Autocar India
23w

I am confused between SELTOS petrol ivt vs diesel MT. HtK variant or HTE (o) ? My usage is 50 % city and 50 % highway. Monthly around 1000 kms . I am concerned about mileage as I travel daily for business purpose, but also thinking about DPF issues in future. Please advise accordingly. Confused between white and gray color as well.

Verified
23w

While the Kia Seltos diesel MT will be more fuel efficient, the Seltos IVT is the better pick overall. The smooth engine and seamless gearbox deliver a great drive experience, especially in city drives. Performance is also adequate on the highway.

The Seltos diesel is pleasant scoring well for refinement (as diesels go). However, the engine feels a bit strained in the new Seltos that's grown in size and weight. Further, a comparable variant diesel will cost you significantly more than an IVT, negating any real savings that you'd get from its greater efficiency. As for your concern about DPF issues, you shouldn't have a problem given your usage includes highway drives. Steady cruises on the highway allow DPF regeneration and ensure trouble-free performance. 

With respect to variants, we'd recommend stretching for the HTK. The HTE(O) misses a rear defogger and rear wiper which are safety essentials. Further, the HTK also adds in comfort features like rear sunshades, keyless entry and reach adjust for the steering. The HTK's larger 17-inch alloy wheels (vs the HTE(O)'s 16-inch steel rims with wheel covers) also have a big bearing on the look.   

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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1w

Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a midsize SUV and can wait for about six months. My main confusion is between the upcoming Renault Duster, specifically the strong-hybrid variant, and the Kia Seltos. We are leaning towards the new Duster because of its rugged design, impressive 212 mm ground clearance, interior colour theme, and expected hybrid fuel efficiency. However, the Kia Seltos remains a compelling choice due to its generous rear-seat space and feature-packed cabin. Given that we are a family of three, our priorities are design, ride quality on bad roads, and fuel economy, while also considering rear-seat passenger comfort. Is it worth waiting six months for the Duster Strong Hybrid instead of buying the Seltos now? How does the Duster's rear-seat legroom and overall highway comfort compare with the Seltos? Looking forward to your advice!

Verified
1d

We would suggest that you go for the Kia Seltos now. The Renault Duster hybrid is an interesting proposition, but the Seltos suits your needs better. For a family of three, the Seltos offers a more spacious rear seat, a wider cabin and a more premium overall experience, which will matter more on long drives and daily use. The Duster hybrid will likely offer better fuel efficiency and a tougher suspension setup, but the rear seat is not as spacious as the Seltos, and the expected hybrid premium will take time to recover. The Seltos is a proven product with a strong ownership track record, and you can buy it today without waiting for an unknown price and availability. If you are leaning towards the Duster for its design and hybrid tech, it is worth waiting only if fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, the Seltos is the better all-rounder for your needs. It's also worth noting that there will be a hybrid version of the Seltos too, but that's only coming in 2027.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleRenault Duster

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Posted on: 7 Mar 2026