I am confused between the 1.5 NA with IVT and the 1.5 turbo with 7-speed DCT. My usage will be mainly in the city, but after 1.5 years, it will be around 70% highway driving between Gurgaon and Delhi, with the rest in the city. I prefer a jerk-free drive, reliability, and a good overall driving experience.

Autocar India

•11w

While you haven't specified which car you are buying, we assume this choice is for either the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Kia Carens Clavis. Whichever the case, given your usage and requirements, we recommend the 1.5 IVT.

The Hyundai/Kia CVT gearbox, which uses a chain drive, feels more robust and responsive than others that use a belt-drive system, and the 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine feels more than sufficient for city or highway use. Yes, of course, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is more powerful and more exciting, but the 7-speed DCT gearbox is simply too jerky in low-speed use, which becomes frustrating after a while. In the long run, this gearbox will likely require more maintenance than the IVT, too.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Creta

from ₹12.78 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

Kia

Carens Clavis

from ₹13.27 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Shashank

•1w

Hello experts, I want to know if the new Duster 1L turbo engine will be good for city driving, or if it will feel underpowered, as my driving is 85% in the city.

Autocar India

•3h

The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

ravi sharma

I am replacing my 10-year-old manual transmission 1.5-litre diesel Creta, driven over 2 lakh km, due to the manual and the 10-year NCR policy. Which car should I buy? My driving is about 1,600 km per month, with 40 km daily in no-traffic city conditions and a long highway run of approximately 500 km per month. I am confused between the Creta petrol CVT and the Creta TC. I am also keen on the Kylaq, as most of the driving is done by a single person, with a 500 km run by me, my wife, and my 8-year, 3-year, and 3-month-old children.

Autocar India

•2d

The Hyundai Creta CVT is the pick of the vehicles on your shortlist. It has a very smooth engine and gearbox combination and is a full-size larger than the Skoda Kylaq. The larger cabin will prove to be more comfortable for your kids as they grow.You could also consider the new Kia Seltos CVT. It's more refined, comfortable and spacious than the Creta. However, it is also significantly longer than the Creta, in case that is a concern for you.

Santosh

I am planning to buy a car and need help choosing the right option. My primary usage will be for office commuting and family trips, with an average monthly running of over 1,000 km on a mix of highway, city, and village roads. Considering this, should I opt for an electric vehicle to reduce high fuel costs, or go for a diesel vehicle? I previously used a Ford Figo Aspire diesel for 11 years. Please suggest the best vehicle option based on reliability, economy, and premium interiors for long-distance comfort.

Autocar India

•1d

Choose the Hyundai Creta diesel automatic; with your 1,000+km/month across city, highway and village roads, it offers strong low-end torque, good ground clearance, a comfortable cabin, and proven nationwide service.For your usage pattern, a diesel makes more sense than an EV. The Creta diesel offers good fuel efficiency, the automatic is smooth and easy to use, and the compliant suspension handles rough village roads quite well. Cabin quality, space and seat comfort are also well suited to long trips.The one thing you give up is the ultra-low running cost of an EV. If you can install a home charger and typically travel less than 250km between fast chargers, then consider the Tata Nexon EV with the larger 45kWh battery.On the test drive, do a sustained 80-90kph run and a rough-road loop; check cabin noise, automatic creep in traffic, and confirm extended warranty (five to seven years) and service package pricing with the dealer.

Hyundai Creta

Tata Nexon EV

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