I'm from Chennai and currently considering buying the Kia Seltos HTE petrol with the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine. My usage involves monthly trips to Madurai, which is about 450 km one way, plus daily city driving within Chennai. I'm a bit concerned if the NA engine will feel underpowered on the highway for these long drives and if it's efficient enough for city traffic. My budget is around ₹12-13 Lakhs. What's your expert take?
CarBikeGPT Says: Absolutely, the Kia Seltos 1.5 HTE petrol will comfortably handle your Chennai to Madurai highway runs and your daily city commutes. It's a well-rounded package that should meet your needs without a hitch.
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, producing 115hp, is a refined and reliable motor. On the highways in Tamil Nadu, it's perfectly capable of cruising at 90-100 km/h all day long without feeling strained. You'll find it quite smooth, and while quick overtakes on undivided highways might necessitate a downshift, it builds speed linearly and predictably. For city driving in Chennai, the light steering and smooth clutch (in manual) or responsive IVT (if you opt for the automatic) make it easy to navigate through traffic. It won't feel underpowered for daily city tasks. In comparison, a Maruti Grand Vitara's mild-hybrid setup might offer slightly better city fuel efficiency, but the Seltos often feels a bit more planted and premium on the highway.
Even the HTE variant of the Seltos provides a comfortable cabin and decent features for an entry-level trim. The ride quality is well-tuned for Indian roads, absorbing most undulations effectively, which is great for those long trips. You and your family should find the cabin spacious enough for those 8-9 hour drives. The platform itself provides a stable base, contributing to a confident highway experience.
Honestly, for your specific use case of regular long-distance highway travel combined with city errands, the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA petrol is a very strong recommendation. It strikes a great balance between performance, comfort, and reliability. You won't regret your decision, especially if refinement and a well-sorted ride are high on your priority list. We'd confidently say it's a smart choice for your budget and lifestyle.
