Hyundai Verna vs Kia Seltos 2023: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh for Budget-conscious Car Buyers

What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos 2023 to compare their variants for budget-conscious buyers. 

In this article, we will discuss

• What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Hyundai Verna vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
• How to pick the right car for you

So, can these cars be considered the best budget mid-size sedan and mid-size SUV? What affordable car options do they have in their lineup? Read on.

What a Budget-conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car

A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:

• Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
• Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
• Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
• Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates

Budget-conscious buyers prioritize value for money, seeking cars that offer a balance between affordability and essential features. They focus on fuel efficiency to minimize running costs and prefer safety features like airbags and ABS. Comforts such as power steering and air conditioning are also important, but luxury amenities are often secondary. 

These buyers look for reliability and low maintenance costs, ensuring that their vehicle remains cost-effective over time. Performance is considered within the context of economy, with a preference for vehicles that offer efficient yet satisfactory driving experiences.

Why Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos 2023 are Popular

Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos 2023 have gained popularity among budget-conscious buyers due to their excellent balance of affordability, features, and performance. 

Hyundai Verna stands out for its fuel-efficient engines, comfortable ride quality, and a good set of standard features, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet refined sedan. Kia Seltos 2023, on the other hand, is renowned for its modern design, robust build quality, and efficient powertrains. 

Both models offer essential safety features, decent fuel economy, and practical interiors, catering well to the needs of buyers who want value without compromising on essential amenities.

Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos 2023 Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 23 January 2024
HTE	₹1,090,000
HTE Diesel iMT	₹1,200,000

For Hyundai Verna, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 23 January 2024
EX	₹1,096,000
S	₹1,196,000

Kia Seltos HTE

Priced at INR 1,090,000, the Seltos HTE is the cheapest on this list. It offers essential features like power windows, airbags, and ABS, making it a practical and affordable choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT

At INR 1,200,000, this variant adds diesel efficiency and iMT convenience, appealing to those who prioritize fuel economy and driving comfort within a reasonable budget. If you’re a tech-savvy car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Honda City.

Hyundai Verna EX

The Verna EX, priced at INR 1,096,000, balances affordability with a comfortable interior and essential safety features, making it an excellent choice for buyers looking for a budget-friendly sedan. If you’re safety-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Verna with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Hyundai Verna S

Priced at INR 1,196,000, the Verna S variant offers additional features like alloy wheels and an improved audio system, suitable for those willing to spend a bit more for added comfort and style. We have also compared the Exter and Skoda Slavia for budget-conscious car buyers.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Hyundai Verna and Kia Seltos 2023 for Budget-Conscious Buyers

The Kia Seltos HTE emerges as the best option for budget-conscious buyers. Priced at INR 1,090,000, it offers a compelling mix of essential features, modern design, and practicality at an affordable price point. 

Its fuel efficiency, combined with standard safety features and a comfortable interior, make it an ideal choice for buyers seeking a versatile and economical SUV. The Seltos HTE stands out for its value proposition in the competitive SUV segment, making it a preferred choice for buyers who want the most out of their limited budget.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Kia Seltos HTE
2. Hyundai Verna EX
3. Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT

Attribute	Seltos HTE	Verna EX	Seltos HTE Diesel iMT
Price (INR)	1,090,000	1,096,000	1,200,000
Fuel Efficiency	Yes	Yes	Yes
Safety Features (Airbags, ABS)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Comfortable Interior	Yes	Yes	Yes
Diesel Engine Option	No	No	Yes
Alloy Wheels	No	No	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kia Seltos HTE stands out for its affordability, practical features, and modern design, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers. 
• The Hyundai Verna EX, with its sedan comfort and efficient performance, offers a great value proposition. 
• The Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT, although priced higher, brings in the advantage of diesel efficiency and an innovative transmission, catering to those who prioritize fuel economy and driving comfort. 

Each of these variants is a car that fits within your budget, and offers a unique combination of features and value, addressing different needs and preferences in the budget-conscious segment.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.