I am confused between the Seltos and the new facelifted Slavia. My budget is around Rs. 16-17 lakh, and I want a family car with good comfort, boot space, mileage, and an enjoyable driving experience on highways. I am also considering the Syros EV. I don't want a diesel or an automatic. I prefer petrol and a manual if I don't go for an EV. Please suggest the best option and variant.

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX(A) Turbo DCT as it strikes the best balance for your needs. The turbo petrol engine is punchy and enjoyable, while the DCT makes city driving far less tiring than a manual. You enjoy manuals, but with 60-70% city usage and a 7-8 year ownership horizon, the convenience of an automatic becomes hard to ignore. The Seltos also feels slightly more premium inside than the Hyundai Creta, and the HTX(A) is a well-equipped variant without pushing the budget too far. The Creta is also the older model, and the next-gen version is right around the corner. The difference in terms of stability and ride comfort between both is marginal, and the Seltos counters that with a more premium cabin and a slightly wider rear seat. The IVT is smooth but lacks the punch you are looking for, while the DCT delivers the performance you want without the fatigue of a manual. Overall, the Seltos HTX(A) Turbo DCT is the most complete package for your usage pattern and long-term ownership plans.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•4h

Yes, the flush door handles on the Kia Seltos can be opened from the outside in the event of an accident, and they are designed with safety in mind. The flush handles are a cosmetic feature that sit flush with the door for aerodynamic and aesthetic reasons, but they are still mechanically linked to the door latch mechanism. In the event of an accident, emergency responders can still access the door handles and open the doors as they would with conventional handles. This Kia car also features standard safety systems such as side impact protection, multiple airbags and reinforced door structures, which are far more critical to occupant safety in a crash than the design of the door handles themselves. Overall, flush door handles do not compromise safety in an accident and are designed to function reliably in emergency situations.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•4d

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a fundamentally well-engineered car with strong engines, a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin. The software glitches and sunroof leaks you see online are not widespread issues, and Mahindra has been proactive in addressing them through software updates and warranty support. The Kia Seltos is the safer, more polished choice with a more consistent ownership experience, but the XUV 7XO offers more space and stronger performance.That said, if you are the kind of buyer who will lose sleep over the occasional niggle, the Kia car mentioned above is the safer bet. But if you want the more capable and more spacious car, the XUV 7XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos