What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Honda Elevate vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
A performance enthusiast seeks a fast car that offers thrilling driving dynamics, responsive handling, and powerful engine performance. Key attributes include high-speed stability, minimal body roll, agile cornering, and linear power delivery.
A smooth and engaging transmission, whether manual or automatic, enhances the driving experience. Additionally, features like advanced suspension, precise steering, and driver assistance systems appeal to performance enthusiasts.
Why Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 are Popular
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Kia Seltos 2023 have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to their impressive offerings.
The Grand Vitara boasts a robust and responsive engine, well-tuned suspension, and advanced features like AllGrip AWD technology.
The Honda Elevate combines sporty styling with a refined CVT transmission and well-balanced handling. The Kia Seltos offers powerful engine options, including a punchy turbo-petrol variant, along with smooth automatic transmissions and advanced features like drive mode selection and traction control.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 April 2024 |
| V CVT | ₹1,341,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹1,480,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 April 2024 |
| Delta AT | ₹1,360,000 |
| Zeta | ₹1,401,000 |
For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 April 2024 |
| HTK Plus | ₹1,350,000 |
| HTK Plus iMT | ₹1,500,000 |
Honda Elevate V CVT and VX CVT
The Honda Elevate V CVT and VX CVT variants offer a refined and responsive driving experience, thanks to their advanced CVT transmission and well-balanced suspension setup. The VX CVT adds premium features like alloy wheels and a sunroof. If you’re a family-focused buyer, you can read our guide to the best Elevate variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT and Zeta
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT and Zeta variants impress with their responsive petrol engines, smooth automatic transmissions, and well-designed interiors. The Zeta variant offers additional features like LED headlights and a premium sound system. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Verna.
Kia Seltos HTK Plus and HTK Plus iMT
The Kia Seltos HTK Plus and HTK Plus iMT variants cater to performance enthusiasts with their powerful engine options, including a turbo-petrol variant in the iMT. Both variants feature sporty alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a host of advanced features. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Skoda Slavia.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and Kia Seltos 2023 for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. This variant stands out with its powerful 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine, delivering an impressive 157.81 BHP and 253 Nm of torque. The iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) offers the convenience of an automatic transmission while retaining the engaging feel of a manual, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts.
The Seltos HTK Plus iMT offers stable high-speed performance, moderate body roll, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. The presence of a turbocharger eliminates any noticeable turbo lag, delivering linear power delivery. The car’s visibility is good, enhancing driver confidence during spirited drives.
The variant comes equipped with essential features like traction control, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist, providing added stability and control. The glossy alloy wheels, bold exterior design, and aggressive styling elements give it a sporty and premium appeal.
Inside, the Seltos HTK Plus iMT offers a well-designed and premium cabin with comfortable and supportive seats. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with seamless smartphone connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system enhances the overall driving experience.
In summary, the Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT’s powerful turbo-petrol engine, engaging iMT transmission, sporty styling, and advanced features make it the top choice for performance enthusiasts.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT
- Honda Elevate VX CVT
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta
| Attribute | Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT | Honda Elevate VX CVT | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta |
| Turbocharging | Yes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | Yes | No |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen size | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Activated Controls | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Seltos HTK Plus iMT impresses with its powerful turbo-petrol engine, delivering quick acceleration and engaging performance. The iMT transmission offers the best of both worlds – the convenience of an automatic and the control of a manual.
- The Honda Elevate VX CVT offers a refined and smooth driving experience, thanks to its advanced CVT transmission and well-balanced handling.
- The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta combines a responsive petrol engine with a smooth manual transmission, providing an enjoyable driving experience.
All three variants prioritize safety with essential features like ABS, ESC, and rear parking sensors. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences for engine performance, transmission type, and overall driving dynamics.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
