Kia India has commenced the year 2026 on a highly positive trajectory, achieving sales of 27,603 units in January. This performance underscores a significant 10.3 per cent year-on-year increase compared to the 25,025 units sold in January 2025, reflecting robust market momentum.
Month-on-Month Surge and Portfolio Strength
The company also witnessed a remarkable 47.9 per cent month-on-month growth from December 2025, when 18,659 units were dispatched. This sharp rebound indicates a strong recovery from the typical year-end slowdown, highlighting renewed consumer confidence and demand.
Kia attributed this success to consistent volumes across its diverse vehicle lineup. The all-new Seltos has garnered an enthusiastic market response, reinforcing its position as a key player in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. Simultaneously, the Sonet continues to perform strongly in the compact SUV category, maintaining Kia's presence in high-volume markets.
Expanding into Future-Ready Mobility
The Carens Clavis, along with its electric variant, the Clavis EV, has sustained healthy demand, bolstering Kia's footprint in the recreation vehicle and electric vehicle segments. This trend points to growing customer interest in versatile and sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with broader industry shifts towards electrification and multi-purpose vehicles.
Executive Insights and Strategic Focus
Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Kia India, commented on the monthly results, stating, "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."
He further emphasized, "This performance reinforces our focus on offering well-differentiated, future-ready products across segments, while consistently enhancing the overall ownership experience."
Enhanced Retail and Service Network
Sales were further supported by Kia India's extensive retail and service network, which now encompasses 841 touchpoints across 376 cities. This expansion brings the brand closer to customers in both major metropolitan areas and emerging markets, improving accessibility and service quality.
Additionally, the company's network of 122 Certified Pre-Owned outlets has played a crucial role in boosting customer confidence. These outlets facilitate seamless vehicle exchanges, instant payments, and smoother ownership transfers, enhancing the overall customer journey.
Spotlight on the New-Generation Seltos
The newly launched Seltos, priced from Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), features an all-new exterior design and a revamped interior layout packed with modern amenities. Based on the new K3 platform, the SUV's pricing ranges up to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Despite the platform update, the Seltos retains its familiar mechanical specifications. It offers three engine options:
- A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115hp and 144Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT gearbox.
- A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 160hp and 253Nm, paired with an IMT or a 7-speed DCT.
- A 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine generating 116hp and 250Nm, offered with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
This balanced approach ensures the Seltos caters to a wide range of customer preferences, from fuel efficiency to performance, solidifying its appeal in the dynamic automotive market.
