autocar-logo
Delhi
KM

k Mahesh Dutt

4w

I am planning to buy the new Seltos. Kindly advise whether to go for the iMT or CVT version, as I prefer an automatic.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4w
Since you want a proper automatic gearbox, it's the Kia Seltos CVT that you should go for out of the two you have mentioned. The Kia Seltos iMT is a clutchless manual, meaning there's no clutch pedal for you to operate but you do have to manually row through the gears like in a conventional manual.
The Seltos CVT, on the other hand, is like any other automatic wherein you just have to shift the gear selector either to 'D' (Drive) or 'R' (Reverse). It's worth noting that the Seltos is also available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox only with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 6-speed torque converter automatic only with the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

Explore cars mentioned

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

SS

Ss

3w

Can give 20+ mileage if driven with light foot at 90kmph

GE

George

3w

What about milage of New Kia seltios CVT

SS

Ss

3w

17-18 kmpl

WI

Wings

3w

We evaluated both seltos and creta ..... creta has more features than seltos as of today ...... go for without turbo model ... which will come with ivt gearbox. ( Model King 2025 with good discounts )

SA

Sriram Ayyar

3w

Is this true of the old seltos ot the new 2026 upgrade?

SM

Sachin Manaktala

3w

So we have the sonet imt which has a lag while using it on the 1st gear, I suggest to go for an automatic with the auto hold feature which is a boon in the city driving conditions. In the imt you will always have to use your left hand to change gears, rather enjoy the ease of driving a fully automatic car.

SD

Sanjoy dholey

3w

Sir what is your opinion about hyundai exter.I want to by a car within 7 to 8 lakhs.I have no car driving experience yet.please suggest

SU

Sumit

3w

Please dont go with exter , interior quality is poor and it comes with ant if you are looking for proper automatic without stretching your budget honda amaze cvt is the best option under 10 lkhs

ES

Eshwaraswamy

3w

Honda is now straggling, marketing less

SS

Ss

3w

Please no. It is very congested car, with bad safety rating. Either go for amaze or new punch and if mileage is a concern, then go for new dzire but it would lack in power. If u are buying ur first car, then it is perfect.

PV

Peravalli Viswanatha Rajkumar

3w

Best choice could be HTK(o)...IVT... Great comfort, all features in it...

SS

Ss

4w

Cvt is more better due to it's smooth gear shifts. You won't feel lags or jerks during gear shifts.

Latest questions people are discussing

PO

pooja

3d

I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

With a daily running of around 50 to 60 km, a diesel automatic makes good sense as your monthly usage will easily justify the better fuel efficiency and relaxed nature of a diesel engine.Between the two options, the Kia Seltos diesel automatic is the better choice overall. The diesel engine is refined, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and well-suited for normal city traffic as well as highway drives.The Tata Sierra is also a strong Midsize SUV with more cabin space. But its diesel engine is noticeably noisier and less refined than the Hyundai-Kia diesel. It is also over a lakh more expensive in comparable automatic variants.For your usage and preference for an automatic, the Seltos diesel automatic is the more balanced and sensible option thanks to its refinement, smooth gearbox and lower price.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Sierra
SA

Saransh

4d

I am planning to buy a new SUV at around ₹17 lakh on-road price and have shortlisted the Honda Elevate ZX, Kia Seltos HTK and new Kushaq Prestige. I primarily need a car for 80% driving in the city and around 1000-1200 km per month. Which is better in terms of engine and mileage? Is the Honda Elevate outdated compared to other cars in the segment?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

The Honda Elevate is a good option for your needs. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to city driving. The car is spacious and comfortable, and the ZX variant is well-equipped too. However, in comparison to the Seltos, it does not have the space or the modernity, and the cabin does not feel as plush.The Kia Seltos HTK with the CVT gearbox is the best option considering all your needs. It is a lot better-equipped than the Honda, has a better ride quality, and the engine has a lot more punch and strong performance while still being easy to drive in the city. The smoothness, refinement and ease of use are why the Seltos will be our recommendation.The Skoda Kushaq is a good option, too. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quite efficient, but it is not as smooth as the 1.5-litre engines of the Honda and Kia. The facelift that was recently revealed will be launched in a few days, but it hasn't changed much in the rear seat space, where it is still not as spacious as the Seltos. So we would advise you to shortlist the Seltos.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
SU

Subash

4d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Since you have not mentioned your monthly running, the choice between petrol and diesel mainly depends on how much you drive and the kind of driving you do. As a general rule, if your running is more than about 1,300 to 1,400 km per month, then the diesel version of the Kia Seltos can make sense. You should also have regular highway drives so that the diesel engine can operate properly and avoid potential DPF related issues.If your running is lower than that or largely city-focused, the petrol Seltos will suit you very well. Since you prefer a proper manual gearbox, you should know that the turbo petrol engine is only available with the clutchless iMT. The conventional manual gearbox comes with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.While it is not as punchy as the turbo petrol, it is smooth and perfectly adequate for everyday driving, especially in the city. In fact, you are already familiar with this engine because your Kia Carens uses the same powertrain and transmission combination.Regarding the Skoda Kushaq, the brand has improved a lot over the past few years, and the earlier reliability concerns are largely sorted. However, since you already own a Kia car and are satisfied with the ownership experience, sticking with the Seltos would be the safer and more comfortable choice for you.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Carens
VehicleSkoda Kushaq

Posted on: 14 Feb 2026