I'm based in Mumbai and currently looking for a mid-size SUV for my family. My daily commute is mostly city driving through traffic, but we also do weekend trips to places like Lonavala or Alibaug. My budget is around ₹18-20 lakh. I really like the features and smooth automatic gearbox of the Kia Seltos HTX IVT, but I'm not completely sold on its exterior design, especially the front. Should I go for it or consider something else?
CarBikeGPT Says: That's a common dilemma, especially when a car checks all the right boxes mechanically but misses on aesthetics! Given your preferences for a smooth automatic and city-friendly size, the Kia Seltos HTX IVT is indeed an excellent choice for Mumbai's traffic and those occasional family trips. However, if its looks aren't clicking with you, we'd strongly suggest waiting a bit longer for the next-generation Hyundai Creta.
The current Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta share a lot under the skin, including their fantastic IVT powertrain, which is perfectly suited for urban driving and offers decent mileage. The upcoming Creta, expected early next year, will undoubtedly carry forward these proven mechanicals but wrapped in an entirely new design package. This means you'll likely get the same reliable, feature-packed, and smooth driving experience you appreciate in the Seltos, but with a fresh aesthetic that might appeal more to your taste. Waiting will give you a direct alternative that addresses your primary concern without compromising on performance or features.
Honestly, if the Seltos's design is a significant hurdle for you, and you aren't in an immediate rush, holding out for the new Creta is the most sensible move. It's almost guaranteed to offer a very similar, if not improved, overall package with a different visual identity. If waiting isn't an option, you could also consider test driving the current Creta to see if its design clicks better, or even the Skoda Kushaq/VW Taigun for their robust build and driving dynamics, though their automatics might feel a bit different from the IVT. But for a direct aesthetic alternative to the Seltos with similar DNA, the new Creta is your best bet.