Jamui

•6h

I'm looking to buy the Seltos HTK(O) automatic but am confused between the 1.5 NA petrol IVT and the 1.5 diesel turbo TC. The petrol is costing me around Rs 17.9 lakh, while the diesel is around Rs 19.7 lakh, before any discounts or negotiations. My monthly running is likely to be around 1,200-1,300km, with roughly 60 percent highway and 40 percent city driving. This includes a 700km highway run to Dwarka from Bathinda and back, which is a regular trip, around 300-350km of office commute, and another 100-150km for weekend outings. In the petrol, I'm mainly concerned about E20-related issues such as moisture, the possibility of higher ethanol blends in the future, lower mileage and the engine feeling slightly underpowered, particularly during occasional trips to the mountains. With the diesel, my main concern is the possibility of DPF and EGR-related issues. The car will be driven by both me and my wife. Which one would you suggest for this usage? I'm more inclined towards the diesel, but the concerns around DPF issues are making me reconsider.

•3m

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Diesel AT. Your running is around 1,200-1,300 km a month with a 60% highway bias, which is exactly the kind of usage where a diesel makes sense. The diesel engine is stronger on the highway, offers better overtaking performance and will be more efficient over long distances, so the higher upfront cost will be recovered over time. The DPF concern is understandable, but your usage pattern is actually ideal for a modern diesel – regular highway runs keep the system healthy and minimise the risk of issues. The petrol IVT is smooth and reliable, but it will feel less punchy on the highway and in the hills, and the fuel cost difference will add up over time. As for E20, modern engines are engineered to handle it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20, so it should not be a reason to avoid petrol, but in your case the diesel is simply the better fit. The Seltos diesel automatic is a well-rounded package and will suit your usage perfectly.

Kia Seltos

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•7h

I currently own a Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi (Revv variant) and have clocked 6,300km over the past eight months. However, I am averaging only 8–9kpl. Since around 80 percent of my driving is within the city and I prefer high-performance engines, should I consider switching to the Kia Seltos Diesel or the XUV 3XO Diesel?

•1h

At 80% city usage, switching to a diesel purely for better mileage doesn’t make much sense. Your 8–9kpl is on the lower side, but the T-GDi is the performance-oriented engine, and frequent stop-start traffic will naturally bring down its efficiency.The Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel will deliver considerably better fuel economy and strong low-end torque, but it also brings the added complexity of a DPF. Since most of your driving is in the city, short and slow trips can make DPF regeneration more difficult. You would need to give the car occasional sustained runs to allow the system to regenerate properly.The Kia Seltos diesel is the better of the two if you want to move to a larger and more premium SUV. It is refined, has strong torque, and the automatic is well suited to relaxed driving. However, you would still have the same DPF consideration, and neither diesel will give you the performance character of your T-GDi.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Kia Seltos

•11h

I am planning to buy a sub-4m SUV and have shortlisted the Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus Automatic and Hyundai Venue HX5 Diesel Automatic. My annual running is expected to be around 16,000 to 18,000 km, including approximately 12,000 km of highway driving. From an economic point of view, I am slightly concerned about the Kylaq’s real-world petrol mileage, especially given the high amount of highway running. I am also concerned about the long-term implications of E20 petrol and whether it could lead to any issues in the future. On the other hand, I have concerns about buying a diesel due to the possibility of future government restrictions and the uncertainty around long-term diesel ownership. Considering these factors, I would appreciate your advice on which of the two would be the better choice for at least eight years of ownership.

•6h

Go for the Hyundai Venue Diesel Automatic. With your annual running of 16,000-18,000 km and a strong highway component, the diesel makes clear financial sense. The Venue’s diesel is refined and well suited to long-distance driving, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and reliable. Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are also strong, which matters over an 8-year horizon.The Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus Automatic is the better driver’s car, but the 1.0 TSI petrol will not match the diesel’s efficiency at your running, and the E20 concern is largely overstated – modern engines are engineered for it, and there is no official roadmap beyond E20. On the diesel side, the government has not announced any blanket restrictions on private diesel cars, and with Bharat Stage 6 and DPF technology in place, long-term ownership is not a major concern.The Venue is the more sensible and cost-effective choice for your usage pattern. If you want a more premium and spacious diesel SUV, the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic is worth stretching for, but within your shortlist, the Venue is the right call.

