What are some of the value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Honda City and Kia Seltos 2023 to see which variants in their lineup are affordable car options in the mid-size sedan and SUV segments in India.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a value-for-money buyer looks for in a car
- Honda City vs Kia Seltos 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Value-for-Money Buyer Looks for in a Car
A value-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
Value buyers want good returns on their investment by getting optimal features, performance and ownership experience at a justifiable price. Good fuel efficiency for low running costs, decent power and torque, generous safety equipment, latest gadgets like touchscreens, connectivity options and ample cabin space get priority.
After-sales service reach for peace of mind and low maintenance bills further sweeten the proposition. Some premium features may be compromised but core functionality along with hassle-free ownership cannot be within tight budgets.
Why Honda City and Kia Seltos 2023 are popular
Both the City and Seltos 2023 strike a fine balance between features, efficiency and value pricing that appeals to buyers with budget constraints. Their petrol and diesel engines deliver up to 20.8km/l fuel efficiency for low ownership costs along with good driving dynamics.
Safety sees multiple airbags, vehicle stability management, disc brakes all around etc. Connected features include Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, SIM-based telematics, remote operations etc. Service network is widespread for both brands ensuring peace of mind.
Pricing extends to higher variants as well which allow value buyers to get additional equipment like sunroof, cruise control, ventilated seats etc at reasonable premiums without sacrificing budget limits. Overall, both models successfully package the features and qualities essential for value buyers.
Honda City and Kia Seltos 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 13-15 lakh range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024 |
| V CVT | ₹13.84 Lakhs |
| VX CVT | ₹14.96 Lakhs |
For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024 |
| HTK Plus | ₹13.50 Lakhs |
| HTK Diesel iMT | ₹13.60 Lakhs |
Honda City V CVT
The City V CVT strikes the value sweet spot by balancing attractive pricing with a sufficiently loaded package. Safety sees 4 airbags, vehicle stability assist, rear sensors etc. Comforts include auto AC, 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, electric sunroof, cruise control etc. The engine delivers 18.4km/l while maintenance is affordable. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the City with Hyundai Creta 2024.
Honda City VX CVT
The VX CVT adds more safety and features but demands a premium of over Rs. 1 lakh which reduces its value appeal somewhat. If you’re budget conscious, you can check out our comparison of the City with Skoda Slavia.
Kia Seltos HTK Plus
Among Seltos variants, the HTK Plus petrol offers a max loaded variant at low ownership costs. Priced at Rs. 13.50 lakhs, it packs in 6 airbags, air purifier, 17.78 cm touchscreen, UVO connectivity suite, wireless phone charging, multiple drive modes etc keeping the budget buyer happy. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with MG Hector.
Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT
The punchy Seltos HTK diesel iMT delivers 20.8kmpl fuel efficiency and is priced very close to the petrol variant at Rs. 13.60 lakhs. Rest of the features remain identical between both fuel types.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda City and Kia Seltos 2023 for Value-for-money buyers
The Honda City V CVT emerges as the ideal value pick from the shortlisted variants marrying the right mix of features, drivability and affordability.
Priced at Rs. 13.84 lakhs, it strikes a fine balance between the low-spec V and range-topping but very expensive ZX variants. Generous safety features include 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability management, rear sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts etc.
Comforts and conveniences cover auto headlamps, one-touch electric sunroof, 8” touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, rear sun blind, height adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control etc. The proven 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine delivers 18.4km/l economy for low ownership costs along with satisfactory city/highway performance. Brand Honda also equates to one of the widest sales and service networks in India assuring peace of mind.
In comparison, the Kia Seltos HTK variants offer good bang for the buck too but ultimately lack Honda’s reliability and after sales reputation. Equipment levels between both models are on par otherwise but the City holds greater long-term value making it the smarter investment for value-focused buyers even with the marginally higher starting price.
Top 3 Variants
- Honda City V CVT
- Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT
- Kia Seltos HTK Plus
| Feature | Honda City V CVT | Kia Seltos HTK Diesel iMT | Kia Seltos HTK Plus |
| Mileage (km/l) | 18.4 | 20.8 | 17 |
| Airbags | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Sunroof | Yes | No | No |
| Auto AC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda City V CVT secures the top spot by offering the best mix of features, performance and brand value at an attractive mid-variant price point below Rs. 15 lakhs. Generous safety kit, modern cabin equipped with sunroof/touchscreen/climate control, proven petrol engine delivering 18.4kmpl and Honda’s reliability makes it a great value choice.
- The Seltos HTK Diesel iMT beats the petrol variant by virtue of its frugal 20.8kmpl engine, stronger drivability and similar feature equipped cabin. Price point is ultra competitive as well at just Rs. 13.60 lakhs. It loses out to the City due to latter’s perception of better build quality and ownership experience.
- The Seltos HTK Plus petrol variant takes third place by offering the maximum features for least outlay formula. Priced at Rs. 13.50 lakhs, the feature-packed variant offers kit like air purifier, Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, multiple drive modes etc that keep budget buyers happy. Mileage is rated at 17kmpl.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.