I am planning to buy a new automatic SUV with a budget of around ₹16 lakh. I am considering the Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, and the new Skoda Kushaq. My driving will be around 80% in the city, and I am looking for a car with a good performance engine and decent mileage. Which of these options would be the best choice for my requirements?

Autocar India

•55s

You should consider the Kia Seltos IVT for your requirements. The SUV is powered by a refined 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that's mated to a smooth CVT automatic gearbox. As for the efficiency, we managed 10.31kpl in the city and 14.22kpl out on the highway, in our real-world mileage tests.

The Kia Seltos also comes with a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a long list of features. Given your budget, go for the Seltos IVT HTE (O) variant, which costs Rs 15.55 lakh (on-road Delhi).

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Latest questions people are discussing

Krishna Mohan

•1d

I am looking for a comfortable 5-seater with a spacious and comfortable rear seat. My usage will be around 80% in Bangalore city and 20% on highways. I am currently choosing between the Kia Seltos HTX IVT and the Tata Harrier Adventure X Plus. Which one should I prefer if I plan to keep the car for the long term? Please also consider resale value in your recommendation. If there are any other vehicles in a similar price range that I should consider, please suggest them as well. Thank you.

Autocar India

•1d

Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering that 80% of your usage will be in Bangalore city, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT transmission is a very good combination. The gearbox is smooth and makes the car extremely easy to drive in heavy traffic conditions, which is important for everyday city commutes.The Seltos is also easier to drive and park in the city compared to the larger Tata Harrier. In addition, Kia generally has a more consistent ownership and service experience, which is something that becomes important when you are planning to keep the car for the long term. From a resale perspective as well, the Seltos tends to hold its value well.The Tata Harrier does offer a wider rear seat and a more spacious cabin, so if rear seat comfort for three adults on long trips is your absolute priority, it does have an advantage there. However, considering your usage is mostly in the city, the Seltos will be the easier and more practical car to live with.

Kia New Seltos

Tata Harrier

P Kumar

•1w

I am planning to buy the Kia Seltos HTX (A) with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and automatic transmission. What are your thoughts on this variant? Is it a good choice, or would you recommend any other cars in the same segment?

Autocar India

•23h

The Kia Seltos with the 1.5 NA petrol engine is a nice pick if you are not necessarily looking for exciting performance. Power delivery is smooth, refinement is good, and there's enough performance for average city driving. There is enough power for gentle cruising on the highway, too. You will miss the punch from the engine when you want a fast overtake, though. The 1.5 NA petrol engine works particularly well with the IVT auto gearbox. If it's a punchy performance you are looking for, the Seltos with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is worth a look. Alternatives include Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, whose 1.0-litre/ 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines feel strong and exciting.

Gaurav SHRIVASTAVA

I am currently evaluating two SUVs and am a bit confused about which one to choose: the Tata Harrier Petrol Adventure Plus or the new Kia Seltos HTX (A). Which one should I go for between the Tata Harrier Petrol Adventure Plus and the Kia Seltos HTX (A)? Please help me make a more confident decision.

Autocar India

•55s

Both these SUVs are solid picks, and choosing between them boils down to your priorities. The Tata Harrier is the physically larger SUV of the two and therefore has more interior space and a more commanding road presence. The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine offers refined and effortless performance, and the 6-speed torque converter is smooth in operation. Ride quality and high-speed stability are also exceptionally good, making it a superb highway cruiser.The Kia Seltos is the newer of the two and has a more modern interior and exterior design. In the variants you've chosen, it is also better equipped, getting features like ventilated front seats, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, a better sound system and more ADAS features. Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol offers similar refinement and performance to the Harrier, but the DCT isn’t as smooth-shifting as the Tata’s torque-converter automatic. Kia also has a better reputation for after-sales service and should have better resale value.If the Harrier’s road presence, ride comfort and smooth automatic are important to you, then pick the Harrier. However, if features and after-sales service matter more, the Kia Seltos is the better bet.

Tata Harrier

Kia New Seltos

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