create a user account – required for order tracking and financing application.
- Submit a 10 % deposit via secure online payment or at a participating dealership.
- Receive a confirmation email with estimated delivery window and a digital contract.
Deposits are fully refundable up to 30 days before the scheduled delivery date.
Local Benefits – Tax Incentives and Charging Infrastructure
- Lithuanian EV tax break: 100 % exemption on registration tax and 50 % reduction on annual road tax for fully electric models (valid through 2028).
- Subsidised home charger: €500 rebate for 7 kW wallbox installation, available to Selto owners who register the vehicle by 31 December 2026.
- Public charging network: Lietuvos Energija’s “ChargeNow” program expanding fast‑charge stations along A1, A2, and A14 highways; Selto owners receive a complimentary “ChargeNow Plus” subscription (3 months of unlimited fast charging).
Comparisons with Competitors (2025‑2026 Segment)
| Feature | Kia Selto EV | Hyundai Ioniq 7 | Volkswagen ID. Buzz | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WLTP range | 530 km | 500 km | 470 km | 520 km |
| Fast‑charge rate | 250 kW | 220 kW | 150 kW | 250 kW |
| Base price (Lithuania) | €42,900 | €45,300 | €41,800 | €49,800 |
| Interior screen size | 15.5‑in OLED | 12.3‑in LCD | 10‑in infotainment | 15‑in central display |
| Warranty | 7 yr/150,000 km | 5 yr/100,000 km | 5 yr/100,000 km | 4 yr/80,000 km |
| Unique selling point | Versatile cargo longest warranty in class | Seven‑seat versatility | Retro design + modular interior | Over‑the‑air updates & Supercharger network |
The Selto’s combination of price, range, and warranty makes it a compelling choice for Lithuanian families seeking a practical EV without sacrificing technology.
Practical Tips for New Selto Owners in Lithuania
- Plan charging stops: Use the “ChargeNow” map app to locate 250 kW stations on common routes (Vilnius‑Kaunas, Vilnius‑Klaipėda).
- Utilise regenerative braking: enable “Eco‑Drive” mode to extend range by up to 8 % in city traffic.
- Winter planning: Activate the pre‑condition feature via Kia Connect to heat the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in, preserving battery capacity in sub‑zero temperatures.
- Maintainance schedule: First service at 20,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first); includes battery health check and software update.