I have booked the Kia Seltos GTX IVT petrol with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, but I am now beginning to feel that it may not be worth the amount I am spending. I am therefore also considering the Thar Roxx Star Edition petrol. My daily running is around 30-40 km, with an 800-900 km highway trip roughly once every four months. Which one should I choose?

autocar.india

•19h

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•15h

With 6,000 km a year and 80% heavy city traffic, a diesel is not the right choice. The DPF will not get enough highway runs to regenerate properly, and you will end up with unnecessary headaches. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol is smooth and reliable, but coming from a diesel Brezza, it will feel flat and lacking that mid-range punch you enjoy. The 1.5 turbo petrol is the better fit for your driving style – it has strong mid-range performance and will feel far more satisfying in city overtakes. Yes, fuel efficiency will drop with a heavy right foot, but that is a trade-off for the performance you are looking for. At your running, the fuel cost difference is manageable, and you avoid the DPF concerns entirely. Go for the Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol automatic - it is the closest match to the diesel punch you like, without the ownership worries.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•21h

With 8,000-10,000 km a year and mostly highway driving, a diesel SUV makes the most sense. The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is the best fit here. It is a genuinely good highway car with strong performance, good stability and a comfortable ride. The diesel engine is fairly efficient and well suited to long-distance driving, and Mahindra’s service reach is strong. The 3XO is also one of the most spacious compact SUVs, with a wide rear seat that makes it a comfortable five-seater.If you are willing to stretch your budget, the Kia Seltos diesel is worth considering. It is a larger SUV with a more premium cabin and better long-distance comfort. It is the better car overall, but it comes at a slightly higher price.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Seltos