I’m planning to buy a new car (budget ~₹16L), and I’m confused between the Hyundai Venue HX6 DCT (1.0 turbo petrol) and the Kia Seltos HTK 1.5 NA petrol manual. My usage is roughly 50% city and 50% highways, with occasional road trips carrying 5 people. I currently drive a 2019 Dzire manual, and I’m comfortable with manuals-I actually prefer downshifting for overtakes and like having some pickup on demand. During test drives, I noticed turbo lag in the Venue at low speeds, while the Seltos manual felt smooth and linear, but I couldn’t really test it properly at higher speeds due to traffic. I also took a test drive of the Seltos IVT, but I felt it might lack during highway overtaking, especially with full load, so I’m leaning more towards the manual with the 1.5 NA engine. My main questions are: Will the Seltos 1.5 NA manual feel underpowered on highways with 5 people + luggage during overtakes? Is the IVT actually capable enough for highway overtakes, or does it start feeling strained with full load? In the long run, which would be the better choice for my usage between these two?

autocar.india

•4h

Did you mean 3,000 km a month? If it is 30,000 km a month, that means you are doing over 1,000 km a day, which is an exceptionally high usage pattern.In that case, even an EV is not the right solution. The best EVs currently on sale would require multiple charging stops every day, and the time spent charging would quickly outweigh any fuel savings. For this level of usage, a diesel car is still the most practical and cost-effective option.If you're looking for a multipurpose vehicle for both city and highway driving, a Kia Seltos diesel would be a much better fit. It is comfortable, spacious, and an efficient long-distance cruiser. Its refined diesel engine is well suited to covering high mileages without the charging constraints of an EV.EVs make the most sense for drivers with high annual running but predictable daily distances, where overnight or scheduled charging is practical. They are less suitable for extremely high daily usage, where charging time becomes a significant limitation.If you still prefer an EV, you could consider the upcoming Kia Syros EV, with a 51.4kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 526 km on a single charge. It is likely to be priced within your Rs 15-20 lakh budget. Despite its compact footprint, it offers a spacious cabin, with an extremely efficient powertrain, given that it is shared with the Kia Carens Clavis EV and Hyundai Creta Electric.

Kia Seltos

Kia Syros EV

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Hyundai Creta Electric

autocar.india

•2d

The Tata Sierra 1.5 NA is quite a heavy car and, despite being tuned for efficiency, that weight does affect fuel consumption. In real-world conditions, you can expect Sierra mileage to fall between 7 and 9 kpl in the city and about 12 and 14 kpl on the highway, depending on how and where you drive.The bigger issue is performance. The 1.5 NA engine feels very sluggish, and you will need to work the engine and gearbox hard, especially when overtaking or when you need a quick burst of speed in traffic.Where this Tata car scores strongly is in road presence, safety, and overall family appeal. It feels solid, has a commanding stance, and is well suited for comfortable, relaxed driving.The Kia Seltos HTK, on the other hand, is the easier car to live with day to day. Its 1.5 NA engine feels noticeably far more responsive and lighter on its feet, and it is also more fuel-efficient in real-world use.So, if your priority is a safe, solid family car with strong road presence and you’re okay with the poor performance and lower mileage, the Sierra works. But if you want better drivability, efficiency, and a more effortless experience behind the wheel, the Seltos is the more rounded choice.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

The Hyundai Verna HX6 IVT is better equipped, and it has a larger boot than the Seltos. If you do a lot of airport runs, this is the better option. And being a sedan, it will feel nicer to drive than the Kia car, and it is likely to be more efficient too.Pick the Kia Seltos HTK IVT for its elevated driving position, more modern interior, and high ground clearance. Also, the Seltos will be easier for the elderly to get in and out. Overall, it will feel a bit nicer and comfier; hence, it is the one we'd recommend.

Hyundai Verna

Kia Seltos