Is the Seltos 2026 automatic petrol IVT worth purchasing for Mumbai traffic? I have heard that the 1.5 IVT lags. My monthly running is 500–600 km in the city.

Autocar India

•21m

Your usage involves low monthly running, mostly city, and heavy traffic. In this scenario, the Seltos IVT works in your favour. This is smooth, creep-friendly and very easy to drive in stop-go conditions. There are no jerks, no clutch fatigue and very light controls, which makes daily driving stress-free. In real-world use, this engine-gearbox combo is known to be refined and well-tuned for everyday driving rather than outright performance.

Now about the “lag” you’ve heard. It’s not exactly lag, it’s typical CVT behaviour. When you accelerate hard, the engine revs rise first and speed builds gradually, which can feel like a delay. But in city driving, where inputs are gentle and speeds are low, this is barely noticeable. This Kia car only feels weak if you expect quick overtakes or sporty response. The upside is that Kia has tuned it well, so the rubber-band effect is limited compared to older CVTs.

Compared to alternatives, the turbo petrol DCT version is quicker and more fun, but in Mumbai traffic it can feel jerky and less reliable in long term. The IVT is the safer, smoother and more relaxed choice. Compared to something like a Creta CVT, the experience is very similar, but the Seltos feels a bit more premium inside.

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Manoj Chellan

•4d

I am planning to buy the Kia Seltos IVT automatic. My usage will be primarily city driving in Bangalore, along with occasional highway trips that include ghat sections. I would like to understand whether the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT gearbox will be sufficient when the car is fully loaded (5 passengers plus luggage).

Autocar India

•1d

Considering your requirements, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT is a good fit and will do the job. The IVT is Kia’s smooth automatic that feels very easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic, which is what you face most days. On hills, it will climb cleanly if you don’t rush it. With a full load, you will need to press the throttle a bit more, but it will hold speed fine on steady inclines.A few things to set expectations. When you ask for quick bursts, like an overtake uphill with five on board, the engine will need a moment to build speed, and it will sound louder when you push it hard. On the highway with a full car, you will find it happier at a calm, steady pace.If you see yourself doing those sections very often with all five seats filled and lots of luggage, and you want stronger performance, the Seltos turbo-petrol automatic or the diesel automatic will feel noticeably stronger on climbs and during quick overtakes. But for mostly city use with occasional trips, the Seltos IVT keeps life simple and stress-free, which suits your routine best.

Kia Seltos

Shriram

•1w

I am considering purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2018 model), petrol automatic, with around 30,000 km on the odometer. The asking price is approximately ₹12 lakh, and the car appears to be in fair condition. However, I am concerned about the long-term reliability of the engine and suspension, as well as the overall maintenance costs associated with this model. Could you please advise whether this is a reasonable deal and good value for money? Also, are there any better alternatives in a similar budget that would offer lower maintenance and more peace of mind? Thank you.

Autocar India

•1d

Skip this 2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol automatic at Rs. 12 lakh at “fair” condition; it is not a good value. At eight years old, the risk sits in exactly what you are worried about: the engine and suspension. The 1.6 turbo and the dual-clutch automatic can feel jerky at low speeds and can get hot in heavy traffic if not cared for. Front suspension parts, mounts, and bushings on this car are known to wear with age. At 30,000 km, the mileage is low, but rubber parts age with time, not just kilometres. Any fixes on a Mercedes will be costly, and this car is long out of warranty.If it has a full Mercedes service history, drives smoothly with no low-speed jerks, no thuds over bumps, no warning lights, fresh tyres and brakes, and it passes a pre-purchase check at a Mercedes workshop, we would only consider it closer to Rs. 10-11 lakh and keep some money aside for immediate work. Otherwise, walk away.A better buy for your money is a newer used Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos petrol automatic with the IVT/CVT type gearbox, which is a very smooth automatic. These SUVs are easier to live with, cheaper to run, and have wide service support.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

•2h

I was using a Hyundai i20 N-Line iMT 2023 model, which I purchased in 2023. I have now sold it due to low mileage and heating issues. I am currently confused between the XUV 7XO AX7T petrol automatic (₹27.32 lakh), MG Hector petrol CVT (₹23.5 lakh), and Kia Seltos IVT GTX+ (₹24 lakh). I will be using the car with my wife and 3-year-old child, driving twice a week to office in the city and taking a road trip once every 3 months.

Autocar India

•1h

Do keep in mind that none of the models that you've shortlisted are particularly fuel efficient. Among these, the Kia Seltos IVT is likely to be the most fuel efficient, delivering approximately 10.3kpl in the city and 14.22kpl on the highway, while the petrol-automatic versions of XUV 7XO and MG Hector are likely to return fuel efficiency in single digits.Additionally, the interior of Seltos feels upmarket. This Kia car is spacious and for a family of three, it feels the right size. Sure, performance isn't as strong as the XUV 7XO, however for leisurely drives with the family its 1.5-petrol IVT combination works well.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

MG Hector

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