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KU

kumar

•1w

Hi, My usage will be primarily on highways with my family, and I drive less than 10,000 km per year. I am confused between the Tata Sierra Pure 1.5 NA and the Kia Seltos HTE 1.5 NA, both manual variants. My heart says to go with the Sierra because of its good looks, larger size, and better rear seat space, while my mind suggests the Seltos due to its reliability. I previously owned a Kia Sonet 1.2 NA manual (now sold), and I have mixed feelings about the Seltos in terms of design. I have also been hearing a lot about the Sierra 1.5 NA engine being underpowered with poor pickup, which concerns me. I need your help in choosing the better option between these two.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•55m

For your usage, which is largely highway driving with family and under 10,000km a year, the safer and more predictable choice is the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA manual. Its engine is well proven; it will feel more responsive and require fewer downshifts for overtakes, which is important on highways. This directly addresses your concern about the Tata Sierra 1.5 NA potentially feeling underpowered, especially when fully loaded, where a larger and heavier car can make a naturally aspirated engine feel flat.The Seltos also brings with it a longer track record and a more predictable ownership experience, which is where your mind is rightly leaning. That said, your heart isn’t wrong either; the Sierra’s appeal lies in its design, road presence and rear seat space. It will definitely feel like the bigger, more special car.Ultimately, this comes down to what you value more. If you want peace of mind, easier overtakes and a more proven package, go with the Seltos. If you’re willing to trade some performance certainty for space, design and novelty, the Sierra is still worth considering. But only after a proper full-load highway test drive to see if the performance meets your expectations.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Sierra
Kia Seltos
Kia Seltos
ER

Eric

•1d

I have a 2015 Tata Zest, which I would like to replace with a decent SUV that suits my height (I am 6.2 feet tall) and offers a good balance of power and mileage. Additionally, good boot space for long trips would be very helpful.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

Consider going for the new Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol. The new Duster's 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine puts out a punchy 160hp/280Nm, and it can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Renault claims a mileage of 17.75kpl for the manual and 18.45kpl for the DCT auto, but expect real-world figures to be around 8-14kpl for both versions, depending on the traffic and your driving style. The India-spec Duster is 50mm taller than the overseas one to account for the panoramic sunroof, and as such, you shouldn't have any problem with your 6ft 2inch frame. The Duster also gets a segment-best 518 litre boot, and that, coupled with its composed ride quality make it a great road trip companion.

VehicleRenault Duster
KS

Kunal Sen

•1d

Hi, I am Kunal from Kolkata and am planning to buy my first car. I have recently started learning to drive. My usage will be around 45% city and 55% highway. I am confused between the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Skoda Kylaq, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. My priorities are a solid build quality (as a first-time car owner), good mileage, LED lamps, a quality music system, and low maintenance. Please advise.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

From the options you've listed, we'd recommend you shortlist the Hyundai Venue and Skoda Kylaq, both of which are turbo-petrol sub-4-metre SUVs. On account of their turbo-petrol engines, these will feel a bit more effortless to drive on the highway compared to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Grand Vitara that are powered by a 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine. Additionally, both cars get LED headlamps, have good audio systems (the Venue has an edge with its branded Bose speakers), and both are generously equipped with similar safety kits. The Venue's turbo-petrol will be a touch more efficient, and its maintenance costs will be a bit lower than the Kylaq's as well. Also, its cabin is comparatively more spacious too. The Kylaq, on the other hand, has an excellent ride-handling balance, which gives you tremendous confidence while driving. We'd suggest you drive both of these, and pick the one that appeals to you more.

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
SH

Shiv

•1d

I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around ₹15 lakh. I am a 30-year-old buyer and am confused between the Hyundai Verna SX+ (which is my favourite) and the new Kia Seltos HTE(O) automatic. I am concerned about the mileage of the Verna, while the Seltos offers fewer features like no sunroof or alloy wheels, and I am also unsure about its service experience. My usage will be mostly city driving in the Delhi NCR region, primarily on weekends.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2h

The Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos share a smooth, refined 1.5-litre petrol engine and an IVT (automatic). So in terms of performance, smoothness and maintenance, they're likely to be very similar. For its sheer driving pleasure, pick the Verna (sedan) if you're usually self-driven. Being lower and having a lower centre of gravity, this one will feel better to drive than an SUV. Its boot is much larger, too, which you will appreciate during your weekend trips or airport runs. However, if you are going to be driving with five adults regularly, only then pick the Seltos, which has a more spacious cabin, especially at the rear.

VehicleHyundai Verna
Hyundai Verna
Hyundai Verna
SE

Seef

•1d

I am a first-time buyer, although I have previously driven a Maruti Suzuki Baleno. My on-road budget is around ₹8 lakh. My priorities are comfort, safety, mileage, and a strong road presence. I am considering the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, but their sales figures and service network make me a bit sceptical. I am also open to cars from other brands. Please suggest some good options within my budget, keeping my priorities in mind.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•3h

Go for the new Tata Punch Pure MT. At your Rs 8 lakh on-road budget, it offers a good balance of safety, ride comfort and SUV-like road presence.Since you have prioritised safety and comfort, the Punch’s five-star Bharat NCAP rating is reassuring, and comfort levels are good too. The suspension is well sorted, delivering good ride quality and stable handling. The cabin is also spacious for a car in this class, and the seats are well cushioned with good thigh support, though the rear seat can feel a little narrow for three passengers. It also has the SUV-like road presence you are looking for, and the 187mm ground clearance is useful.The one trade-off is highway performance; the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine needs downshifts for quick overtakes above 80kph, so you will need to plan overtakes more carefully. If you prioritise a smoother engine and a wider rear seat for family trips over an SUV stance, consider the Maruti Baleno instead.On the test drive, check for engine refinement and cabin noise at speed, ride comfort over rough roads, and acceleration.

VehicleTata Punch