Autocar India
•4d

Is the Seltos HTK IMT reliable if driven cautiously?

Verified
•16m

Yes, the Kia Seltos HTK iMT is a reliable choice if it is driven normally and maintained as per the service schedule. The iMT system itself has proven to be dependable in the market, and because there is no clutch pedal, it also reduces driver fatigue in city traffic.

For typical city and highway use, the iMT works well and does not require any special driving techniques. Avoiding aggressive launches, riding the accelerator on inclines and repeated hard acceleration will help maximise clutch life, but that is good practice with any manual transmission. There is no need to be overly cautious or alter normal driving habits.

If annual running is low to moderate and the appeal of a clutch-free experience is important, the iMT is a good middle ground between a manual and a conventional automatic. However, if most driving is in heavy stop-start traffic and convenience is the top priority, the IVT automatic remains the better option because it is smoother and requires even less driver input.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Explore cars mentioned

Kia Seltos

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.98 Lakh

New car launches to explore

View all

More questions on similar cars

•1d

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?

Verified
•1h

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.

VehicleKia Seltos
•2d

I'm interested in buying the Hyundai Creta base model. My monthly usage is around 2,500 km. What is your advice?

Verified
•1d

Since you're on a tight budget, the Hyundai Creta base E variant is quite good. It packs in all the safety features, and all the bare essentials, making it good value for money. Its petrol engine is smooth and refined, and its light clutch, steering and gearbox make it very easy-to-drive. Overall, the Creta is a car you can't go wrong with.Do keep in mind that the Creta is due for a generation change, and the new version will be launched early 2027. The new car will be a bit larger in size, will look completely different, and is likely to have more equipement too. So that could be worth waiting for.Alternatively, you could consider the Kia Seltos HTE, which is priced similar to the base Creta, it shares its powertrain with the Hyundai, but feels a lot more modern and more spacious in comparison.

VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
•2d

I use my car for a daily commute of 20-30 km, and we rarely travel outside the city, only once every few months. Should I buy an EV, a hybrid, or a petrol car? My budget is Rs. 15-18 lakh.

Verified
•1d

Buy an EV if you have a parking spot with a plug, because your 20-30 km daily run is exactly what EVs are best at. You will top up at home once or twice a week, spend far less than petrol, and enjoy a quiet, easy drive in traffic. Since you rarely go out of town, the odd highway trip can be planned around chargers, or you can just borrow or rent a petrol car when needed. In your budget, Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon EV fit well.If home charging is not possible, buy a simple petrol automatic and skip hybrids. With your low running, the hybrid premium takes ages to recover, and most strong-hybrid trims that make sense cross Rs. 20 lakh on-road. Good petrol picks around Rs. 15-18 lakh are Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq or VW Taigun. They will be easy in the city and stress-free for the rare road trip.

VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleTata Nexon EV
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VehicleVolkswagen Taigun

View all Posts

Popular discussions right now

•1w

Hi, I own a Wagon R 1.0 liter engine. I bought it in November 2025. I had done 2 free services of it. My car gives me about 13-15 kmpl in city driving when the AC is on. I drive at a speed of about 60 km in the city. Is this average ok? If not, then what should I do? My daily ride is about 20 km.

Verified
•6d

A city fuel efficiency of 13-15kpl with the air conditioning on is slightly on the lower side for a Wagon R 1.0, but it isn't necessarily a cause for concern, especially if you're driving in Lucknow's city traffic with frequent stops and the AC running throughout your journey.Your 20km daily commute should be enough for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature, but fuel efficiency can still vary depending on traffic conditions, idling time and driving style. We'd recommend checking that your tyre pressures are maintained at the manufacturer's recommended levels, avoiding hard acceleration and excessive idling, and using good-quality fuel from reputed fuel stations.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Wagon R
•3d

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.

Verified
•2d

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.

VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
VehicleKia Seltos
•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.

Verified
•5d

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.

VehicleTata Punch EV
VehicleTata Tiago EV

View all Posts

Posted on: 12 Jul 2026