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Mumbai
AB

Abhishek

6d

I want to buy an SUV within ₹20 lakh. I am confused between Seltos, Urban Cruiser, and Sierra. My preference is automatic. I am presently using a Honda City ZX automatic, Gen V.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6m
If you are considering NA versions, the Kia Seltos’ CVT is a better choice than the Tata Sierra’s DCA. The CVT is seamless in operation, similar to your Honda City’s CVT, and works well with the 1.5-litre engine, particularly in the city. While the Sierra’s DCA shifts are smooth, it can be slow to respond, with a noticeable pause between shifts.
Within your budget, you can opt for the HTX trim of the Kia Seltos, which comes well-equipped with features, like a 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and a Bose premium audio system. Do take a test drive before you decide.
Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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I want to buy an SUV that will mostly be used for city commuting and occasional long drives once a month. Can you suggest which is the best among the new Seltos, Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Victoris, and Creta?

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If you are looking for an all-rounder, the new Kia Seltos is the pick of the models on your shortlist. It's the most spacious, offers the best ride comfort and feels most upmarket too. The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol NA with the IVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to your city-centric driving.If fuel economy is your top priority, the strong hybrid versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder fit the bill. The hybrid powertrain switches to EV mode, often allowing exceptional fuel economy numbers. The Victoris is the newest, best-equipped and most appealing of the three strong hybrid models.

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Eswaran Chidambaram

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Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹23-25 lakh and am considering a mid-size SUV. I am inclined towards the Kia Seltos due to its overall reliability compared to the Tata Sierra. However, I am confused between the DCT and IVT automatic options. My usage will be around 40% in the city and 60% on highways. My main concern is the long-term reliability of Hyundai/Kia’s DCT gearbox, especially in Indian conditions. I am also unsure whether choosing the IVT would lead to missing out on performance.

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We suggest you go for the Kia Seltos Turbo-DCT. While the DCT isn't quite as seamless as the 1.5 NA's IVT unit at low speeds, gearshifts are still smooth enough. It's in higher speed highway environs that the Turbo-DCT will appeal significantly more to you. The turbo-petrol engine's 160hp feels a lot more effortless than the 115hp NA petrol engine, and the added performance really counts for a lot on long-distance journeys. Drive with enthusiasm, and you'll also get a far more connected experience from the DCT. Hyundai/Kia's dry-clutch DCT did have overheating issues in the past, but software updates have reduced occurrences. Follow the manufacturer's protocol for shifting to P/N on halts, and you won't have problems.

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Franklin

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Hi Autocar Team, I currently own a Maruti Alto K10 and am planning to upgrade to a new car with a budget of around ₹20 lakh. I live in a rural area with village roads and farm fields, but I am not interested in hardcore off-roading or a full-time 4x4 system. My driving pattern is approximately 30% on rural/mud roads and 70% on highways. I am currently confused between the Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD, Renault Duster turbo petrol, and Tata Sierra diesel.

Autocar India team

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Verified
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While a full-on 4x4 system is useful for off-roading, a part-time AWD system, as offered by the Maruti Victoris, is handy in low-traction environments like the loose mud you encounter during your 30 percent rural usage. Yes, both the new Renault Duster and Tata Sierra have advanced electronics to deal with low-grip environments. But they can't quite compare to an AWD system that drives all four wheels, in case you get stuck in a tight spot. The Victoris AWD, then, proves to be the best compromise between utility and everyday usage. While its engine is not super powerful, it is efficient and reliable, and the Victoris offers good high-speed comfort and stability. It should aid you on the highway, which is where you do most of your driving.

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Posted on: 26 Mar 2026