I am planning to buy a car with a budget of ₹18-19 lakh. My initial choice was the Kia Seltos, but I have noticed that similarly sized EVs like the MG Windsor EV and Mahindra BE 6 (Pack One) are available in a similar price range due to ongoing discounts. My usage is around 800 km per month, mostly within the city (Delhi-NCR), along with occasional outstation trips once or twice a year. Given this, does it make sense to switch to an EV for my usage pattern? Should I spend around ₹18 lakh on a Kia Seltos HTK(O) IVT, opt for a similarly priced variant at around ₹16.5 lakh, or choose an EV like the Windsor at ₹19 lakh and benefit from lower running costs?

Autocar India

•15h

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

Autocar India

•16h

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

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