Hello Team, I currently own a 2013 Hyundai i20 Sportz CRDi and am planning to upgrade to a mid-size SUV. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh on-road in Kerala. My monthly running is approximately 700-800km, with occasional long drives, and I plan to keep the car for at least 10 years. I recently test drove the Duster 1.3-litre DCT automatic and was quite impressed with its driving dynamics and comfort. I really enjoyed the overall driving experience. Could you please share your insights on whether the Duster would be a good choice for long-term ownership, considering my usage and the fact that I plan to keep the car for 10 years? Also, are there any other alternatives in this budget that I should consider?

•9h

The Renault Duster actually sounds like a very good fit for your requirements. With just 700–800km of monthly running and occasional long drives, there is little reason to choose a diesel, and the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol gives you plenty of performance for both city use and highway trips. The Duster’s biggest strengths are its excellent balance of ride comfort and driving dynamics, along with 212mm of ground clearance.The 1.3 DCT is also a particularly good combination. It uses a wet-clutch DCT, and the gearbox is smooth enough in everyday driving while the engine provides strong performance when you are out on the highway.The only reservation is long-term ownership. This is a new-generation Duster, so there simply isn't enough 8 to 10 year Indian ownership data yet. The DCT is also mechanically more complex than a conventional torque converter, and Renault's service reach isn't as strong as Hyundai, Kia or Maruti.If you want alternatives, the Kia Seltos 1.5 IVT is the more conservative long-term choice, while the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 AT is worth considering if driving enjoyment is important.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

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Popular discussions right now

•2d

Which car should I buy among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Petrol base or Kia Seltos petrol base? And also tell me if anyone has faced power issue or pickup issue while overtaking as I want the car for long term.

•2d

Between the two, the Seltos is the better choice, especially if you are looking at the base variant. It feels more premium, is the newer product and offers a more complete package even in its lower variants.The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol makes 115hp and 144Nm. It isn't a particularly powerful engine, but it is smooth and refined and is perfectly adequate for normal city driving.For overtaking, it won't have the punch of the Seltos turbo, but it isn't underpowered either. With a full load and during quick highway overtakes, you may need to plan ahead and use higher revs. The Grand Vitara's 1.5 petrol is also a smooth, simple powertrain, but its performance is more relaxed and the base variant is quite sparsely equipped.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

•3d

Hi, I am looking for a car under Rs 10 lakh for my parents. They go on outstation trips almost every month, covering around 400-500 km on a round trip. I am looking for something spacious yet elegant.

•2d

For your parents' usage pattern, the lower variants of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza manual are the most sensible recommendation. It is a genuinely spacious compact SUV with a comfortable rear seat, good ride quality and a naturally aspirated petrol engine that is well suited to long highway runs.Maruti's service network is a major advantage for outstation trips, and the Brezza's reliability and low maintenance costs make it a stress-free ownership proposition. It also has a mature, understated design that feels elegant without being flashy.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

•4d

I am 52 years old and have been driving since my 20s. I need to drive around 2,500km a month, with 55% of the driving on highways, 30% on rugged rural roads and 155 in the city. My commute includes travelling to and from my farms, so I also need to occasionally transport 200-250 kg of fertiliser or farm produce. My budget is around Rs 10-12 lakh. Please advise which vehicle I should buy.

•4d

Given your usage pattern, the Mahindra Bolero is the most sensible recommendation. Your monthly running is high, with a significant highway component, but the key factor is the 30% rugged rural roads and the need to occasionally carry 200-250 kg of farm produce. The Bolero is built exactly for this kind of use case. It has a tough ladder-frame chassis, simple mechanicals and a reputation for durability on rough roads. The diesel engine is robust and well suited to long-distance running, and the suspension is designed to handle poor road conditions and heavy loads without complaint. It is not the most refined or feature-rich vehicle, but it is reliable, easy to maintain and has excellent service reach in rural areas. At your budget of Rs 10-12 lakh, it is also one of the few vehicles that genuinely meets your requirements without compromise.If you want something more comfortable and modern, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is worth considering, but it will not be as rugged or as load-friendly as the Bolero. For your specific needs, the Bolero remains the most practical and dependable choice.

Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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