I am looking for a feature-rich, comfortable petrol automatic SUV for self-driving, primarily for city use of around 300 km per month. It should comfortably accommodate five adults. My maximum budget is ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai). Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•24m

Go with the Kia Seltos 1.5-litre IVT. The HTK trim with the automatic costs Rs 14.39 lakh ex-showroom and comes very well equipped with features such as alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch HD infotainment system with six speakers, cruise control, and rear-seat sunshades. If you can stretch to Rs 15.49 lakh ex-showroom for the HTK (O), you will get a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and more.

For your limited usage with five adults, the 1.5-litre engine offers adequate performance, while the IVT automatic is seamless in operation. The cabin is also quite comfortable and can accommodate five passengers with ease. However, the Tata Sierra offers even more space in the rear seat and is a good option if that is a priority. That said, performance from the Sierra's 1.5 NA engine and DCT combination is lackluster.

Visit the showroom with your family members to check if they are comfortable with the space inside, and take a test drive to see if the performance is adequate with passengers on board.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.60 Lakh

Recommended questions for you

Abby

•2d

I am currently driving a 2020 Honda Amaze and am looking to upgrade my car. My usage is 95% city driving, with around 500 km per month. My budget is approximately ₹20 lakh, including the exchange value of my current car. Which car would you recommend for me, considering I live in Mumbai?

Autocar India

•21h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX with the 1.5-litre engine mated to the IVT automatic. Since 95 percent of your driving is in the city, you will appreciate its smooth and easy-to-drive nature.The 1.5-litre engine is very refined, and the IVT makes good use of the available power. It feels responsive to light throttle inputs in city traffic and offers adequate performance for most scenarios. It also simulates shifts in eight steps, so it feels more natural than most CVTs and doesn’t exhibit too much of the rubber-band effect you might have experienced with your Honda Amaze CVT. The Seltos is also thoroughly modern inside and out and packed with features, so it will feel like a big step up from your Amaze.The one thing you will compromise on is outright performance; the 1.5-litre petrol with a CVT prioritises smoothness, so quick highway overtakes above 80kph are not exactly effortless. If that is a concern, then consider the turbo-petrol Seltos instead.During the test drive, crawl in stop-go traffic to assess creep and throttle response, and check steering lightness and ride comfort.

Honda Amaze

Anwesh

•1d

I am planning to purchase a new vehicle with a maximum on-road budget of ₹18 lakh in Hyderabad. My daily usage is quite high, averaging around 160 km, with a significant portion of driving on highways. I am specifically looking for a diesel vehicle with a manual transmission, preferably in the above 4-meter segment. My primary priorities are safety and fuel efficiency, given my extensive daily commute. However, with the wide range of options available in this category, I am finding it difficult to shortlist the most suitable car. I am currently looking at the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta. I would appreciate your expert recommendation to help me make an informed decision.

Autocar India

•2h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX 1.5 diesel MT variant, which comes in just under Rs 18 lakh on-road. Since your usage is very high, the refined and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine is a good choice. Your requirement for top-notch safety is met, too, with the Seltos being the current highest-scoring ICE SUV rated by Bharat NCAP.This Kia car also gets features like alloy wheels, keyless entry and a rear wash-wipe that the similarly priced Tata Sierra Pure does not offer. With your high usage, you will also find Kia’s unlimited kilometre warranty useful.Where the Sierra betters the Seltos is in interior space. If the space in the Seltos is not sufficient for your needs, then consider the Sierra instead. On the test drive, check if refinement, highway cruising ability and seat comfort are satisfactory for your long commutes.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Sohil

•3d

My budget is ₹18-20 lakh. Requirements: automatic, Android Auto, comfortable for five people. The only car that I have liked so far is the Kia Seltos, but the waiting period is over 10 weeks. Are there any other cars with a similar width to the Seltos?

Autocar India

•1d

In terms of width and interior space for five occupants, the Tata Sierra is a good choice for your needs.Your key requirement is space for five, similar to the Seltos. The Sierra is only about 10mm wider than the Seltos, but crucially, it is 80mm longer and can comfortably seat five. It is also comparable to the Kia Seltos in terms of powertrains, ride and handling, features and safety.However, the Sierra is in high demand, and waiting periods could be similar to or even longer than those of the Seltos, depending on the variant. If that is a concern, then consider the Tata Harrier.On the test drive, seat three adults in the rear and do a 10km loop. Check shoulder room, noise levels and suspension comfort with the car fully loaded.

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

Kia Seltos

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