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I previously owned a 2015 Honda City, which I recently sold due to its low ground clearance. After that, I test-drove the 2026 Kia Seltos CVT and the Victoris Mild Hybrid AT. I liked the Seltos overall, especially the smoothness of its transmission. With the Victoris, however, I don’t feel very confident during overtaking, as the throttle response does not feel immediate. My main concern with the Seltos is the lack of digital automatic climate control in the HTK variant. I am not sure why such a basic feature is missing at this price point. To get it, I would need to upgrade to the HTX variant, which costs around ₹3 lakh more. Even the ventilated seats in the HTX do not feel very effective to me. In comparison, the ventilated seats in the Creta feel noticeably better. I am not sure why the Seltos does not offer a similar experience. Because of this, I am unsure whether it makes sense to spend an additional ₹3 lakh on the Seltos. My daily commute is 60 km in Chennai city traffic, monthly usage is around 1,200 km, and I take long trips 2 to 3 times a year. The key factors that I am considering are: a good feature set that justifies the price paid (my Honda City had automatic climate control with digital temperature display, cruise control, and other standard features, mileage, safety, comfort, and resale value. I have already sold my Honda City. Should I wait for the upcoming Duster or any other new models? Are there any other cars I should consider? My budget can stretch up to ₹20 lakh on-road.

Asked by: Hariharan
The Kia Seltos Petrol-IVT is an excellent midsize SUV that's modern, smooth and very comfortable. If you liked the overall experience, we'd suggest you go ahead with it.
The HTK variant is good value for money, and is very well-equipped with LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, electric mirrors, rear AC vents, tyre pressure monitor and keyless entry with proximity sensors, among others. Yes, it misses automatic climate control, which is a glaring exclusion.  
However, as you've rightly pointed out, you will have to stretch a fair bit for the higher variants, and unless you really want the extra features, you could consider compromising on climate control and save your money by sticking to the HTK variant.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team7 Feb' 26

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Asked by: Hariharan

I previously owned a 2015 Honda City, which I recently sold due to its low ground clearance. After that, I test-drove the 2026 Kia Seltos CVT and the Victoris Mild Hybrid AT. I liked the Seltos overall, especially the smoothness of its transmission. With the Victoris, however, I don’t feel very confident during overtaking, as the throttle response does not feel immediate. My main concern with the Seltos is the lack of digital automatic climate control in the HTK variant. I am not sure why such a basic feature is missing at this price point. To get it, I would need to upgrade to the HTX variant, which costs around ₹3 lakh more. Even the ventilated seats in the HTX do not feel very effective to me. In comparison, the ventilated seats in the Creta feel noticeably better. I am not sure why the Seltos does not offer a similar experience. Because of this, I am unsure whether it makes sense to spend an additional ₹3 lakh on the Seltos. My daily commute is 60 km in Chennai city traffic, monthly usage is around 1,200 km, and I take long trips 2 to 3 times a year. The key factors that I am considering are: a good feature set that justifies the price paid (my Honda City had automatic climate control with digital temperature display, cruise control, and other standard features, mileage, safety, comfort, and resale value. I have already sold my Honda City. Should I wait for the upcoming Duster or any other new models? Are there any other cars I should consider? My budget can stretch up to ₹20 lakh on-road.

The Kia Seltos Petrol-IVT is an excellent midsize SUV that's modern, smooth and very comfortable. If you liked the overall experience, we'd suggest you go ahead with it.The HTK variant is good value for money, and is very well-equipped with LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, electric mirrors, rear AC vents, tyre pressure monitor and keyless entry with proximity sensors, among others. Yes, it misses automatic climate control, which is a glaring exclusion. However, as you've rightly pointed out, you will have to stretch a fair bit for the higher variants, and unless you really want the extra features, you could consider compromising on climate control and save your money by sticking to the HTK variant.
AI
Autocar India team
7 Feb' 26
Asked by: Samudra Sonowal

I own a 2022 Tata Altroz NA and want to upgrade to a bigger car that comfortably seats five people, within a budget of around ₹22 lakh. The Altroz has a very low driver's seating position, which caused backache on long drives, especially considering my height of 6 feet. It also felt a bit underpowered. For my next car, I am confused between the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 variant, the new Kia Seltos HTX variant, and the upcoming Renault Duster. My daily driving will include both city and highway usage, with occasional trips to the hills. Please compare these cars and suggest the most suitable option in terms of comfort, engine power and refinement, mileage, and maintenance cost. Also, should I now be considering a turbo engine instead of a naturally aspirated one, and should I opt for a manual or automatic transmission?

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the most spacious and comfortable of the three options you are considering. The front seats are large and supportive, and the driver's seat is height-adjustable with soft cushioning and good support, which results in comfortable seating for taller adults. The rear seats are also very comfortable, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom for tall passengers. The 7XO is also the most powerful of the three options, and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is very refined. It is also quite efficient, and you can expect a mileage of around 10-12kpl in the city and 14-16kpl on the highway.The Kia Seltos is a good option if you want a more compact SUV. It is not as spacious as the XUV 7XO, but it is still quite comfortable. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is very refined and quite efficient. The Seltos is packed with features, but it just does not have the performance and comfort of the 7XO.The Renault Duster is the least spacious of the three options, and it is also the least powerful. We are yet to drive it, so we will reserve our comments until we do so. Overall, our pick would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO for its strong performance, excellent ride comfort, spacious interiors and a feature-rich cabin.
AI
Autocar India team
7 Feb' 26
Asked by: Mohd

Hello experts, I am at a juncture where I could possibly buy a German car. I am interested in the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3 (all diesel variants). Which offers better value and ease of maintenance? Kindly suggest if that would be a good buy. My budget is around 30 lakh.

While you can get a used Porsche Cayenne diesel in your budget of Rs 30 lakh, you will get a much older model, likely with many kilometres on the odometer and perhaps not in the best condition. Also, while the car's price might be low, you would still be paying Porsche prices for parts and servicing, which is at a premium compared to the other German brands, and requires specialised service centres. Hence, while tempting, a used diesel Porsche could be a costly affair in the long run.Definitely stick with either a Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, where you will find newer, lower-mileage examples within your budget. Both are easy enough to service, and choosing which is a matter of preference, car condition, and which one you can find a good local mechanic to service better. If you like to drive, we recommend the BMW X3 for its sharp handling and free-revving diesel engine.
AI
Autocar India team
7 Feb' 26
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