I am confused about whether to buy the petrol or diesel variant of the Kia Seltos. I always prefer to drive a manual transmission and am not interested in an automatic at all. I was owning a Kia Carens 1.5 Petrol MT previously and am now looking for a new SUV. Suggest which one to take, either petrol or diesel in the Seltos MT. Also considering the Skoda Kushaq, but afraid of the high maintenance cost in Skoda.

Autocar India

•1d

Without knowing more about your usage and requirements, it is hard to give you the ideal pick. Broadly speaking, the Hyundai Creta petrol is the more rounded package. It's a proven product with a user-friendly and spacious interior and a pleasant driving experience. If you are open to the Creta petrol, it's worth your while to check the new Kia Seltos, which is newer, roomier and more feature-packed.The MG Windsor Pro entices with keen pricing, an airy cabin and a sofa-like rear seat. However, there is a learning curve to the Windsor experience because many of the key controls are via the touchscreen. Also, while your usage doesn't suggest you'll have an issue, EVs work best if you have the option to install a charger at home.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

MG Windsor

Autocar India

•2d

Since most of your driving is outside the city and even in rural areas, an electric car might pose some challenges like recharging. Rural areas don't have as many chargers as small towns or cities, and even if you do find one, voltage fluctuations are a common occurrence. Also, for long highway trips, an EV requires a lot more planning and factors like waiting queues at charging stations.Your best bet for a hassle-free ownership experience would be a diesel SUV. The Kia Seltos is new, updated and gets a tried and tested diesel engine that suits your needs the best. We would recommend the Seltos diesel over the Hyundai Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•2d

Your confusion is justified, given that the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are closely related products. However, you should know that the recently launched second-generation Seltos is built on a new-generation platform, while the Hyundai Creta continues the old platform. The next-gen Creta, which will also move to the new platform, will only arrive in 2027.Till the next-gen Creta goes on sale, the Kia Seltos has the clear advantage with a more sophisticated platform that brings in greater tech, better refinement and the promise of enhanced safety too. Further, the new Seltos is also a fair bit larger than the Creta, giving it a big advantage in cabin space.We suggest you go ahead with the Kia Seltos HTX Plus, which makes for a well-rounded package.

Kia Seltos