I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a budget of around ₹20-21 lakh (on-road). I have shortlisted two models: Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA IVT SX (O) / SX Premium and Kia Seltos 1.5 NA IVT HTX. My usage will be mainly daily city driving, with occasional highway trips (around once a quarter). I have already owned a Tata car and do not want to go with Tata again due to post-sales service issues. I also took the test-drive of Toyota Hyryder but did not like its driving experience. In test drives, I preferred the Creta over the Seltos in terms of driving feel. However, I am concerned that the current Creta is based on the K2 platform, which may become outdated after the expected facelift next year, whereas the Seltos is on the newer K3 platform. Given my requirements and concerns, which car would be the better choice for me: the Hyundai Creta 1.5 NA IVT SX (O)/SX Premium or the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA IVT HTX?

Autocar India

•3h

Your usage involves low monthly running, mostly city, and heavy traffic. In this scenario, the Seltos IVT works in your favour. This is smooth, creep-friendly and very easy to drive in stop-go conditions. There are no jerks, no clutch fatigue and very light controls, which makes daily driving stress-free. In real-world use, this engine-gearbox combo is known to be refined and well-tuned for everyday driving rather than outright performance.Now about the “lag” you’ve heard. It’s not exactly lag, it’s typical CVT behaviour. When you accelerate hard, the engine revs rise first and speed builds gradually, which can feel like a delay. But in city driving, where inputs are gentle and speeds are low, this is barely noticeable. This Kia car only feels weak if you expect quick overtakes or sporty response. The upside is that Kia has tuned it well, so the rubber-band effect is limited compared to older CVTs.Compared to alternatives, the turbo petrol DCT version is quicker and more fun, but in Mumbai traffic it can feel jerky and less reliable in long term. The IVT is the safer, smoother and more relaxed choice. Compared to something like a Creta CVT, the experience is very similar, but the Seltos feels a bit more premium inside.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•4h

Do keep in mind that none of the models that you've shortlisted are particularly fuel efficient. Among these, the Kia Seltos IVT is likely to be the most fuel efficient, delivering approximately 10.3kpl in the city and 14.22kpl on the highway, while the petrol-automatic versions of XUV 7XO and MG Hector are likely to return fuel efficiency in single digits.Additionally, the interior of Seltos feels upmarket. This Kia car is spacious and for a family of three, it feels the right size. Sure, performance isn't as strong as the XUV 7XO, however for leisurely drives with the family its 1.5-petrol IVT combination works well.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

MG Hector

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•2d

Skip this 2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class petrol automatic at Rs. 12 lakh at “fair” condition; it is not a good value. At eight years old, the risk sits in exactly what you are worried about: the engine and suspension. The 1.6 turbo and the dual-clutch automatic can feel jerky at low speeds and can get hot in heavy traffic if not cared for. Front suspension parts, mounts, and bushings on this car are known to wear with age. At 30,000 km, the mileage is low, but rubber parts age with time, not just kilometres. Any fixes on a Mercedes will be costly, and this car is long out of warranty.If it has a full Mercedes service history, drives smoothly with no low-speed jerks, no thuds over bumps, no warning lights, fresh tyres and brakes, and it passes a pre-purchase check at a Mercedes workshop, we would only consider it closer to Rs. 10-11 lakh and keep some money aside for immediate work. Otherwise, walk away.A better buy for your money is a newer used Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos petrol automatic with the IVT/CVT type gearbox, which is a very smooth automatic. These SUVs are easier to live with, cheaper to run, and have wide service support.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•3d

On paper and in real-world ownership, these are very different cars, and the Mahindra XUV 7XO sits in a clear segment above. The XUV 700 is a bigger, more complete SUV. It offers more space, better road presence, stronger performance and a far richer overall experience, including the option of a third row and a more premium cabin. It is designed as a proper family SUV and feels more capable on highways and long drives.The Renault Duster, even in its new form, is a simpler, more driver-focused and lighter SUV. It will likely be easier to drive in the city and feel more rugged and straightforward, but it is still a step down in terms of overall size, features and cabin experience.So the decision really comes down to intent. If you are moving because you want something more compact, easier to use daily and less feature-heavy, then the Duster can make sense. But if you are expecting it to feel like an upgrade or even equal to the XUV700 in terms of space, comfort and overall experience, it will not.

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•3d

The Tata Sierra is a big, heavy car, and the petrol engine, being a naturally aspirated unit, feels just about adequate, especially once you load it up or hit the highway. The diesel, on the other hand, suits the car far better with its stronger low-end pull, making overtakes easier and long-distance driving far more relaxed.That said, with your low annual running of under 6000 km, the petrol still makes sense if your usage is mostly in the city. It will feel smoother, easier to live with and perfectly adequate for everyday driving, even if it lacks that effortless punch on highways.If you are open to alternatives for a better petrol manual experience, the Renault Duster with its turbo petrol engine is a strong option. It feels far more effortless to drive, while naturally aspirated options like the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta offer a more refined and effortless experience than the Sierra petrol.

Tata Sierra

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•6d

If it’s features that you want, then the Tata Sierra is the one to go for. The Accomplished+ will get you the full suite of ADAS features you’re looking for and also comes with goodies like a triple-screen setup, ventilated front seats with memory and power adjustment for the driver, and an electric tailgate. It is also roomier than the Kia Seltos, and its torque-converter automatic is smoother in the city. Ride and handling are well sorted too, and refinement is on par with the Seltos.One thing to note, however, is that Kia generally has a better reputation when it comes to aftersales service, whereas Tata’s can be a bit hit or miss. That said, Tata has made improvements in that area, and the Sierra has a lot going for it.Test drive both extensively before making a decision. Take them on busy city streets and on the highway to see how the ADAS works, check which transmission feels smoother, and dig into the infotainment systems to see which is more intuitive to use.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos