Hi Autocar Team, I am confused between the new Skoda Kushaq facelift automatic and the Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT. My usage is around 90% city driving, covering approximately 40 km daily. Could you please advise which would be the better option for long-term ownership, considering comfort, after-sales service, and overall reliability?

Of the two, you should go for the Kia Seltos HTK (O) IVT. For your 40km daily use, that's 90 percent in the city, the smooth CVT and lighter steering will make day‑to‑day driving a lot easier. 

Despite being the larger vehicle, the Seltos feels a bit lighter on its feet and easier to manoeuvre. Though the new 8-speed torque converter auto is in the Kushaq facelift. It is a vast improvement and a match for the Kia CVT on smoothness; the engine's turbo lag at low RPMs can catch you out at crawling speeds, such as in slow-moving traffic. The one thing you give up with the Seltos IVT is mid‑range punch. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine may be smooth, but it doesn't have the same solid surge of torque of the Kushaq's 1.0 TSI engine, once its turbocharger kicks in.