I am a first-time car buyer looking for an automatic transmission and am confused between the top-spec Kia Sonet and a mid-variant of the new Seltos. Which option offers better value for money?

Autocar India

•11w

It really depends on your priorities. If you want a feature-loaded vehicle, it makes more sense to go for the top variant of the Kia Sonet.

But if interior space and comfort are more important to you, then the Kia Seltos is the better choice. In most cases, choosing one variant below the top gives you the best value for money.

In this case, the new Seltos pricing announced on 2 January 2026 can help make the decision clearer.

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Sonet

from ₹8.59 Lakh

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If I have to choose between the Honda Elevate AT, Skoda Kushaq 1.5, and Kia Seltos IVT for a family of four, with most of the driving being within city limits (around 40 km daily), which one would be the best option in terms of long-term benefits and lower maintenance costs?

Autocar India

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Go for the Honda Elevate CVT, which seems like the best fit among these three for your needs. It's not quite as spacious as the Kia Seltos, but for a family of four, there's more than enough space. And it's not as exhilarating as the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI to drive, but it's still quite enjoyable and far more fuel efficient for your usage of roughly 40km per day in the city. While all three cars have decent warranties, with the ability to extend them for a fee, but Honda offers a unique 'Anytime Warranty' which lets you extend in increments of 1-year/20,000km for up to 10 years. Plus, Honda is known for its reliability and rock-solid after-sales experience, which should give you the best overall long-term experience. The downside is that the Elevate is a bit plain and not quite as well equipped as the others, but then it is also considerably more affordable. Your next best bet is the Kia Seltos, but be prepared to shell out a bit more money for spec.

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Vikram Singh

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Hi, I am looking to buy my first car as a new driver. I initially explored a few used car options, but couldn’t find a suitable one, so I am now planning to buy a new car. I live in Lower Himachal, where the terrain includes both plains and hilly areas, and my driving will be around 80% on highways. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Turbo DCT and the Renault Duster top-spec 1.3 Turbo DCT. What difference will the torque figures make between these two cars? Also, is it advisable to consider the Renault Duster in terms of long-term reliability, as I am looking for a no-nonsense, dependable vehicle? Should I also consider other options, since I can stretch my budget to ₹20 lakh? I prefer variants with ventilated seats. Additionally, how significant is the absence of a spare wheel in the Duster?

Autocar India

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For your usage, which is largely highway driving with some hilly terrain, the Kia Seltos turbo automatic makes more sense as an overall package. The difference in torque figures between it and the Renault Duster is not something you will notice in isolation, as both offer strong mid-range performance. In real-world conditions, it is more about how the power is delivered than the number itself.Where the Seltos has an edge is in terms of overall ease of ownership. Kia’s wider service reach and more established support network make it a more predictable choice, especially if you are planning to keep the car long term and will be driving across varied terrain. The Duster, on the other hand, is an all-new product, so while it promises to be a tough, no-nonsense SUV, real-world long-term ownership experience is still an unknown at this stage.The missing spare wheel in the Duster is also something to consider seriously for your usage. In hilly areas, having a proper spare is important, as puncture kits may not be sufficient in case of a major tyre issue like a side wall cut.

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Toyota HyCross GX(O) vs Maruti Victoris ZXi(O) strong hybrid vs Tata Sierra Accomplished Plus turbo petrol. Which is best for long-term usage under ₹30 lakh?

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For long-term usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) and the Maruti Victoris ZXi (O) strong hybrid are safer bets than the Tata Sierra Accomplished+ Turbo Petrol. Both come with a solid reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support, which is what really matters over 8-10 years of ownership.Between the Toyota HyCross and the Victoris, the HyCross is the more comfortable and practical choice. Its very spacious cabin, better third-row usability and comfortable ride make it a nicer long-distance family car. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is simple and proven, and its relaxed highway manners are a big plus if you do a lot of intercity trips.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid scores on efficiency and smoothness thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which is especially nice in traffic and helps keep running costs low. However, the boot is smaller, and the cabin is the least spacious of the three, so it’s not as versatile for full-family use. If you mainly drive yourself with only occasional passengers, the Victoris, which is also the most compact and city-friendly of the lot, is the easiest to live with in daily urban driving.

Toyota Innova HyCross

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