We are planning to buy the Kia Seltos, but it has too many powertrain options, which is confusing. We are considering the top automatic model. Our daily driving is about 25km. This will not be the primary car, so it will not be used every day. Most of our driving will be in the city, with very rare outstation trips. Around 90% of the time, it will be used in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Which model should we book?

Autocar India

•23m

Go for the Kia Seltos HTX Petrol CVT for your mostly city use, as it is the smoothest and least stressful Seltos to drive.

The iVT is Kia’s CVT automatic gearbox that comes paired with a 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. For your running, this powertrain will feel calm, quiet and easy-going. You still get a rich cabin, and the key features most people want, and Kia’s service reach in cities is strong. One thing to be aware of is that this petrol IVT is not as quick as the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and it doesn’t have every single feature of the top-most trim.

If you truly want the full top trim and stronger power, look at the 1.5 turbo-petrol DCT in GTX+ or X-Line, but know that this twin-clutch automatic can feel a bit hesitant and jerky in bumper-to-bumper jams.

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Recommended questions for you

Saurab

•5d

I am looking to buy a new SUV and have considered options like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Sierra, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and the new Renault Duster. I have test-driven all of them and found the Creta to be the most comfortable, though it feels slightly outdated. The Elevate also seems to lack some modern features and feels a bit dated. The Kushaq/Taigun feel slightly small for five occupants, which is a concern. I really enjoyed driving the new Duster, but rear seat comfort seemed to be an issue. This car will be my primary vehicle for weekly Jaipur–Delhi trips and occasional long drives, while city usage will mostly be handled by my secondary car (Volkswagen Polo diesel). Based on this, which SUV should I choose, and which engine option would you recommend?

Autocar India

•1d

If you found the Hyundai Creta the most comfortable but too dated, the obvious answer is the new Kia Seltos. It gives you that same relaxed, easy-going ride but is more spacious than the Creta and feels more modern and upmarket inside, which will make your frequent Jaipur-Delhi runs nicer to live with.Given your usage is mainly highway with the Polo handling city duty, we would strongly recommend the 1.5 turbo-petrol Seltos. It has a strong mid-range punch, plenty of torque for effortless overtakes, and cruises very comfortably, which is exactly what you want for long, fast runs.The new Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Renault Duster are all very good to drive on the highway and dynamically more engaging, but as you’ve noticed, their rear seats are tighter for three adults across, and that’s a compromise on long trips with family. That’s where the Seltos scores: it strikes the best balance between space, comfort and a properly fresh cabin.

Planning to buy my 1st car, Budget ~17L (max possible 20L). Km usage will be comparatively low. Requirements: SUV, Automatic transmission, Spacious back seat for a family of 5, decent mileage, nice cabin interiors

Autocar India

•2d

Consider the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. The 1.5 litre petrol engine combined to the IVT (CVT) transmission is smooth and refined in most everyday driving conditions. Its easily one of the best CVTs around with little of the typical rubberband effect - where the engine revs rise before you feel a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. Seating comfort is also good with the new car offering a bit more space in the rear where legroom has improved significantly and will suit six-footers, headroom will be about adequate. Three average-sized adults can sit abreast in resonable comfort, and the seatback angle is adjustable. The suspension has been tuned with a focus on improving ride quality - that was firm with the previous car. The cabin interiors are also well built and equipped well, thus the Seltos would suit your requirements quite well.

Kia Seltos

prasad shiraskar

•3d

I am planning to upgrade from my Tata Tiago and am considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza (2026) and the new Kia Seltos. My key requirements are good fuel efficiency, affordable service and maintenance, and comfort for city driving. My usage will mainly be city driving in Navi Mumbai, around 75 km per day, three times a week. Could you please suggest which would be a better fit for my needs? Also, let me know if there are any better alternatives I should consider.

Autocar India

•1d

Consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi automatic for your Navi Mumbai city use, it will be easier to live with, use less fuel than a Kia Seltos, and keep service costs lower. Coming from a Tata Tiago, you will like the higher seat and wide view out, the light steering, and the 6-speed automatic is a torque convertor unit. It is the smoothest type around, which will make stop-go traffic far less tiring. The Brezza’s suspension handles speed breakers and rough patches very well at low city speed and the ride is nice and plush. Maruti’s service network is huge with quick turnarounds and easy-on-the-pocket parts. It is also shorter and easier to park than a Seltos, which matters in tight city spots. One thing to consider, the Brezza is not as quick on highways as the Seltos, and its cabin does not feel as rich. In all other aspects, though, the Brezza will do well.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Tiago

Kia Seltos

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