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Mumbai
PA

Paramjit

19w

Hi, I drive around 1,200 km/month, with about 60% on highways and 40% in the city. I’m confused between Kia Seltos petrol and Seltos diesel. Which one should I go for, given running cost, mileage, driving comfort, and long-term ownership?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
19w

If you don't mind paying the higher price for one, the Kia Seltos diesel would prove to be a better choice for your usage. The 1.5-litre engine delivers enough power for highway driving and scores well on refinement, too. The biggest advantage would be in terms of fuel economy.

Do note, if your region has a 10-year registration limit on diesel vehicles, resale value will be impacted some years down the line. 

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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Eswaran Chidambaram

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I am looking for a car with a ₹23 to ₹24 lakh budget. I am satisfied with the Seltos, considering its reliability when compared to the Tata Sierra. However, I am confused between the DCT turbo and the IVT naturally aspirated petrol. My usage is 40% city and 60% highway. How reliable are DCTs in Kia and Hyundai cars in recent times?

Autocar India team

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Verified
2d

Since most of your usage is on the highway, the Kia Seltos turbo-petrol DCT is a better choice than the naturally aspirated engine with the IVT. While the NA IVT combo is adequate in the city, you may find performance somewhat lacking compared to the turbo-petrol.In terms of reliability, the DCTs used in Hyundai and Kia cars have generally proven to be quite reliable. Some owners report that the clutch pack can heat up in heavy stop-and-go traffic, particularly on inclines, but this is largely avoidable with proper use. Put the transmission in Neutral when at a standstill and avoid leaving it in Park without applying the parking brake, especially on steep slopes.Given that most of your usage will be on the highway, it is unlikely that you will face any issues with the DCT.

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Aashish

1w

I want to choose between the Curvv and the Seltos. My preferences are reliability, low maintenance, good road presence, a good sound system, good mileage, safety, and an automatic transmission. My average running is 6,000 km annually, with 90% city and 10% highway use.

Autocar India team

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Verified
2d

The Kia Seltos is the more wholesome pick. It's larger, roomier, better equipped and feels more premium than the Tata Curvv. Measuring over 4.5m in length, the latest Seltos is also quite substantial in size and correspondingly scores well for road presence. Higher-spec versions pack in a Bose sound system, though the JBL unit on the Curvv delivers a more satisfying audio experience. For your city-centric usage, the Seltos 1.5 petrol NA with the IVT gearbox is a great choice. The gearbox is super smooth and enables seamless power delivery. The new Seltos doesn't have a crash test rating as yet, but does come with a long list of standard safety features, such as front and rear disc brakes, stability control, Isofix child seat mounts and more.

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Posted on: 16 Nov 2025