I am planning to upgrade from a Toyota Yaris CVT to a Kia Seltos. My monthly usage is around 1000km, mostly in Bangalore city with a few highway trips. I need guidance on transmission selection. My dilemma: I'm torn between the IVT and DCT petrol variants. While I prefer the DCT for its performance, I'm concerned about reported overheating issues in heavy city traffic conditions. Given my usage pattern, which transmission would you recommend?

Autocar India

•1w

Considering that a big chunk of your driving is in Bangalore city, we would recommend sticking with the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA Petrol IVT. The 115hp engine is strong enough for your occasional highway journeys, helped by the IVT gearbox, which is designed to get the most out of the engine. Moreover, the smoother IVT gearbox is much better suited to low-speed driving than the DCT.

Potential heating issues aside, the DCT can feel clunky as it engages and disengages in stop-and-go traffic, and this also serves to exacerbate the 1.5 T-GDi's turbo lag at low speeds. The chain-driven CVT (IVT) is both durable and smoother than most belt-driven CVTs you find in a lot of other vehicles, and overall, the Seltos IVT is the one to go for in primarily urban driving conditions.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Rengaraj K

•1w

Thanks for the recommendation

Latest questions people are discussing

JAYAPRAKASH

•3d

I currently own a 2018 Honda WR-V diesel manual (6-speed), which has run about 50,000 km, along with a Tata EV purchased in 2023, which has covered around 20,000 km. I have now decided to replace my WR-V with a BS6 diesel automatic car. Could you please suggest which diesel automatic model would be the best choice according to Autocar?

Autocar India

•3h

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

Nano

I am looking for an upgrade. Does it make sense to buy the 3XO, coming from a Honda City? Please suggest. (Also open to other options)

Autocar India

•1d

If an upgrade necessarily means a larger car for you, the Mahindra 3XO won't be the right move after a Honda City. You'd be best served by midsized SUVs, which measure between 4.3 and 4.5m. Of the current crop of mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra are the best-rounded. The new-gen Renault Duster that launches on March 17 also has promise.If vehicle size isn't a dealbreaker, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good pick. It's got powerful petrol engines, feels solid, and ride and handling are also impressive. The interior is also spacious for what is a compact SUV, and higher-spec versions pack in loads of equipment too. In fact, a fully-loaded 3XO is better equipped than a fully-loaded City.Within the compact SUV segment, you could also consider the Hyundai Venue, which is a well-rounded package.

pooja

I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India

•1h

With a daily running of around 50 to 60 km, a diesel automatic makes good sense as your monthly usage will easily justify the better fuel efficiency and relaxed nature of a diesel engine.Between the two options, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better choice overall. The diesel engine is refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited for normal city traffic as well as highway drives.The Tata Sierra is also a strong Midsize SUV with more cabin space. But its diesel engine is noticeably noisier and less refined than the Hyundai-Kia diesel. It is also over a lakh more expensive in comparable automatic variants.For your usage and preference for an automatic, the Seltos diesel automatic is the more balanced and sensible option thanks to its refinement, smooth gearbox and lower price.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

View all Posts