autocar-logo
Delhi
AR

Arvind

•10w

I am confused between the all-new Kia Seltos NA HTK IVT and the Turbo HTK iMT. My driving is 60% city and 40% highway. I have read many reviews about iMT issues in the Sonet and warranty claims being rejected. Are these issues resolved in the new Seltos, and which variant would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•9w

Some owners have reported certain usage-based issues, like the iMT wearing out the clutch prematurely compared to a standard (three-pedal) manual version, and the actuator fluid needs to be changed periodically. These aside, the iMT works fine, giving users the convenience of a clutch-pedal-free drive, while rowing through the gears manually. 

The Kia Seltos iMT is paired with the turbo-petrol engine, and for your 40 per cent highway driving usage, you will appreciate the turbo's stronger performance, especially while overtaking.

But if you have a sedate driving style, we'd strongly recommend getting the 1.5 petrol-IVT option instead, for its sheer smoothness and convenience. The drive experience will feel far more seamless and effort-free in the city, and even though outright performance isn't as strong as the turbo's, the petrol-IVT does the job quite competently.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Explore cars mentioned

Kia New Seltos

Kia

New Seltos

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Recommended questions for you

AS

Abhijit Saha

•1w

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
•6h

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.

VehicleKia New Seltos
VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleTata Sierra
SA

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

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).

VehicleKia New Seltos
KM

Krishna Mohan

•3d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
•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.

VehicleKia New Seltos
VehicleTata Harrier

View all Posts

Posted on: 8 Jan 2026