Kia Seltos 1.0 IVT vs Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT – which to choose? Hi, I’m deciding between the Kia Seltos 2026 1.0 NA petrol IVT and the Skoda Kushaq 2026 1.0 TSI AT. My daily drive: Morning: 70–80 km/h, light traffic Evening: heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic Occasional 200 km highway trips every 6 months. Which would be better for city comfort (especially traffic) and occasional highway performance?

Autocar India

•23m

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT – with your light-speed mornings and heavy traffic evenings, it will keep you calmer and more comfortable every day. Quick note: in the Seltos, the IVT automatic comes with the 1.5 petrol, not a 1.0.

The IVT (Kia’s version of a CVT) is a type of automatic that keeps the drive very smooth because it does not make noticeable gear changes. In stop-go traffic it moves forward gently, without the small jerks you sometimes feel in other automatics. The steering is light, the view out is good, and the cabin feels easy to live with after a long day. At 70–80 km/h it is quiet and steady, and for your rare 200 km runs it will cruise without stress.

One thing to be aware of: when you want a quick overtake on the highway, you will need to press the pedal deeper and the engine can sound a bit loud when pushed hard.

Pick the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT instead if you value stronger highway pull and a more connected feel. Its turbo engine gives easier overtakes and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, but in very slow traffic it can feel a bit eager off the line, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller than Kia’s in many cities.

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More questions on similar cars

Viper

•10h

I am planning to buy my first car and I want a compact SUV that offers the best family comfort and ride experience. Among the Tata Sierra, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, and Hyundai Creta, please suggest which base‑variant model would be the best fit for me, so that I can upgrade features later as per my needs.

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Kia Seltos base variant. Among your options, it offers the best starting point if you plan to add features over time. Recent comparisons show that base variants in this segment are no longer bare-bones, and the Seltos stands out for offering a more feature-rich entry trim than most rivals, so you won’t feel shortchanged even without immediate upgrades. The latest Seltos is also larger than key rivals like the Hyundai Creta, which translates to better cabin space and rear-seat comfort, along with a more modern and premium overall feel.The Creta remains a very comfortable and easy-going SUV, especially in terms of ride quality, but its base variant feels more basic in comparison, so it makes more sense if you are planning to step up to higher trims rather than build from the base. The Skoda Kushaq is solid and safe, but the base variant is not as well equipped as the Seltos.As for the Tata Sierra, the base variant is the least equipped here and does not even get an infotainment screen, which makes it harder to recommend if you are starting from a lower trim and planning gradual upgrades.

Kia Seltos

Naveen

•1d

I am confused between the Kia Seltos G1.5 6MT HTE(O) and the Duster 1.3 ltr Evolution models. Which car would I prefer best suited for my requirements as follows: 1. Budget-friendly 2. Fuel efficient 3. Lower maintenance costs in longer run 4. Seating and comfort 5. Good legroom space for the rear seats 6. Safety ratings My daily run will be around 20 to 25 kms with some random trips within a 300 kms range. Suggest to me the best feasible car among the two. Thanks

Autocar India

•22h

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE(O) 6‑speed manual as it would better meet most of your needs. It is the more budget-friendly option, and in real-world conditions, its naturally aspirated engine would be more fuel efficient than the 1.3 litre Renault Duster turbo engine. Turbos are very sensitive to driving style and tend to use more fuel if not driven very carefully. Kia’s service network is wide, and routine upkeep is predictable and not very expensive. For comfort, the front seats are supportive, and the back seat has good knee room and a comfortable backrest. The Duster, on the other hand, has less room in the rear. Safety is a big plus; the current Seltos has a 5‑star Bharat NCAP crash rating, which is reassuring, while the Duster is yet to be tested, though it too will likely fare very well.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Tejas Gosai

•3d

Hi, I am planning to buy my first car and am a new driver. My budget is up to ₹17.5 lakh. Initially, I was considering the Honda Elevate, but I have now decided to go for a turbo engine option. My usage will be around 60% highway driving. I am currently confused between the Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq, and Kia Seltos. Which of these would be the best choice for me and why?

Autocar India

•1d

A turbo-petrol is a good choice for your usage, as the strong mid-range makes highway overtakes and cruising more relaxed and confidence-inspiring.The new Renault Duster is a very solid highway option: its 1.3 turbo puts out about 160 hp, the most powerful in this group. Its ride comfort is arguably the best in class, which you’ll really appreciate over long distances. If you value a cushy, planted feel and don’t mind a slightly more old-school cabin experience, it’s a strong contender.If your highways are generally smooth, the refreshed Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI is also a great choice. It actually feels more tied down at high speeds than the Duster and has more responsive steering, which gives it sharper, more engaging handling. The 1.5 TSI with the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG is a very effective overtaking tool and feels properly sophisticated on the move.The Kia Seltos is the best all-rounder: it offers the most spacious cabin and the most premium interiors, with loads of features. However, while its 1.5 turbo-petrol is powerful on paper, it doesn’t feel as characterful or as enthusiastic as the Duster’s 1.3 or Kushaq’s 1.5 TSI in real-world driving.

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

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