I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹15-19 lakh. I drive approximately 5,000-6,000 km per year. I have been considering the Kia Seltos and the Skoda Kushaq 2026 facelift, but I am unsure which one would be the better choice for my needs. Could you please advise which car I should consider? Also, feel free to suggest any other suitable options in this segment.

Autocar India

•3m

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX 1.5 petrol CVT with your low yearly running and budget; it is the easiest, smoothest choice right now. The 1.5 petrol suits 5-6k km a year, and the CVT automatic, makes driving in city traffic very calm with no sudden jerks. The Seltos is easy to see out of, light to steer in town, and feels steady on the highway. Kia’s service network is wide, so upkeep is simple in most cities.

One thing to be aware of is that this engine and CVT are tuned for smoothness more than strong bursts of speed, so highway overtakes need a steady press on the pedal rather than a quick stab.

Consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT if you find the highway performance of the Seltos inadequate. It offers more performance, and its 8-speed automatic is smooth in traffic too, though it isn't as large or spacious as the Seltos.

Overall, the Seltos HTX CVT fits your use best. During the test drive, spend 10 minutes in slow traffic to feel the smoothness, then hit a rough stretch to check ride comfort.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.45 Lakh

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Ritvik Mittal

•1d

Kia Seltos 1.0 IVT vs Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT – which to choose? Hi, I’m deciding between the Kia Seltos 2026 1.0 NA petrol IVT and the Skoda Kushaq 2026 1.0 TSI AT. My daily drive: Morning: 70–80 km/h, light traffic Evening: heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic Occasional 200 km highway trips every 6 months. Which would be better for city comfort (especially traffic) and occasional highway performance?

Autocar India

•17h

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol IVT – with your light-speed mornings and heavy traffic evenings, it will keep you calmer and more comfortable every day. Quick note: in the Seltos, the IVT automatic comes with the 1.5 petrol, not a 1.0.The IVT (Kia’s version of a CVT) is a type of automatic that keeps the drive very smooth because it does not make noticeable gear changes. In stop-go traffic it moves forward gently, without the small jerks you sometimes feel in other automatics. The steering is light, the view out is good, and the cabin feels easy to live with after a long day. At 70–80 km/h it is quiet and steady, and for your rare 200 km runs it will cruise without stress.One thing to be aware of: when you want a quick overtake on the highway, you will need to press the pedal deeper and the engine can sound a bit loud when pushed hard. Pick the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT instead if you value stronger highway pull and a more connected feel. Its turbo engine gives easier overtakes and the 6-speed automatic is smooth, but in very slow traffic it can feel a bit eager off the line, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller than Kia’s in many cities.

Kia Seltos

Viper

•1d

I am planning to buy my first car and I want a compact SUV that offers the best family comfort and ride experience. Among the Tata Sierra, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, and Hyundai Creta, please suggest which base‑variant model would be the best fit for me, so that I can upgrade features later as per my needs.

Autocar India

•18h

Go for the Kia Seltos base variant. Among your options, it offers the best starting point if you plan to add features over time. Recent comparisons show that base variants in this segment are no longer bare-bones, and the Seltos stands out for offering a more feature-rich entry trim than most rivals, so you won’t feel shortchanged even without immediate upgrades. The latest Seltos is also larger than key rivals like the Hyundai Creta, which translates to better cabin space and rear-seat comfort, along with a more modern and premium overall feel.The Creta remains a very comfortable and easy-going SUV, especially in terms of ride quality, but its base variant feels more basic in comparison, so it makes more sense if you are planning to step up to higher trims rather than build from the base. The Skoda Kushaq is solid and safe, but the base variant is not as well equipped as the Seltos.As for the Tata Sierra, the base variant is the least equipped here and does not even get an infotainment screen, which makes it harder to recommend if you are starting from a lower trim and planning gradual upgrades.

Kia Seltos

Naveen

•1d

I am confused between the Kia Seltos G1.5 6MT HTE(O) and the Duster 1.3 ltr Evolution models. Which car would I prefer best suited for my requirements as follows: 1. Budget-friendly 2. Fuel efficient 3. Lower maintenance costs in longer run 4. Seating and comfort 5. Good legroom space for the rear seats 6. Safety ratings My daily run will be around 20 to 25 kms with some random trips within a 300 kms range. Suggest to me the best feasible car among the two. Thanks

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE(O) 6‑speed manual as it would better meet most of your needs. It is the more budget-friendly option, and in real-world conditions, its naturally aspirated engine would be more fuel efficient than the 1.3 litre Renault Duster turbo engine. Turbos are very sensitive to driving style and tend to use more fuel if not driven very carefully. Kia’s service network is wide, and routine upkeep is predictable and not very expensive. For comfort, the front seats are supportive, and the back seat has good knee room and a comfortable backrest. The Duster, on the other hand, has less room in the rear. Safety is a big plus; the current Seltos has a 5‑star Bharat NCAP crash rating, which is reassuring, while the Duster is yet to be tested, though it too will likely fare very well.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

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