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kumar

•1w

Hi, My usage will be primarily on highways with my family, and I drive less than 10,000 km per year. I am confused between the Tata Sierra Pure 1.5 NA and the Kia Seltos HTE 1.5 NA, both manual variants. My heart says to go with the Sierra because of its good looks, larger size, and better rear seat space, while my mind suggests the Seltos due to its reliability. I previously owned a Kia Sonet 1.2 NA manual (now sold), and I have mixed feelings about the Seltos in terms of design. I have also been hearing a lot about the Sierra 1.5 NA engine being underpowered with poor pickup, which concerns me. I need your help in choosing the better option between these two.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

For your usage, which is largely highway driving with family and under 10,000km a year, the safer and more predictable choice is the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA manual. Its engine is well proven; it will feel more responsive and require fewer downshifts for overtakes, which is important on highways. This directly addresses your concern about the Tata Sierra 1.5 NA potentially feeling underpowered, especially when fully loaded, where a larger and heavier car can make a naturally aspirated engine feel flat.

The Seltos also brings with it a longer track record and a more predictable ownership experience, which is where your mind is rightly leaning. That said, your heart isn’t wrong either; the Sierra’s appeal lies in its design, road presence and rear seat space. It will definitely feel like the bigger, more special car.

Ultimately, this comes down to what you value more. If you want peace of mind, easier overtakes and a more proven package, go with the Seltos. If you’re willing to trade some performance certainty for space, design and novelty, the Sierra is still worth considering. But only after a proper full-load highway test drive to see if the performance meets your expectations.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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DD

Dev Dutt Gulati

•30m

Buy any car but not Mahindra XEV9E

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AB

Abhishek

•1w

I want to buy an SUV within ₹20 lakh. I am confused between Seltos, Urban Cruiser, and Sierra. My preference is automatic. I am presently using a Honda City ZX automatic, Gen V.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1d

If you are considering NA versions, the Kia Seltos’ CVT is a better choice than the Tata Sierra’s DCA. The CVT is seamless in operation, similar to your Honda City’s CVT, and works well with the 1.5-litre engine, particularly in the city. While the Sierra’s DCA shifts are smooth, it can be slow to respond, with a noticeable pause between shifts.Within your budget, you can opt for the HTX trim of the Kia Seltos, which comes well-equipped with features, like a 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and a Bose premium audio system. Do take a test drive before you decide.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda City
VehicleTata Sierra
R

R

•4d

I want to buy an SUV that will mostly be used for city commuting and occasional long drives once a month. Can you suggest which is the best among the new Seltos, Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Victoris, and Creta?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

If you are looking for an all-rounder, the new Kia Seltos is the pick of the models on your shortlist. It's the most spacious, offers the best ride comfort and feels most upmarket too. The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol NA with the IVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to your city-centric driving.If fuel economy is your top priority, the strong hybrid versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder fit the bill. The hybrid powertrain switches to EV mode, often allowing exceptional fuel economy numbers. The Victoris is the newest, best-equipped and most appealing of the three strong hybrid models.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
FR

Franklin

•1w

Hi Autocar Team, I currently own a Maruti Alto K10 and am planning to upgrade to a new car with a budget of around ₹20 lakh. I live in a rural area with village roads and farm fields, but I am not interested in hardcore off-roading or a full-time 4x4 system. My driving pattern is approximately 30% on rural/mud roads and 70% on highways. I am currently confused between the Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD, Renault Duster turbo petrol, and Tata Sierra diesel.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

While a full-on 4x4 system is useful for off-roading, a part-time AWD system, as offered by the Maruti Victoris, is handy in low-traction environments like the loose mud you encounter during your 30 percent rural usage. Yes, both the new Renault Duster and Tata Sierra have advanced electronics to deal with low-grip environments. But they can't quite compare to an AWD system that drives all four wheels, in case you get stuck in a tight spot. The Victoris AWD, then, proves to be the best compromise between utility and everyday usage. While its engine is not super powerful, it is efficient and reliable, and the Victoris offers good high-speed comfort and stability. It should aid you on the highway, which is where you do most of your driving.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleTata Sierra

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Posted on: 27 Mar 2026