I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around ₹15 lakh. I am a 30-year-old buyer and am confused between the Hyundai Verna SX+ (which is my favourite) and the new Kia Seltos HTE(O) automatic. I am concerned about the mileage of the Verna, while the Seltos offers fewer features like no sunroof or alloy wheels, and I am also unsure about its service experience. My usage will be mostly city driving in the Delhi NCR region, primarily on weekends.

autocar.india

•1h

You have bought the right car for your original usage, and you do not need to worry about the DCT in the Venue N6. Modern DCTs are far more robust than older units, and Hyundai cars have significantly improved over years. Even in Bangalore traffic, the transmission is designed to handle stop-and-go conditions without overheating under normal use. As a preventive measure though, shift to neutral and hold the brake when the vehicle is at a standstill for a long while, rather than leaving it in 'D'. Also, on an incline, use the brakes to hold the car rather than letting it inch forward. These small steps should ensure good health for your transmission, and chances of overheating will minimize.A CVT would have been the better choice if your usage was almost entirely city traffic, as it is smoother at low speeds. But for your mix of highway and city driving, the DCT is the better all-rounder. You have made a good choice, and there is no need to second-guess it.

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•2d

Pick the Hyundai Verna. Coming from a City, you’ll appreciate the airy cabin, big rear seat and boot, and the way it smooths out rough patches. You said you’ll use it frequently, and the Verna feels secure and relaxed at highway speeds while still being easy in tight city gaps, so it won’t feel like a step down from your Honda on the daily grind. It's also well equipped, and you get a choice of two distinct petrol engines, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The former is the better all-rounder, smoother and lighter on the pocket, with the better auto gearbox - a CVT. The latter is punchier but drinks noticeably more fuel and gets a clunkier DCT gearbox. If your usage is mostly on the highway, the turbo petrol might make sense, but in most cases, the regular 1.5 petrol is better.The Skoda and Volkswagen are also excellent choices, especially if you enjoy driving. Their turbo engines are punchy, though they are also heavy drinkers if you are not careful, and Skoda/VW service is not quite as bulletproof as Hyundai's. Moreover, both sedans are due for a facelift very soon, so we would recommend waiting to see what's in store before taking the plunge. If you're in a hurry, though, the Verna is the safer bet.

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•3d

Pick the Honda City automatic for your mix of Chennai crawl and marathon Kerala runs. The City rides a touch comfier over broken roads and has a more natural steering feel, which matters on a 1,000 km day when you are tired and just want an easy, steady car.The Hyundai Verna 1.5T DCT is the faster car and feels nicer on open roads, no question. But a dual-clutch can hesitate at times in stop-and-go traffic, whereas the City's CVT is seamless.If you crave the Verna’s shove for quick highway overtakes, it is tempting. Just be honest about your daily crawl. For hassle-free city use and relaxed long drives after 11 years in a Jazz, the City will feel familiar, calmer and easier to live with.

Honda City

Hyundai Verna