Autocar India
18w

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.

Verified
18w
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.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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18w

Warranty would NOT be impacted if the accessories are fitted by the showroom guys, like electric accessories. Non electric accessories like tyres, leather seats will not affect warranty unless they are placed in critical areas.

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5d

I want to buy my first car within a budget of around Rs. 15 lakh. My annual driving would be below 10,000 km. I am looking for a reliable, low-maintenance car with good long-term ownership prospects. I am confused between choosing a top-end sub-compact SUV like the Maruti Brezza or Tata Nexon, or a mid-size SUV like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, or Toyota Hyryder in their mid variants. Please suggest which would be the better choice.

Verified
1h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi+ petrol automatic. With under 10,000 km a year, petrol is the right choice, and the Brezza is one of the most reliable and low-maintenance cars in the segment. This Maruti Suzuki car is also a genuinely comfortable 5-seater with a wide rear bench, good ride quality and a simple, proven naturally aspirated engine paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. The ZXi+ variant is well equipped, so you are not compromising on features, and Maruti’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the country.The Tata Nexon is also a strong option, but the Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is better suited to long-term ownership and low-maintenance requirements. If you need the space and don't mind compromising on features, the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT is a good choice. It is actually well equipped for a lower-end trim and offers a roomier, more border cabin than the Brezza. Overall, the Brezza ZXi+ gives you a complete package without compromise, and that is the right approach for a first-time buyer looking for long-term ownership.

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6d

Hi Team, I am currently driving a 2020 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and am planning to upgrade to an SUV. My shortlisted options are the Honda Elevate, Tata Harrier, and Mahindra XUV 7XO. My daily drive involves around 35 to 40 kms in heavy Bangalore city traffic, along with occasional highway trips. My primary priority is a car with a solid 5-star safety rating, along with good ride comfort and easy city drivability. Coming from a lightweight hatchback, I am looking for an option that offers a clear step up in safety and space without feeling overly cumbersome during my daily urban commute. Could you please evaluate these three models based on my usage and suggest the best option and engine-transmission combination for me?

Verified
2h

Based on your usage, the Honda Elevate CVT is actually the best fit for your needs among your shortlist. With a 35-40 km commute in heavy Bangalore traffic, the CVT makes life easy; the engine is responsive enough to go for gaps in traffic, and the steering is light in the city. Importantly, this Honda car is not so large as to become cumbersome to drive in tight city traffic, which is important to you. The Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV 7XO are both physically larger, making them slightly more cumbersome to drive in traffic. Their petrol powertrains are also quite thirsty in the city, while their diesel engines do not suit your city-heavy usage, likely requiring additional highway trips just to keep the DPF happy.If you want an alternative similar to the Elevate, the Kia Seltos is a strong choice. It has a 5-star safety rating, is very well equipped in terms of features, and its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the IVT offers a smooth, relaxing drive in the city.

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3d

I currently own a Skoda Kushaq Petrol AT. Everything is fine except the mileage. I am getting only around 10-13kpl with E20 petrol. My daily running is around 100 km. Should I buy a diesel car or an electric car?

Verified
2d

With a daily running of around 100 km, fuel efficiency becomes a major factor in ownership costs. The Skoda Kushaq petrol automatic is a good car, but the 10-13kpl you are seeing is typical for a turbo petrol automatic, especially with E20 petrol. At this usage, a diesel or a strong hybrid makes far more sense.If you do regular highway runs, a diesel is still the most practical and cost-effective solution. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic would be the recommendation here. It is a strong highway car, comfortable, spacious and the diesel engine will deliver significantly better fuel efficiency than your Kushaq. Diesel running costs will be far lower over your kind of mileage. If that is out of your budget, something smaller like a Kia Seltos diesel, while not as powerful, is even more efficient.If your usage is mostly city a strong hybrid could be a better solution. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is the most practical and cost-effective option. It is well priced, has a proven track record and will dramatically reduce your running costs. The strong hybrid is better suited to the city, where it is more likely to run on its electric motor than use the engine and deliver the better mileage.

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Posted on: 24 Mar 2026