Kia Seltos 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 18-20 Lakh for Safety-conscious Car Buyers
For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Kia Seltos 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700 – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these models be considered the best cars with safety features in India? How have they fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space?
For safety-conscious buyers, top priorities include advanced airbag systems, electronic stability control (ESC), and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). They value vehicles with high crash test ratings, such as a good GNCAP score, reflecting robust build quality and impact resistance.
Features like traction control, lane keeping assist, and high-speed stability are essential for maintaining control under various driving conditions. Buyers also seek cars with enhanced visibility features, like LED headlights and fog lights, and parking aids such as rear parking sensors and cameras.
Ground clearance and minimal body roll are also important factors for these buyers, contributing to the vehicle’s overall safety and stability.
Why Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 are Popular
Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 are popular among safety-conscious buyers due to their comprehensive safety features and robust build quality. Both models have been recognized for their high safety standards, including good GNCAP ratings.
Kia Seltos stands out with its advanced safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, and high-speed stability control. Mahindra XUV700, on the other hand, offers additional safety features like lane keeping assist and high ground clearance, making it suitable for various terrains.
The inclusion of modern safety technologies like 360-degree cameras, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control in these models further enhances their appeal to safety-focused buyers.
Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 Variants Shortlist in Rs 18-20 Lakh Range
For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 6 December 2023 |
|---|---|
| HTX Diesel AT | ₹18,20,000 |
| HTX Plus Turbo DCT | ₹19,20,000 |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | ₹20,00,000 |
For Mahindra XUV700, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 6 December 2023 |
|---|---|
| AX3 AT | ₹18,27,000 |
| AX3 Diesel AT | ₹18,92,000 |
| AX5 AT | ₹19,65,000 |
Kia Seltos HTX Diesel AT
This variant is notable for its comprehensive safety features like six airbags, ABS, ESC, and high-speed stability. The diesel engine offers good power and efficiency, while the moderate body roll ensures stable handling.
Kia Seltos HTX Plus Turbo DCT
Upgraded with LED headlights for better night visibility, genuine leather upholstery, and a premium Bose audio system. The DCT transmission offers smooth and responsive driving, enhancing the overall safety and comfort.
Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT
This top-end variant offers all the features of the HTX Plus but adds additional conveniences like ventilated seats and larger touchscreen infotainment. The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration, contributing to better handling and safety. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of automatic variants of Seltos 2023 and Hyundai Creta.
Mahindra XUV700 AX3 AT
Offers lane keeping assist and a high ground clearance of 200 mm, making it suitable for various driving conditions. However, it has fewer airbags (two) compared to some Seltos variants. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best XUV700 variants for you.
Mahindra XUV700 AX3 Diesel AT
Similar to the AX3 AT but with a diesel engine, providing better torque and efficiency. Lacks some of the advanced safety features found in higher-end variants. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Toyota Innova Hycross.
Mahindra XUV700 AX5 AT
Stands out with its four airbags, LED headlights, and modern safety features. The turbocharged petrol engine ensures a responsive and smooth drive.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Seltos 2023 and Mahindra XUV700 for Safety Conscious Buyers
Given the GNCAP ratings, the Mahindra XUV700 AX5 AT emerges as the top choice for safety-conscious buyers. Its impressive 5-star GNCAP rating signifies superior crashworthiness and occupant protection compared to the Kia Seltos, which has a 3-star rating.
The XUV700 AX5 AT’s safety features, including four airbags, ABS, ESC, and LED headlights, contribute to its overall safety. The high ground clearance of 200 mm is advantageous for various driving conditions, enhancing safety.
Although it has fewer airbags than the Kia Seltos GTX Plus Turbo DCT, the superior GNCAP rating and a balance of safety features, combined with its responsive turbocharged petrol engine, make it the best variant in terms of overall safety.
The Top 3 Choices
- Mahindra XUV700 AX5 AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX3 AT
- Kia Seltos HTX Plus Turbo DCT
| Attribute | XUV700 AX5 AT | XUV700 AX3 AT | Seltos HTX Plus Turbo DCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (Number) | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 200 | 200 | 190 |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 AT stands out as the best choice for safety-conscious buyers due to its 5-star GNCAP rating and balance of safety features.
- The XUV700 AX3 AT, with a similar GNCAP rating but fewer airbags, is a strong contender as well.
- The Kia Seltos HTX Plus Turbo DCT, despite its 3-star GNCAP rating, remains a competitive option due to its six airbags and other safety features.
These three variants exemplify a mix of advanced safety technologies and structural integrity, making them the top choices for buyers prioritizing safety in their vehicle selection.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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