Hi, I am looking to buy a new car. I already own a Kia Carens Turbo petrol manual and have clocked 30,000 km in three years without any issues. I want to buy another new car, preferably a compact SUV, to drive in Bangalore. I really like the new Seltos, and I’m confused between the 1.5 NA iVT and the 1.5 Turbo IMT. I’m a bit sceptical about the IMT since it was discontinued by Hyundai. My purchase decision will be based on long-term ownership. Kindly provide your thoughts on the same.

Since you already own a turbo-petrol Kia Carens, chances are that you might find the 1.5 NA Petrol's performance a touch lacklustre in comparison. However, since you are looking for a city car, the Seltos Petrol IVT will do the job just fine. This combination is smooth and refined, and the automatic is seamless in its operation. It is an ideal combination for the city, and one we can easily recommend.The iMT, on the other hand, is paired to the turbo-petrol, and even though there is no clutch pedal, you still have to row through the gears manually. And while the gearshift action is smooth and effort-free, you don't get the absolute convenience of full automatic. So for an effort-free drive, go for the 1.5 Petrol IVT version instead.

If your monthly running is just 500km and all of it is in the city, a diesel car is not the best choice. Diesel cars are best suited for those who cover a lot of distance on a regular basis, as in that way you will recover the initial extra outlay that you pay when buying a diesel. There is also the matter of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which is a device that burns off trapped soot, but it does so only when it gets hot enough. Typically, this is when the car is driven at least once a week on a drive of more than 70 to 80 kms and at higher speeds around 55 to 60kph. If this is the case with you, then it should be fine; if not, you will get a prompt to do a DPF regeneration cycle with would involve a drive as stated above or idling the car for about 10 minutes with the engine above 2000rpm. Since you already have the Scorpio N, we would recommend you keep it for a while and see if this is an issue or not. In any case, keeping the car for a few more years will not greatly impact the resale value.

The choice of car really comes down to what you are looking for, without knowing this its hard to pinpoint one. If you drive mostly in the city, the Harrier would not be a good option. It is large, and even though the steering is light, the car does not really feel nimble. It is best suited for highways and longer drives. Between the Tata Sierra and the Kia Seltos, the Sierra has the more classical good looks, and you will also get more equipment like a three-screen setup, an air-purifier, a better-sounding audio system and a powered tailgate. However, you will have to pay more than the Seltos. Thus, if you are strict with your budget, then the Kia Seltos will be a good all-rounder.

The choice really comes down to what you are looking for from your car, and without knowing that its hard to pinpoint one. If you drive mainly in the city, we would rule out the Harrier. It is quite large, and though the steering on the petrol is light, on the whole, the car does not really feel nimble on its feet. It is best for highways and longer drives. Between the Tata Sierra and the Hyundai Creta, the Sierra has the advantage of newness and novelty value. You will also get more equipment, like a three-screen setup, a better-sounding audio system and a powered tailgate. However, you will have to pay more than Creta. Thus, if your budget is strict, then the Hyundai Creta will prove to be a very good all-rounder.