Hello Autocar Team, I am looking to buy a C-segment SUV within a budget of around ₹17-18 lakh. My driving is approximately 70% in the city and 30% on highways, with a monthly running of around 1,000 km. I am currently confused between the new Kia Seltos IVT, Renault Duster DCT, and Tata Sierra DCT. Could you please help me decide which would be the best option for my usage?

Autocar India

•3m

The Kia Seltos is a good choice for your needs. The combination of the 1.5-litre petrol engine and the IVT automatic works well together. The engine feels responsive to light throttle inputs in regular driving, and the IVT delivers a seamless experience with not much of the rubber-band effect you normally get with CVTs.

On paper, the Renault Duster also looks like a good option, but we would wait until we have driven it before recommending it. The Tata Sierra with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine feels quite sluggish, particularly when paired with the DCT, which is a bit slow to respond.

Before you decide, test drive all three in the variants you are considering.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

New Seltos

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.22 Lakh

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

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Saransh

•1w

I am planning to buy a new automatic SUV with a budget of around ₹16 lakh. I am considering the Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, and the new Skoda Kushaq. My driving will be around 80% in the city, and I am looking for a car with a good performance engine and decent mileage. Which of these options would be the best choice for my requirements?

Autocar India

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You should consider the Kia Seltos IVT for your requirements. The SUV is powered by a refined 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that's mated to a smooth CVT automatic gearbox. As for the efficiency, we managed 10.31kpl in the city and 14.22kpl out on the highway, in our real-world mileage tests. The Kia Seltos also comes with a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a long list of features. Given your budget, go for the Seltos IVT HTE (O) variant, which costs Rs 15.55 lakh (on-road Delhi).

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Krishna Mohan

•2d

I am looking for a comfortable 5-seater with a spacious and comfortable rear seat. My usage will be around 80% in Bangalore city and 20% on highways. I am currently choosing between the Kia Seltos HTX IVT and the Tata Harrier Adventure X Plus. Which one should I prefer if I plan to keep the car for the long term? Please also consider resale value in your recommendation. If there are any other vehicles in a similar price range that I should consider, please suggest them as well. Thank you.

Autocar India

•2d

Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering that 80% of your usage will be in Bangalore city, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT transmission is a very good combination. The gearbox is smooth and makes the car extremely easy to drive in heavy traffic conditions, which is important for everyday city commutes.The Seltos is also easier to drive and park in the city compared to the larger Tata Harrier. In addition, Kia generally has a more consistent ownership and service experience, which is something that becomes important when you are planning to keep the car for the long term. From a resale perspective as well, the Seltos tends to hold its value well.The Tata Harrier does offer a wider rear seat and a more spacious cabin, so if rear seat comfort for three adults on long trips is your absolute priority, it does have an advantage there. However, considering your usage is mostly in the city, the Seltos will be the easier and more practical car to live with.

Kia New Seltos

Tata Harrier

Shivaji

•1w

I am planning to replace my current car and would appreciate your expert advice. I currently drive a Maruti Suzuki Ritz, and over the past 10 years, I have driven around 65,000 km, so my usage is relatively low. I mainly use the car occasionally on weekends and for highway trips, rather than daily commuting. My key reasons for upgrading are better safety and improved comfort. I live in Bengaluru, so city traffic and parking are also important factors. I am currently confused between two options: the Tata Nexon top-end variant with DCA (automatic), so my wife can drive it easily, and the Tata Sierra mid variant (likely Pure Plus manual) due to budget constraints. Could you please advise which would be the better choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•1h

Given your requirements, the Tata Nexon DCA is the better option. The Nexon's smaller size will make it easier to drive and park in the city. There's also the convenience of the DCA or dual-clutch automatic, which will really take away much stress from driving. Do note that while the Nexon is a good choice, it's not the best option in the segment. We would recommend you also check out petrol-automatic versions of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq that offer punchier performance, which you will appreciate on highway drives. You could check out our comprehensive comparison to find the model that will fit your needs best - https://youtu.be/eHhFbfwYADo

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