I am planning to buy the Kia Seltos 2026 IMT, but I have never driven an IMT before. Is it a good option considering traffic driving and my budget constraints, or should I increase my budget and go for an automatic (AT) instead? Please advise.

Autocar India

•47m

The XUV 3XO fits your brief better on key counts. It has a wider rear seat and better rear seat space than the Brezza, which makes it more comfortable for five occupants. It is also the more engaging car to drive, with a stronger, more responsive engine and a more modern overall feel. For your mix of city driving and occasional highway runs, it strikes a good balance between performance and usability, while also offering a richer feature set.The Brezza, however, still holds its ground on ease of ownership and reliability. Its torque converter automatic is smooth and predictable in traffic, and Maruti’s service network and long-term dependability remain a big advantage. It is also comfortable and easy to live with, but it does not feel as modern or as engaging as the 3XO.The difference is simple. The 3XO offers more space and better driving performance, while the Brezza offers greater peace of mind and a more proven ownership experience.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Autocar India

•17h

You are coming from diesel, so your expectations are clear. Strong performance, long-range confidence and a solid feel. The Mahindra XEV 9e matches that better. It is a larger, more powerful car that offers significantly more space and boot capacity, and delivers stronger performance. It also has a bigger battery and higher claimed range, which makes it better suited for long-distance use.The BYD Atto 3, on the other hand, is a more mature and sorted EV. It feels very well put together, easy to drive and comfortable. It is slightly smaller, easier in the city and has a more proven track record as a product. If your usage is mostly urban and you value refinement over size and performance, it is a strong option.

Mahindra XEV 9e

BYD Atto 3

Autocar India

•18h

The difference is in character. The Hyundai Creta Electric is very well calibrated and easy to drive. It feels like a normal petrol car that happens to be electric. That makes it comfortable and predictable, especially in daily use. But that also works against it. It does not feel special or exciting, just very clinical.The Mahindra XEV 9e is the opposite. It is faster, more powerful and noticeably larger. You get more space, a bigger boot and significantly better range thanks to a larger battery. It also feels more futuristic inside and out, which adds to the overall experience.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

•6d

If you're comparing ride comfort, the Skoda Kylaq is easily the better pick, particularly variants with 16-inch wheels. Skoda has got its suspension tune spot on, its relatively softer setup makes it more suited to our road conditions. It rounds off speed breakers and rough patches better at slow speeds. Furthermore, the Kylaq feels stable at speeds and is surprisingly nimble and fun-to-drive around corners, too.In contrast, the Kushaq’s suspension feels a little firm at low speeds, so sharp bumps and small potholes do come through more in the cabin.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•3d

With a 70 km daily mix of traffic and highway use, we would lean towards the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. Your usage is high, and the hybrid will use far less fuel in city traffic while staying calm and smooth. It pulls away on electric power at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels quiet and easy.You like the Seltos for its cabin and stronger shove, and that is fair. The Seltos diesel feels stronger when you press the throttle for quick passes, and its cabin does look and feel richer. If most of your 70 km is open highway and you really value that strong pull and the Kia car interior, the Seltos diesel automatic is still a solid pick.On a Kia Seltos hybrid: Kia does intend to introduce a hybrid, but timing is not yet decided as they are trying to localise components. We estimate it could arrive in 2027, but that could change. For your mix of city and highway, the Hyryder strong-hybrid lines up best with what you need right now.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Autocar India

•4d

Mostly highway use, about 1,000 km a month, safety first, and an automatic in the Rs 12-13 lakh range, in that brief, we would suggest the Skoda Kylaq Signature. Its torque converter is much smoother than an AMT or DCT, so city driving feels easy, and performance from the 1.0 TSI makes highway overtakes effortless. The Kylaq has a 5-star crash score from Bharat NCAP and feels steady at highway speeds, which builds confidence. It also rides well over broken patches, so you are not tossed around.Two things to keep in mind: while the front seats are comfy and supportive, space in the back seat is a bit tight. It makes up for it with a large boot and a low loading lip. If you want more space, look at the Nissan Magnite Tekna Turbo CVT, which has a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.Overall, for highway-heavy use with safety at the top, the Kylaq lines up best in your budget.

Skoda Kylaq

Nissan Magnite