Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹23-25 lakh and am considering a mid-size SUV. I am inclined towards the Kia Seltos due to its overall reliability compared to the Tata Sierra. However, I am confused between the DCT and IVT automatic options. My usage will be around 40% in the city and 60% on highways. My main concern is the long-term reliability of Hyundai/Kia’s DCT gearbox, especially in Indian conditions. I am also unsure whether choosing the IVT would lead to missing out on performance.

Autocar India

•6m

We suggest you go for the Kia Seltos Turbo-DCT. While the DCT isn't quite as seamless as the 1.5 NA's IVT unit at low speeds, gearshifts are still smooth enough. It's in higher speed highway environs that the Turbo-DCT will appeal significantly more to you. The turbo-petrol engine's 160hp feels a lot more effortless than the 115hp NA petrol engine, and the added performance really counts for a lot on long-distance journeys. Drive with enthusiasm, and you'll also get a far more connected experience from the DCT.

Hyundai/Kia's dry-clutch DCT did have overheating issues in the past, but software updates have reduced occurrences. Follow the manufacturer's protocol for shifting to P/N on halts, and you won't have problems.

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Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

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I am planning to buy the Kia Seltos 2026 diesel manual. I am confused between the HTK and HTX variants. I do not want the HTK(O). Is the ₹3 lakh difference in cost worth the upgrade? Or can I get the necessary aftermarket upgrades? I am not a fan of the sunroof and would prefer to avoid it. I would want front parking sensors, fog lamps, leather seats, and a good sound system.

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It is always recommended to buy any vehicle with factory-fit features. In your case, the Kia Seltos HTX is worth the extra spend as it packs in all that you want (front parking sensors, fog lamps, leatherette upholstery and a Bose sound system) and more. Additional goodies on the HTX that will add greatly to your experience include auto climate control, front seat ventilation, an auto-dimming mirror and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.Sure, you could get some upgrades as accessories, but these could impact the warranty. Improper fitment can also create electrical hazards. It is best to stick to accessories offered and fitted by the Kia dealer with a clear understanding on impact on warranty.

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I am confused between the new Skoda Kushaq MT base model and the Seltos base model MT. Both come in a similar price bracket. Usage: Family, occasional driving, hardly 3 to 5k km in a year, as I already have one daily driving car. The Alto K10 was driven 22k km in 8 years, so the old car will remain. We are not selling it. The new car will be used on occasion. Road conditions: Mostly bad roads, rarely good roads.

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Go for the Skoda Kushaq Active 1.0 TSI MT. Since you are going in for the base models, you will find the Kushaq a little better equipped with features like automatic climate control versus a manual AC on the Kia Seltos, rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger and a rear washer and wiper.Also, for your 3-5k km a year on bad roads, it delivers a sturdier suspension, and the 1.0 TSI engine delivers a more than adequate level of performance. The one thing you give up is boot volume: Kushaq’s 385 litres versus Seltos’ 433 litres. However, the Kushaq boot is well-shaped, and you can easily get 6 cabin bags inside, which should be more than enough for your occasional family drives.

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I want to choose between Curvv and Seltos. My preferences are: reliability, low maintenance, good road presence, good sound system, good mileage, safety and automatic. My average running is 6,000km annually, with 90% city and 10% highway use.

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Quite frankly, between the Kia Seltos and the Tata Curvv, the only reasons to buy the Curvv are if you like its coupe styling and the price, which is cheaper than the Seltos when you factor in available discounts. Go for the Kia Seltos HTX+ IVT (petrol automatic).For your 6,000 km a year with 90% city use, it’s the smoother, more reliable pick with good features and equipment. Your driving is mostly urban (about 5,400 km in the city and 600 km on the highway yearly), so the IVT suits stop‑and-go traffic with seamless creep and low heat buildup, unlike many dual‑clutch units. The HTX+ trim brings an 8‑speaker Bose setup for the “good sound system” you want, and safety is covered with 6 airbags, ESC, and TPMS, which matter more than raw power at city speeds. Road presence is solid too; the Seltos’ stance and LED lighting help it look a size up.The one thing you give up is outright punch: the IVT is calmer than the turbo‑DCT Seltos for sudden highway bursts, so quick overtakes need a firmer right foot.

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