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
Long-distance road trip aficionados prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, reliability, and advanced safety features in a car. Ample cabin space, ergonomic seating with lumbar support, and climate control ensure a comfortable journey, while high fuel efficiency and a large fuel tank capacity offer extended range.
They appreciate high-tech amenities like advanced navigation systems, seamless smartphone integration, and quality audio systems for entertainment. Additionally, superior safety attributes such as high GNCAP ratings, effective traction control, and emergency response features provide peace of mind on isolated roads.
Why Kia Seltos and Honda City are Popular
Kia Seltos and Honda City have emerged as favorites among long-distance road trip enthusiasts, primarily for their blend of comfort, performance, and technology.
The Kia Seltos impresses with its robust build, higher ground clearance, and ample cabin space, making it suitable for varying terrains encountered during extended travels. Its dynamic engine options, including turbocharged variants, offer a blend of power and fuel efficiency, ensuring a spirited yet economical drive.
Conversely, Honda City appeals for its legacy of reliability, refined engine performance, and smooth handling, contributing to a stress-free driving experience over long distances. Its spacious interiors, coupled with premium upholstery, elevate comfort, while its top-notch safety features, evidenced by commendable GNCAP ratings, instill confidence in drivers.
Both models boast advanced infotainment systems with comprehensive connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring entertainment and seamless navigation throughout the journey. Moreover, their efficient automatic climate control systems maintain a pleasant cabin environment, which is crucial for extended trips.
Kia Seltos and Honda City Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-14 Lakh Range
For Kia Seltos, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
| HTK Plus | ₹13,50,000 |
| HTK Diesel iMT | ₹13,60,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 October 2023 |
| V CVT | ₹13,62,000 |
Kia Seltos HTK Plus
At INR 13,50,000, the Seltos HTK Plus is a prudent pick for road-trippers due to its spacious interiors, 190mm ground clearance catering to rough terrains, and 6 airbags ensuring passenger safety.
Although it lacks advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof, its stability, moderate body roll, and ample boot capacity of 433 liters accommodate extensive luggage, essential for long journeys. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Seltos with Hyundai Creta.
Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT
The HTK Diesel iMT variant, priced at INR 13,60,000, stands out with its fuel-efficient diesel engine and innovative iMT technology, providing a balance of mileage and convenience. The turbocharged engine enhances highway driving dynamics, and its 20.8 kmpl mileage ensures fewer fuel stops.
However, it settles for basic infotainment features, and the steel wheels might not appeal to all. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Seltos with Honda Elevate.
Honda City V CVT
Retailing at INR 13,62,000, the City V CVT shines with its superior cabin comfort, impressive 506-liter boot space, and advanced safety features, including a GNCAP rating of 4. Its CVT transmission ensures a smooth drive, but the absence of certain amenities like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in this variant might be a deal-breaker for tech-savvy travelers. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the City with Hyundai Verna.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Seltos and Honda City for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Kia Seltos HTK Plus emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip enthusiasts. While all models offer commendable features, the Seltos HTK Plus strikes the perfect balance between comfort, utility, and price.
Its high ground clearance is ideal for unpredictable road conditions, and the spacious cabin ensures a comfortable ride for all passengers. The vehicle’s substantial boot capacity is crucial for long trips, allowing ample space for luggage and travel essentials.
Furthermore, the HTK Plus includes essential safety features, such as multiple airbags and ABS, ensuring a secure journey. Its petrol engine offers a satisfying blend of performance and fuel economy, suitable for long drives.
While it may lack some advanced connectivity features, it compensates with other comfort-enhancing attributes, crucial for extended periods on the road. The Seltos HTK Plus, therefore, presents the most well-rounded package for road trip aficionados, offering a combination of comfort, safety, and performance at a reasonable price point.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Kia Seltos HTK Plus
- Honda City V CVT
- Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT
| Attribute | Kia Seltos HTK Plus | Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT | Honda City V CVT |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 433 | 433 | 506 |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 190 | 190 | 165 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Seltos HTK Plus: Its combination of substantial ground clearance, ample safety features, and spacious boot make it ideal for long, adventurous trips. Though it lacks some high-end tech, it covers all bases for a comfortable, safe journey.
- Honda City V CVT: This variant stands out for its luxurious interior space, larger boot capacity, and reliable safety features. The smooth CVT enhances driving comfort, although the lower ground clearance and lack of advanced infotainment might deter some.
- Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT: The diesel engine’s efficiency, coupled with the innovative iMT, makes it a solid choice for long drives. Its turbocharged engine assures a powerful drive, but the absence of certain comfort features and alloy wheels is noticeable.
These three variants cater impressively to long-distance travelers, and are comfortable cars for road trips in India. They strike a balance between comfort, efficiency, and safety, each with unique strengths. The Kia Seltos HTK Plus leads with its all-rounded features, followed closely by the other two, which excel in specific areas. Whichever you choose, comfort and reliability are assured on those long, winding journeys.
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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