Autocar India
TS

Tauseef siddique

4w

I am planning to buy the Kia Seltos diesel HTK model, but I am worried about DPF issues. I have also heard about some mechanical issues in the car. Please suggest if I should go ahead or consider the XUV 7XO instead. My usage is 70% highway.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4w
Your usage is the key here. With 70% highway driving, you are actually in the ideal scenario for a modern diesel. DPF issues are not brand-specific; they are usage-specific. The filter needs regular high-speed runs to regenerate, and that typically happens when you drive for 20-30 minutes at steady speeds above 60kph. Since most of your driving is on highways, the car will naturally regenerate the DPF, and you are very unlikely to face issues.
The fear around Kia Seltos diesel DPF problems is often overstated. Yes, some owners have reported issues, but these are largely seen in cars used mainly for short, stop-and-go city drives without proper regeneration cycles. In regular highway use, these engines generally run without problems.
Coming to the car itself, the Seltos diesel is a refined, efficient and well-sorted package. It is smooth, easy to drive and very comfortable on highways, which suits your usage perfectly. It also offers better refinement and overall polish compared to the Mahindra XUV 7XO.
The XUV 7XO, on the other hand, offers a stronger engine and more space, but it is less efficient. Being a larger car, it is also harder to drive and park in everyday conditions, and it comes at a higher price compared to the Seltos.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

MS

Msv

4w

Never buy Diesel BS 6. Though the model have good torque and milage, DPF issues are frequent if u take city/ short rides.

GA

Gaurav

3w

I am having renault duster 2013 diesel model, I am very happy with it's size n comfort, great mileage of 20 to 21 km on highway. I love it's power n driving it. now I want to change it with new car. can you please suggest any cars which are similar to duster in all aspects like rugged Ness n smooth ridings on off road n great suspensions with all same size comfort and mileage. My drive is 70% highway daily, one side around 50 to 70 km per day

GA

Gaurav

3w

I am having renault duster 2013 diesel model, I am very happy with it's size n comfort, great mileage of 20 to 21 km on highway. I love it's power n driving it. now I want to change it with new car. can you please suggest any cars which are similar to duster in all aspects like rugged Ness n smooth ridings on off road n great suspensions with all same size comfort and mileage

KA

Kaleel

4w

I am planning to buy Kia seltos HTK . I am confused between Black and Morning haze. Please suggest..

More questions on similar cars

SA

Sabya

4d

We're a family of three. I'm looking for a reliable petrol automatic with high safety, good fuel efficiency, E20 compliance, ADAS features, and all the modern equipment expected in a B- or C-segment car. A strong hybrid would be preferred, although options are limited. My budget is ideally under Rs 20 lakh on-road, with a maximum stretch to Rs 25 lakh. Running will be 30% city and 70% highway. Future-proofing is important, and while E20 compliance is essential, I am also interested in vehicles that may be compatible with future E30 fuel blends. Please suggest at least three models.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
21h

Our first recommendation would be the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol automatic. With 70% highway driving, you will appreciate its comprehensive ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. It also has a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, a wide service network, and you’ll get the full spread of modern features inside your budget. The honest catch is that the automatic is tuned for calm progress, not thrills. The honest catch is that the automatic is tuned for calm progress, not thrills.The Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol automatic lands very close. It matches the features and ADAS you want, rides a touch softer for family comfort, and Hyundai’s service reach is the strongest. Highway economy is similar to the Seltos, and it is E20-ready.The Honda Elevate is a strong choice, too, giving you ADAS and a very easy drive. It also offers slightly quicker performance than the above two. It stays within your price range and is proven on long runs.All three are E20-compliant. No mainstream brand here officially guarantees E30 yet, so that is the one future-proofing gap today.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleHonda Elevate

Popular discussions right now

SA

Sandeep

2d

I want to buy a car under Rs 12 lakh. It should be a petrol automatic and will be my first car. I need good ground clearance, a good engine and gearbox combination for 70% city and 30% highway use, and my daily running is around 30 km in Bengaluru traffic. Comfort, space, decent fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and long-term ownership are important to me. I do not want a Fronx, Baleno, i20, Exter, Punch, or Nexon. Please suggest a value-for-money option. Thank you.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Given your exclusions, the Skoda Kylaq automatic would be our first recommendation. Specifically, the Signature automatic is if you can stretch slightly. The 1.0 TSI turbo petrol and torque converter automatic are a very good combination for Bangalore traffic. The gearbox is smooth, the engine has enough punch for highway overtakes, and the car feels more premium and substantial than most options in this price range. Ground clearance is good, it is easy to drive, and it has the solid feel that many first-time buyers appreciate.Another strong option is the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro automatic. It has a wider rear seat, feels bigger inside and is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment. The torque converter automatic is smooth, and it is comfortable for city use. The downside is that fuel efficiency is not that great, and the boot is on the smaller side.If you are willing to consider a sedan, the Honda Amaze CVT is also worth a look. The CVT is exceptionally smooth in traffic, reliability is excellent, and it is the kind of car you can comfortably keep for a decade. The only reason it is not our primary recommendation is that you specifically mentioned wanting good ground clearance.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHonda Amaze

Posted on: 4 May 2026