Hi Autocar expert.. I am planning to buy new car it will be my 1st car. My budget would be around 25 Lakhs. I have a confused between Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra and Toyota Hyryder. Want to opt for top end automatic transmission. Also help me which engine should I go for petrol/diesel? My montly run would be around 200-300kms roughly not daily use tho.

Autocar India

•2m

With your limited running, a petrol-engined vehicle would be advisable. Since you are looking at a top-end automatic version, the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos are both good options. The Hyryder is good, but it is the oldest of this trio and you won’t see much benefit from its hybrid system with your limited running.

Between the Sierra and the Seltos, it depends on where your priorities lie. Both offer refined and powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, but the Sierra uses a six-speed torque converter gearbox, which is smoother in the city, while the Seltos uses a 7-speed DCT that is quicker to shift but can sometimes hesitate in traffic. The Sierra is the pricier of the two but also has the roomier cabin and more features.

It is worth noting that Tata’s service experience can be hit or miss, while Kia’s is generally regarded as among the best in the segment. If the roomier cabin, features and the sheer road presence the Sierra offers are important to you, then it is the one to have. But if service experience is a priority, then the Seltos is the safer bet. However, before deciding, do take a test drive of both SUVs.

Tata Sierra Front Right View — Tata Sierra

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Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Venkatesh Naidu

•2d

With a budget of 25L, I'm looking for a 5-seater car. It should be fun to drive and provide a comfortable ride. Safety, reliability and after sales service should be too-notch. I'll be driving this 60% in city and 40% on highways. It should also have a good interior and features including ventilated seats, wireless carplay/android auto, panaromic sunroof, 360 degree camera.

Autocar India

•2h

With a budget of around Rs 25 lakh and your priorities of fun to drive performance, comfort, safety and strong after sales support, the Kia Seltos fits your requirements very well. The current Seltos is larger than before, spacious and very comfortable for daily driving. Interior quality is among the best in the segment and it comes loaded with premium features, including the ones you have mentioned such as ventilated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof and a 360 degree camera. The 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine paired with the 7 speed DCT transmission offers strong performance while remaining refined and smooth in city use. It also fits comfortably within your budget and Kia’s after sales service network is generally reliable.If you want something different, the Tata Sierra with the turbo petrol automatic is another good option. It offers even more cabin space than the Seltos and its wider body makes it a more comfortable five seater. The ride quality is also very comfortable and it comes with all the features you are looking for. The downside is that it is about Rs 1.5 lakh more expensive than the Kia, and although Tata’s after sales service is improving, Kia still has the stronger reputation in that area.If you want something larger, you can also consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 within your budget. Even though it is a seven seater, with the third row folded it becomes a very spacious and comfortable five seater. It gets a powerful 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine producing over 200 hp paired with a smooth six speed torque converter automatic that delivers effortless performance. The handling is good, the ride is comfortable and it comes with most of the features you want. The only notable omission compared to your list is ventilated front seats. If you can live without that feature, it is another strong option to consider.

Sai charan

I am confused between the Sierra diesel and the Seltos NA petrol MT. I want to buy a safe car. Seltos looks good and is good to drive. Will Seltos score 5 stars in safety as they use the K3 platform?

Autocar India

•2d

The new Kia Seltos hasn't been crash-tested yet, but it is built on a newer, reinforced K3 platform and gets a plethora of safety features, so it is likely to score higher than the outgoing version.What adds to the confidence is that the smaller, more affordable Kia Syros (built on a reinforced K1 platform) has scored a 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP tests, hence it is possible that this new-gen Seltos achieves a similar feat. Although we'll have to wait for the final outcome when it is actually crash tested. Interestingly, the Sierra hasn't been crash tested either.The Tata Sierra is more spacious than the Seltos (particularly at the rear), and it feels like a tough SUV. However, a similarly-equipped Tata Sierra Diesel MT is much more expensive than a Kia Seltos NA Petrol MT. Besides being more affordable, the Seltos is smooth, refined and with light controls, it is a touch easier to drive. Hence, between the two, we'd pick the Seltos.

Sanket Dhamne

Can you help me buy a new car? My budget is Rs. 24-25 lakh, and if I have to choose between Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and MG Hector, which one should I opt for? I prefer the top-end automatic model. Should I go for a petrol engine or a diesel?

Autocar India

•2d

If you want peace of mind, ownership, and a well-rounded package, the Kia Seltos is the easiest recommendation. Regardless of which engine you choose, it delivers a satisfying experience. The 1.5 turbo petrol is great if you enjoy strong performance, especially on highways. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol with the CVT automatic is smooth and relaxed, making it ideal for city driving. And if you have high running, particularly on highways, the diesel option is refined and efficient. On top of all this, the Seltos feels premium inside, offers good space and comfort for four adults and is very competitively priced.If you are considering the Tata Sierra, the turbo-petrol would be the better engine choice. It is refined, punchy and enjoyable to drive. The diesel also performs well but is not as refined as the Kia diesel unit, while the naturally aspirated petrol can feel underpowered, particularly in fast moving traffic or on highways.In terms of space, the Sierra actually has an advantage over the Seltos. Its wider body gives it a more comfortable five-seat layout, and the seats and suspension make it a good long distance cruiser.The MG Hector still offers excellent value, especially after the recent update that added more features and competitive pricing. It offers a phenomenal rear seat space and comfort, which makes it a good choice if the car will often be chauffeur-driven. However, it is not as engaging to drive as the Seltos or the Sierra.

Kia Seltos

MG Hector

Tata Sierra

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