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Jerry

3w

I am planning to buy a new automatic car with a budget of ₹16.5 lakh. I am considering the Hyundai Creta EX optional IVT, Kia Seltos HTE optional, and Maruti Victoris VXi AT. Are these good options, or should I consider any other car?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w
The Kia Seltos HTE(O) is the pick of the three models on your shortlist. Its engine and gearbox (shared with the Creta) are very smooth and refined, and what also sets it apart is its spacious cabin, which is the roomiest of the three.
This Kia car also delivers the best ride comfort of the three SUVs. The HTE(O) gets its share of goodies, too, like a slick 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital dials, and will make you feel like you got the most for your money.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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Latest questions people are discussing

SG

Sunil Gunjal

3d

I am 62 years old. My driving is mostly on highways, and my yearly driving is about 10,000 km. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos HTK(O) automatic IVT petrol and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Neo Drive G automatic petrol. Please give suggestions between the two.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
22h

Of the two options you've shortlisted, the Kia Seltos HTK (O) with the CVT automatic is the better choice for you. It is more spacious and comfortable, and its powertrain is smoother and more powerful, too. Moreover, it is a newer car with a more up-market cabin, including modern tech and features. It's also far more spacious - both in the rear seat and the boot - and better for five passengers. It's an easy SUV to drive, too, with a tall seating position and good visibility.The one advantage the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has is that its real-world fuel efficiency is a bit better. But on every other front, the Kia Seltos comes out on top.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
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AV

Amit Verma

2d

Hi I am looking for a new petrol automatic car with a running of 70% city and 30% highway with strong road presence and milege should range in between 12 to 16 kmpl. I am confused in between Tata harrier petrol , new kia sealtos and scorpio N Please suggest which option to go for in a budget of 18 lacs

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

The cars you have shortlisted are very different, but based on your usage and your mileage requirement, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos with the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated engine paired to the IVT automatic.The new Seltos has grown in size compared to the previous generation, which not only improves interior space, comfort and boot capacity, but also gives it better road presence. While it lacks outright punch, for most real world conditions and sedate driving it has more than enough performance, both in the city and on the highway. The biggest strength of this powertrain is its refinement and smoothness, which makes the Seltos a pleasure to drive, especially in urban conditions. In terms of mileage, the Seltos with this engine and gearbox should come close to your requirement of 12 kmpl or more, something the other two cars are unlikely to achieve. You can get the HTK(O) variant in your budget which is well loaded with features too.The Tata Harrier petrol, on the other hand, is larger and has more presence, but it is also more expensive. In fact, the Harrier turbo petrol with the 6 speed automatic costs over Rs 20 lakh on road, which is more than Rs 2 lakh over your budget. Fuel efficiency will also be lower than the Kia’s, as the Harrier is heavier, more powerful, and turbo petrol engines are generally more sensitive to throttle inputs.This issue is even more pronounced in the Mahindra Scorpio N. It is the heaviest car here, uses a large turbo petrol engine producing over 200 PS, and while it delivers effortless performance, efficiency takes a hit. Being based on a ladder frame chassis, it is more rugged, but for everyday use it won’t be as comfortable as the other two. If you want to buy a Mahindra, we would suggest looking at the new 7XO instead, as it is more practical, more comfortable, and will also be more fuel efficient.

VehicleKia Seltos
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Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos

Posted on: 17 Jan 2026