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Mohd Rehan

14w

I own a Swift VXI and have clocked 86k kms in 10 years. Now I want to upgrade to a new car. Budget is 15-22 lacs. I recently drove Kia Seltos Diesel automatic and felt great. Particularly the interiors, music system features and a punchy feel with the engine. I want to travel so that's the reason I want to go for diesel. Just need to ask will there be any problem if I take out my car thrice in a week for long distances? And what are the other options available?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13w

The Kia Seltos is a very good option, and the good news is that there is a new Kia Seltos version launching in only a few days. It is likely to carry forward the powertrain, and that means the torquey diesel engine will also be available. 

The new model will also get feature additions and a fresh new look, so it's worth waiting for. Also, there is no issue with going for a long drive three times a week in your car. 

In fact, since diesel cars feature a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), it is recommended to take them out on long drives and get the engine to burn off the soot collected. Driving long distances often will not cause any issues. 

 Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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Latest questions in the community

BU

Bumba

23h

I want to upgrade from Baleno. Please suggest a safe, reliable and compact SUV. Budget is ₹15 lakh. Running will be 1000 km per month. Transmission should be automatic. I want to keep it for 8-10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

Given your requirements, you should consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. It's a compact SUV that's powered by a refined 103hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine. It comes with a smooth, 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and has a claimed mileage of 19.8kpl.Being a Maruti car, it will be reliable for you for 8-10 years, and it's backed up by the brand's widespread service network, which should give you added peace of mind. The Brezza also has a comfy and spacious cabin, and it comes well-equipped with features.As for safety, the Brezza has not been crash-tested yet, but it does come with 6 airbags, traction control and more. Maruti Brezza petrol-AT prices range from Rs 10.60 lakh to Rs 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom).

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
SA

Saransh

2d

I am planning to buy a new SUV at around ₹17 lakh on-road price and have shortlisted the Honda Elevate ZX, Kia Seltos HTK and new Kushaq Prestige. I primarily need a car for 80% driving in the city and around 1000-1200 km per month. Which is better in terms of engine and mileage? Is the Honda Elevate outdated compared to other cars in the segment?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2h

The Honda Elevate is a good option for your needs. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to city driving. The car is spacious and comfortable, and the ZX variant is well-equipped too. However, in comparison to the Seltos, it does not have the space or the modernity, and the cabin does not feel as plush.The Kia Seltos HTK with the CVT gearbox is the best option considering all your needs. It is a lot better-equipped than the Honda, has a better ride quality, and the engine has a lot more punch and strong performance while still being easy to drive in the city. The smoothness, refinement and ease of use are why the Seltos will be our recommendation.The Skoda Kushaq is a good option, too. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quite efficient, but it is not as smooth as the 1.5-litre engines of the Honda and Kia. The facelift that was recently revealed will be launched in a few days, but it hasn't changed much in the rear seat space, where it is still not as spacious as the Seltos. So we would advise you to shortlist the Seltos.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
SU

Subash

2d

I am confused about whether to buy the petrol or diesel variant of the Kia Seltos. I always prefer to drive a manual transmission and am not interested in an automatic at all. I was owning a Kia Carens 1.5 Petrol MT previously and am now looking for a new SUV. Suggest which one to take, either petrol or diesel in the Seltos MT. Also considering the Skoda Kushaq, but afraid of the high maintenance cost in Skoda.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3h

Since you have not mentioned your monthly running, the choice between petrol and diesel mainly depends on how much you drive and the kind of driving you do. As a general rule, if your running is more than about 1,300 to 1,400 km per month, then the diesel version of the Kia Seltos can make sense. You should also have regular highway drives so that the diesel engine can operate properly and avoid potential DPF related issues.If your running is lower than that or largely city-focused, the petrol Seltos will suit you very well. Since you prefer a proper manual gearbox, you should know that the turbo petrol engine is only available with the clutchless iMT. The conventional manual gearbox comes with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.While it is not as punchy as the turbo petrol, it is smooth and perfectly adequate for everyday driving, especially in the city. In fact, you are already familiar with this engine because your Kia Carens uses the same powertrain and transmission combination.Regarding the Skoda Kushaq, the brand has improved a lot over the past few years, and the earlier reliability concerns are largely sorted. However, since you already own a Kia car and are satisfied with the ownership experience, sticking with the Seltos would be the safer and more comfortable choice for you.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Carens
VehicleSkoda Kushaq

Posted on: 5 Dec 2025