I currently own a Grand i10 (2015 model). Planning to upgrade to a compact SUV (automatic). My budget is approximately ₹14 to 18 Lacs. The expected usage is up to 1,000 km per month, primarily on weekends within Mumbai, with occasional highway trips. Based on this, which option would you recommend? My shortlist: Brezza, Grand Vitara, Victoris, Creta, Seltos (2025), or Elevate?

•29w

The new Kia Seltos with the 1.5 petrol-automatic should be your top pick as it is the newest, most spacious, and most modern car, packing in all the latest in terms of tech and features. The powertrain is smooth, and it will serve your needs well on city and highway drives.

Prices of the 2025 Seltos 1.5 Petrol IVT will be revealed on January 2, 2026, but going by the variants revealed, Kia will introduce this powertrain across multiple variants, and this version should easily fit within your budget.

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•3d

As a first-time buyer, and with the BH passing budget of 11 Lakh on road, per year running will be 15K km (60% city, 40% highway), which car will be suitable for a family? I have shortlisted Brezza Zxi, Sonet HTK+ diesel, and Venue HX5 diesel. I am thinking in the long term. (10 yrs)

•9h

The Hyundai Venue Diesel is the better choice for this usage. With an annual running of around 15,000km, split between 60 percent city and 40 percent highway, a diesel is well-suited to the driving pattern. It will deliver excellent fuel efficiency on long highway drives while remaining refined and easy to drive in the city.For a first-time buyer planning to keep the car for around 10 years, the Venue also makes a strong ownership case. Hyundai has a widespread service network, the 1.5-litre diesel is a proven engine, and the Venue's compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in traffic while remaining comfortable enough for family trips.The Kia Sonet HTK+ Diesel uses the same engine and is a capable alternative. However, the Sonet is expected to be replaced next year, whereas the Venue is the newer product, making it the more sensible long-term buy. The Maruti Brezza ZXi continues to be an excellent petrol SUV with lower maintenance costs, but for your annual running and highway usage, the diesel Venue is better aligned with your requirements and will be more fuel efficient on longer journeys.

I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around Rs. 22–23 lakh. I am confused between the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI Prestige AT, the Kia Seltos HTX IVT, and the Kia Seltos HTX DCT. My usage is around 50 - 100 km per month in the city, along with a 1,500 km highway trip once every quarter. Which car would you recommend for my needs?

•20h

Given your usage, go for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering you have extremely low city running and the occasional long, infrequent highway trip, in this scenario, the naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT automatic is the most sensible choice. It is smooth, reliable and stress-free in the city, and on the highway, it is relaxed and easy to live with. The Turbo DCT variant is not the right fit for your usage - DCTs are best suited to buyers who want a sporty driving experience and are willing to accept the higher complexity and potential long-term maintenance costs that come with the technology. Plus, the 1.5 turbo engine won't be as efficient in the city, and the DCT nowhere near as smooth. The Kushaq 1.0 TSI Prestige AT is a good car and packs a surprising punch, but the 1.0 TSI is not as refined or as effortless as the Seltos 1.5 IVT, and the Seltos offers a more premium and spacious cabin. The Seltos HTX IVT is the most balanced and ownership-friendly option for your needs.

Kia Seltos

•5d

Hello team, I'm planning to buy a Kia Seltos Petrol Manual and am confused between the HTK and HTK (O) variants. My monthly usage will be less than 1,000 km. Most of my driving is within Hyderabad, mainly on weekends. However, I also take 4 - 5 long highway trips every year with my family of four, and each trip is typically over 1,000 km. Considering my usage pattern, which variant offers the best value for money - HTK or HTK (O)? I'd really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you!

•11h

The Kia Seltos HTK (O) Petrol Manual is the better value for this usage. With monthly running of less than 1,000km and predominantly city driving, a petrol engine is the right choice, while the Seltos' naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine offers a smooth, reliable and low-maintenance ownership experience. It is also comfortable enough for the occasional 1,000 km-plus family road trip.The additional features on the HTK (O) do add to the ownership experience, but not all of them are equally important. The front parking sensors are genuinely useful in daily city driving, and the wireless charger is a convenient feature to have. The panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, sporty pedals and LED personal lamps are more about enhancing the cabin ambience than adding functionality.If the price difference is manageable and the car will be kept for five years or more, the HTK (O) is worth stretching for, as it will feel more special to own and should also be a little more desirable in the used car market. However, if the premium is significant and those additional comfort features are not a priority, the HTK remains the better value buy because the core driving experience, safety and mechanical package are identical.

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•4d

I am planning to purchase a new SUV. I have shortlisted two vehicles. Toyota Hyryder non-hybrid top model (manual) and Kia Seltos manual top model. Which one should I prefer? My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms.

•3d

With a daily running of just 10-15km, there's little benefit in stretching to a strong hybrid, and since you've shortlisted the non-hybrid Hyryder, the Seltos is the more complete package. It offers a more premium cabin, better performance from its naturally aspirated petrol engine, a stronger feature list and an overall more polished driving experience.The Toyota Hyryder still has its strengths. Toyota's reputation for reliability and aftersales support is second to none, and if long-term peace of mind is your top priority, it remains a very sensible choice. However, the non-hybrid petrol doesn't offer a significant efficiency advantage over the Seltos, so you miss out on the biggest reason to buy a Hyryder in the first place.Given your low running, we'd simply choose the SUV that you enjoy driving and living with every day. The Seltos also feels a little more modern inside and delivers a better overall ownership experience without asking you to compromise on reliability.

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•6d

Hi, I am planning to buy an EV car between 10 and 15 lakh. I already have a Baleno, so I am looking for a second car. I am confused between the new Tiago EV, Punch EV and 3XO EV, which is slightly above my budget. I will be driving around 100 km daily. Please share your suggestion.

•6d

Pick the Tata Punch EV. For a 100 km daily run as a second car, its bigger battery gives you a safer buffer than the Tiago EV, and the higher ground clearance makes bad roads, speed breakers and monsoons less stressful.If you have parking with a 15A socket, the Punch EV’s mid-battery version will comfortably handle your commute with overnight top-ups and still leave range in hand for errands.Go Tiago EV only if the price is tight and you’re disciplined about charging daily. It’s easy to drive and cheap to run, but 100 km days will leave a thin cushion once you add AC, traffic and battery ageing.

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•2d

Please suggest a car between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in a budget of 16-18 L?

•2d

Go for the Kia Seltos. While they are both similar SUVs that use the same engines, the Seltos is a larger vehicle built on a newer platform. It thus offers better space and comfort, as well as new-generation tech, which the Creta will only get when its next-gen model is launched in 2027. It also has a higher-quality interior with better fit and finish. Depending on the engine, gearbox and variant you choose, you may find a few more features in the equivalent Creta compared to the Seltos, but overall value for money, the Seltos should still come out on top, considering its inherent benefits. That said, some reasons you might want to opt for the Creta is because you already own a Hyundai and are already in their system, and have an established relationship with the service centre. Also, if you are planning to exchange your i20, ask the dealer for a loyalty bonus or any other deal they might have; this could swing the purchase in favour of the Creta.

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Posted on: 20 Dec 2025