Autocar India
8h

Hi Team, I have a 2021 Kia Seltos HTK iMT and am planning to install an aftermarket CNG kit due to my increased running. Could you please confirm whether the iMT gearbox works well with an aftermarket CNG setup? The car has currently run 8,000 km.

Verified
50m

We would strongly advise against installing an aftermarket CNG kit on your Kia Seltos HTK iMT. This Kia car uses a direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, which isn't well suited to aftermarket CNG conversions. The iMT gearbox adds another layer of complexity, as the system relies on precise engine and clutch control, and CNG conversions could affect drivability and calibration. More importantly, Kia does not offer a factory CNG option on the Seltos, so any conversion would void your warranty and introduce reliability risks. 

If your running has increased significantly, it would be more sensible to replace your Seltos with a diesel car or consider a factory CNG model where the engine and fuel system are designed to work together from the factory.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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18m

@autocar.india my car doesn't have turbo, it is naturally aspirated engine with IMT gearbox.

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1d

I currently own a Skoda Kushaq Petrol AT. Everything is fine except the mileage. I am getting only around 10-13kpl with E20 petrol. My daily running is around 100 km. Should I buy a diesel car or an electric car?

Verified
7h

With a daily running of around 100 km, fuel efficiency becomes a major factor in ownership costs. The Skoda Kushaq petrol automatic is a good car, but the 10-13kpl you are seeing is typical for a turbo petrol automatic, especially with E20 petrol. At this usage, a diesel or a strong hybrid makes far more sense.If you do regular highway runs, a diesel is still the most practical and cost-effective solution. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic would be the recommendation here. It is a strong highway car, comfortable, spacious and the diesel engine will deliver significantly better fuel efficiency than your Kushaq. Diesel running costs will be far lower over your kind of mileage. If that is out of your budget, something smaller like a Kia Seltos diesel, while not as powerful, is even more efficient.If your usage is mostly city a strong hybrid could be a better solution. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is the most practical and cost-effective option. It is well priced, has a proven track record and will dramatically reduce your running costs. The strong hybrid is better suited to the city, where it is more likely to run on its electric motor than use the engine and deliver the better mileage.

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2d

I want to buy an SUV in the Rs. 25 lakh price range. My primary concern is the size, with the maximum acceptable size being that of the new Kia Seltos, due to narrow streets and potholes. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos because it has the wow factor, many features, and good build quality. After driving it, I didn't like the quality of the new Duster/Tekton. I have also eliminated Volkswagen/Skoda due to poor service in our area and their poor AC performance. The car will be chauffeur-driven and will run 5-8 km daily. I am not interested in EVs. I am also interested in second-hand luxury cars like the 2020 BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. What would you suggest? Should I go with the new Kia Seltos or consider these second-hand luxury car options? I really need your suggestion. I plan to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years.

Verified
1d

Go for the new Kia Seltos. Your usage is just 5-8km a day, you are chauffeur-driven, and you want a car no bigger than the Seltos because of narrow streets and potholes. The Seltos fits that brief perfectly. It is a well-rounded SUV with a premium cabin, good ride comfort and a strong feature set. More importantly, it is a new car with a full warranty and predictable ownership costs, which matters over a five-year ownership period.The second-hand luxury car idea is tempting, but maintenance costs can be unpredictable. The Seltos will be easier to live with, cheaper to maintain and better suited to your daily routine.You have already ruled out the Duster/Tekton and VW/Skoda options, so the Seltos is the right choice. With limited running, the 1.5 NA petrol with either the IVT or the manual should suit you best. Just pick the variant that gives you the features you want without stretching the budget unnecessarily.

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6d

I am looking to upgrade from my Hyundai Creta to a 7-seater SUV. My annual running is only around 6,000 km, and my budget is up to Rs. 25 lakh. Is the Hyundai Alcazar a good option for my usage? I have also considered the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, but I am concerned about their relatively low fuel efficiency. Which 7-seater SUV would you recommend?

Verified
5d

With a yearly running of just 6,000km, petrol is the sensible choice, and the Hyundai Alcazar is a good option. It is a comfortable, easy-to-drive family SUV with a hassle-free ownership experience, and the 1.5 turbo petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is powerful enough and relatively efficient too. Plus, since you're coming from a Creta, you'll be familiar with the Hyundai network and could even ask for a loyalty discount. However, the Alcazar’s third row is not as spacious as some larger cars in the segment, so if you genuinely need a proper 7-seater, it may not be the ideal solution. What's more, if your Creta is the 2020 or newer model, you'll find the Alcazar perhaps a little too familiar on the inside.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus are good options that offer more space. However, as you have noted, they're not fuel efficient at all, and moreover, in your budget, you will only get a low to mid-spec variant, whereas you will get a fully-loaded Alcazar. Another option to consider, though not an SUV, is the Kia Carens Clavis. Its MPV shape is more space-efficient, and you actually get more passenger and luggage room than the Alcazar, with the same efficient engines, for around the same price.

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6d

Hi, I am a teacher and a first-time female driver with a budget of Rs. 11.5 lakh. I am looking for an automatic car that I plan to keep for the next 15 years, but I am confused about whether to buy a petrol AMT, CNG AMT, or an EV due to the uncertainty surrounding ethanol blending. My daily commute is 46 km, of which 22 km is on the highway, 18 km is on normal roads, and 6 km is on bumpy village roads in poor condition. Please recommend the most suitable fuel type that will keep my overall cost of ownership low.

Verified
6d

We'd recommend a petrol automatic. With a daily running of around 46km and an ownership period of 15 years, it offers the best balance of low ownership costs, reliability and ease of use for a first-time driver.We wouldn't let E20 fuel influence your decision. Modern E20-compliant petrol cars are designed to run on it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. It isn't a reason to avoid buying a petrol car today. A CNG automatic will certainly reduce your fuel bills, but the higher purchase price, reduced boot space and limited automatic options make CNG car less attractive unless fuel savings are your overriding priority. An electric car will have the lowest running costs, but at your budget, you'll have to compromise on size or features, and recovering the higher upfront cost will take time.Given your budget and usage, we'd look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift automatic which will launch soon if you can stretch slightly, or the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta+ AGS if you want to stay within budget. Both are easy to drive, have good ground clearance for the 6km of rough village roads and come backed by Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. If you prefer a smoother automatic, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT is also worth considering.

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Posted on: 29 Jul 2026