Kia Seltos vs Honda City: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 11-12 Lakh for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers
What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Kia Seltos and Honda City, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Kia Seltos vs Honda City – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
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What a Long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
A car that can turn long drives into memorable journeys is a road tripper’s dream. Such vehicles need to balance performance with comfort, ensuring they’re as enjoyable to drive as they are to ride in. Fuel efficiency is crucial, minimizing stops for gas. Safety cannot be compromised, with features like multiple airbags and ABS being standard.
Ample boot space for gear, tech integrations for entertainment, and spacious interiors to stretch out make every mile enjoyable. Stability on highways and rough patches, with good ground clearance for uneven paths, make a car road-trip-worthy.
Why Kia Seltos and Honda City are popular
Kia Seltos and Honda City have captured the road trippers’ market, each for standout reasons.
Seltos, known for its robust build and tech-loaded interiors, offers an adventurous yet safe driving experience, perfect for long escapades. Its diesel variants, particularly, are lauded for fuel efficiency — a high priority for long distances. The higher ground clearance handles rough terrains with ease, making it versatile for various adventures.
On the other hand, Honda City, traditionally known for its comfort and reliability, has been a favorite among long-distance travelers. Its spacious cabin and large boot space are ideal for long journeys with family or friends. The petrol engine is smooth, making highway cruising a breeze, while its renowned fuel efficiency ensures the journey continues longer on each tank.
Both cars strike a balance between utility, comfort, performance, and safety, standing out as favorable companions for those lengthy journeys.
Kia Seltos and Honda City Variants Shortlist in Rs 11-12 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| SV | ₹1,149,000 |
For Kia Seltos, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 12 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| HTE Diesel iMT | ₹1,200,000 |
Honda City SV
At ₹1,149,000, the City SV offers a harmonious blend of comfort and efficiency. Its petrol engine ensures a smooth ride, complemented by an impressive overall mileage of 17.8 kmpl — ideal for long stretches of road. With safety features like 4 airbags, ABS, and a GNCAP rating of 4, it ensures peace of mind during extended travels.
The spacious boot of 506 liters, along with convenience features like power windows, climate control, and touchscreen navigation, amplify its attractiveness for long-distance road trippers. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the City with Skoda Slavia.
Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT
The Seltos, priced at ₹1,200,000, is a sturdy vehicle designed for all terrains. Its diesel engine, coupled with an overall mileage of 20.7 kmpl, makes it a cost-efficient option for long drives. The variant boasts 6 airbags, ABS, and a GNCAP rating of 3, prioritizing passenger safety.
Though the boot space is slightly less at 433 liters, its higher ground clearance of 190mm and other features like manual climate control, touchscreen, and power windows compensate, making it a reliable choice for adventurous road trips. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Seltos with Volkswagen Taigun, or Seltos with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Seltos and Honda City for Long-distance road trip lovers
For the long-distance road trip aficionado, the Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT stands out as the optimal choice.
While both vehicles are strong contenders, the Seltos surpasses with its diesel engine’s high fuel efficiency, crucial for long journeys, ensuring fewer interruptions and lower fuel costs. The higher ground clearance is a significant advantage, allowing the vehicle to traverse varied landscapes without worry.
Additionally, the Seltos offers a superior safety package with 6 airbags compared to City’s 4, providing enhanced protection for all occupants. The moderate body roll and stable high-speed stability ensure a comfortable, secure driving experience, crucial for those lengthy journeys.
Though it’s slightly pricier, the value provided, especially for long-distance travels, justifies the investment, making it the ideal choice.
Comparing Features
| Attribute | Honda City SV | Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 4 | 6 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 506 | 433 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | Yes | Manual |
| Climate Control | Yes | Manual |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 40 | 50 |
| GNCAP Rating | 4 | 3 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 190 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT: Its superior fuel efficiency, safety features, and high ground clearance make it ideal for diverse, long-distance travels.
- Honda City SV: With its spacious boot, reliable performance, and ample safety features, it’s well-suited for comfortable long journeys, though slightly less adventurous terrains.
In conclusion, both the Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT and Honda City SV offer a blend of safety, convenience, and performance. They’re both comfortable cars for road trips in India.
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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