Hi, I live in Bengaluru. I will be superannuating in a few months. I want to buy an automatic car or SUV for local use. My average daily running will be around 20 km. I want to buy a car with a 1.5-litre engine. Should I choose a petrol or a diesel? I am considering the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Honda Elevate, but I am unable to decide. Please suggest.

autocar.india

•4h

Pick the Kia Seltos HTK Petrol automatic. With just 10,000km a year and mostly city use, the petrol auto is smoother and quieter in traffic, costs less upfront, and you avoid diesel DPF hassles that can crop up without sufficient highway use. For your occasional expressway trips, the petrol IVT is more than sufficient and has enough punch for quick passes. The diesel auto is stronger and more efficient on long highways, but it’s pricier and a bit gruff in town. The only downside of petrol is that you will use more fuel than diesel. Plus, the HTK will get you far more features than the HTE (O).If you want to cross-shop in the same ballpark, try the Hyundai Creta petrol automatic for a comfier city ride, or the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 automatic if you prefer a tighter, more fun drive. Depending on your city and discounts, the exact variant that fits into your Rs 17-17.5 lakh on-road budget will vary, but these match your brief well.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•1d

Stick with the Seltos HTE (O) IVT at the revised Rs 13.71 lakh, because the Rs. 33,000 hike is annoying but gets you one of the few smooth automatics you can get near this price, and you already have a booking so you will get it sooner. For mostly city use, this powertrain is easy and stress free, and the Seltos gives you more cabin feel and safety kit than smaller crossovers.First ask your dealer if your booking qualifies for any price protection or old-price invoicing. Some batches do, some may not, but it is worth pushing.If this new price now feels tight or you want stronger highway punch, the next best fit is Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 AT or Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT, but both generally cost more for similar variants. The Seltos HTE (O) IVT represents excellent value for money, even at the revised price, as it gets you one of the newest, most spacious and best-quality SUVs in the segment, with an automatic, at a great price.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•1d

Pick the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol automatic for your mostly Mumbai use. It is easier to thread through traffic and park than the bigger Mahindra, the automatic is smooth in stop go, and real city fuel efficiency will be better too. Kia’s service reach and overall ownership experience in Mumbai are also very hassle free. The new Seltos also comes well equipped on the safety front and secured a 5-star crash rating from BNCAP. You are tall, so one watch-out. In the Seltos, front headroom can feel tight with the sunroof. Try a variant without it or set the seat lower and see if you are comfortable behind the wheel. If headroom is the only decider, look at the Honda Elevate petrol automatic. It isn't as refined or well equipped as the Seltos but the cabin is airy and seat height is great for tall people.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate