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Mumbai
SG

Sathyamurthy G

•3d

I am strongly considering the Kia Seltos 1.5T iMT HTE(O). It fits my budget, offers good performance, and the features are reasonable. I am choosing iMT as my usage is 70% city driving in Bangalore and 30% highway.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•30m
Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5T iMT HTE(O). For 70% Bangalore city use and 30% highway runs, it blends strong turbo performance with clutchless convenience, 6 airbags, and practical space.
With 70/30 city-highway, the 6‑speed iMT suits Bengaluru traffic by removing the clutch while keeping manual control for open‑road stretches, and the turbo’s strong mid‑range helps quick gaps and overtakes, especially on the highway and open stretches. You do need to get used to the iMT, of course, and remember that it's not a very quick shifter, so you can't rush through shifts. That aside, it works very well, especially in normal, relaxed driving conditions.
The one thing you give up is a true automatic. You still shift gears yourself, which can feel tiring in prolonged 5-10 kph bumper‑to‑bumper crawls. Thus, if you want a fully automatic car, without the hassle of even shifting gears, consider the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Seltos that's coupled to a CVT or IVT in Kia speak.
The engine and gearbox combo is quite smooth, and for everyday driving, it does really well. You will give up some power compared to the turbo engine, but your real-world efficiency could be higher as a turbo-petrol's efficiency is very sensitive to driving style.
Kia Seltos

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JR

Jagan Rama Mohan

•1w

Can you please help me choose between the Kia Seltos automatic petrol and the Creta automatic petrol? My usage is hardly below 10,000 km per year in city and highway. Please guide me.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•3h

The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are closely related models and share much under the skin, such as engines, gearboxes and other key components. However, the new Seltos launched in 2026 is built on a new-gen platform, while the Hyundai Creta (that has been on sale since 2020) continues on the older platform.The Seltos' new platform comes with the promise of enhanced refinement, improved comfort and more tech. Further, the new Seltos is also larger than the Hyundai Creta and offers more space on the inside. Add it all up, and the Kia Seltos offers a more future-proof and complete package for similar money. Do note that the all-new Creta, built on the same new-gen platform as the Seltos, comes in early 2027.

VehicleKia Seltos
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PR

Praneeth

•4d

I need some help in choosing my first car. I live in Hyderabad, in the IT area. My usage might be 60:40 city and highway. I’m looking for a top petrol automatic variant. I have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Sierra, and narrowed it down to the Kia Seltos GTX(A) DCT variant. Recently, I saw the new Renault Duster and Skoda Kushaq as well. Can you suggest what I should do?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•5h

Since you have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the Tata Sierra, it would be wise to check out the others in your shortlist too, namely the Renault Duster and the Skoda Kushaq. Checking out your options is always wise, especially when the purchase is of high value.If interior space and features are a key criterion, then the Duster and Kushaq aren't really better off than the Seltos. However, where the Duster and the Kushaq are really good is if you enjoy driving, as both SUVs have responsive engines and provide an entertaining handling feel with good road grip and body control around corners.

VehicleRenault Duster
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VehicleKia Seltos
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EC

Eswaran Chidambaram

•1w

I am looking for a car with a ₹23 to ₹24 lakh budget. I am satisfied with the Seltos, considering its reliability when compared to the Tata Sierra. However, I am confused between the DCT turbo and the IVT naturally aspirated petrol. My usage is 40% city and 60% highway. How reliable are DCTs in Kia and Hyundai cars in recent times?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

Since most of your usage is on the highway, the Kia Seltos turbo-petrol DCT is a better choice than the naturally aspirated engine with the IVT. While the NA IVT combo is adequate in the city, you may find performance somewhat lacking compared to the turbo-petrol.In terms of reliability, the DCTs used in Hyundai and Kia cars have generally proven to be quite reliable. Some owners report that the clutch pack can heat up in heavy stop-and-go traffic, particularly on inclines, but this is largely avoidable with proper use. Put the transmission in Neutral when at a standstill and avoid leaving it in Park without applying the parking brake, especially on steep slopes.Given that most of your usage will be on the highway, it is unlikely that you will face any issues with the DCT.

VehicleKia Seltos

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Posted on: 28 Mar 2026