Kia Seltos HTX Petrol CVT

autocar.india

•12h

Go for the Seltos HTK(O) IVT and spend the extra Rs 1.2 lakh. For a first-time driver who will predominantly drive in Mumbai and plans to keep the car for 8-10 years, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with IVT is a very sensible combination. The IVT is smooth and easy to drive in stop-go traffic, while the engine is refined and well suited to relaxed city driving.The extra equipment on the Seltos is also more than just a list of gimmicks. Ventilated seats, powered driver's seat and front parking sensors are features you can genuinely appreciate over a long ownership period, particularly in Mumbai. The larger infotainment screen and leatherette upholstery add to the everyday experience as well. The Seltos also has a slightly more spacious cabin and more premium feel.The Creta S(O) IVT remains a very good choice and saves Rs 1.2 lakh, but the price difference isn't large enough to justify choosing the lower-equipped car if you already value these features.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Hyundai Creta S (O) IVT. It is the best fit for your requirements as a new driver. The IVT automatic is smooth, reliable and easy to drive in the city, and the Hyundai Creta offers good visibility, a comfortable driving position and a well-balanced ownership experience.The Kia Seltos HTK (O) IVT is mechanically very similar, but the Creta is the better value package. Moreover, the Creta is slightly smaller and offers better visibility, making it easier to drive and manage for a relatively new driver.The Tata Sierra Adventure DCT is tempting with its 360° camera, but the DCT gearbox is not as well suited to city driving as the IVT, nor is it as efficient. Between the Creta and Seltos, it's quite close, but we'd recommend the Hyundai for its slight advantage in ease of driving.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Honda Elevate CVT, as it is the most sensible choice. The naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the CVT is smooth, reliable and easy to drive, which is exactly what you need as relatively new drivers. Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs also aligns perfectly with your needs, and you liked the Brio that you drove, so this feels like a logical upgrade.The Skoda Kushaq is a great driver’s car, but your concerns about higher maintenance costs and resale value are not entirely unfounded. Its turbocharged engines do require a bit of a learning curve to drive smoothly and efficiently compared to the naturally aspirated petrol engines of the others. The Kia Seltos is feature-rich, and while build quality issues aren't really an issue, what might be is its size, which could be a bit too large for urban Bengaluru use, considering you are both new drivers.The Honda car mentioned above may not have a 360-degree camera, but that is not a deal-breaker. The most important thing is that the Elevate offers a stress-free ownership experience, which is far more valuable over 10-15 years than a few extra features. The Elevate is also a comfortable family car with a spacious cabin and good ride quality, which makes it well-suited for a family of four and will be easy to drive for relative novices.

Honda Elevate

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1d

The Hyundai Creta received a major facelift in 2024, so the next all-new generation is expected around 2027. There is no official confirmation of a hybrid powertrain for the next Creta yet, but Hyundai is developing hybrid technology for India, so it is possible that the next-generation Creta could offer a hybrid option. The Creta and Seltos are built on the same platform and share engines, but Hyundai and Kia tune their cars differently. The Creta is positioned as the more comfort-oriented option, while the Seltos feels slightly more premium and offers marginally better rear seat space.If you need a car now, buy the Seltos. It is a very well-rounded product and you will not regret the decision. If you are not in a hurry and are specifically interested in a hybrid powertrain, it may be worth waiting for the next-generation Creta. Otherwise, there is no strong reason to delay your purchase.

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos