Two gladiators step into India's SUV colosseum. One a seasoned warrior, the other a new-age champion. Which one will win the competition to your heart?
Kia Seltos
Our first contender is the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos is a compact 5 seater SUV with a bold road presence. This iconic SUV features a rich, comfortable interior equipped with modern technologies complemented by a bold, cosmopolitan exterior. It features many engine options and multiple gearbox choices. It boasts a dual 10.25’ infotainment screen, ventilated seats, 8-speaker Bose audio system along with a panoramic sunroof and a dual-zone climate control which gives a premium cabin experience.
The Seltos has an impressive performance with 1.5 Naturally Aspirated Petrol, Turbo Petrol and Turbo Diesel engines.
NA Petrol Engine :
- Displacement - 1497cc
- Horsepower - 113hp @ 6300 rpm
- Torque - 144nm @ 4500 rpm
- Turbo Petrol Engine :
- Displacement - 1482cc
- Horsepower - 158hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque - 253nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
- Turbo Diesel Engine :
- Displacement - 1493cc
- Horsepower - 114hp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque - 250nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
- Gearbox Options: It had an arsenal of gearbox options
- 6MT (6-Speed Manual)
- iMT (Intelligent Manual)
- IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
- 6AT (6-Speed Torque Converter)
7DCT (7-Speed Dual Clutch)
They cater to the user's different needs. Whether it be budget conscious buyers, urban commuters who prioritise comfort in heavy city traffic or the ones that want dynamic performance balanced with fuel efficiency.
Interior & Exterior :
It remains robust with a more assertive exterior, stronger reinforced structure paired beautifully with immersive, indulgent comfort features and a spacious cockpit. They complement each other like a red wine with aged cheese. Perfect balance, premium experience.
The Seltos has a commanding Kia Digital Tiger Face, Striking Star Map LED Connected Tail Lamps and sturdy Front & Rear Skid Plates with a Dark Gunmetal Finish. They also sport the Iconic R18- 46.20 cm (18”) Crystal Cut Alloy wheels with Neon Brake Calipers.
The roomier cabin with ambient lighting is sure to impress you from the moment you step inside this SUV. With the Bose premium sound system (features 8 speakers), ventilated seats, boundless panoramic sunroof, Dual zone automatic temperature control and dual 10.25’ screens, Seltos emerges as one of the most comfortable SUVs in India. And did I mention that it also has a wireless smartphone charger! Very helpful if your phone's battery also drains as quickly as mine.
Safety Features :
Incorporating the improved K3 Platform, 6 Airbags, electronic stability control, 360-degree camera with blind view monitor, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) + EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist, The Seltos stands proud for providing safety with a 5 star Bharat NCAP rating. It gives you the courage to face all roads with unruffled confidence.
Variant Comparison :
HTK
This version adds to HTE (O):
- LED lights
- Alloy wheels
- Rear camera
- Roof rails
☆ Improvement: looks, basic assistance
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹13.00 – ₹14.50 lakh
HTK (O)
This version adds to HTK:
- Infotainment screen
- Connected car tech
- Push-button start
☆ Improvement: More digital features, convenience
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹14.30 – ₹15.80 lakh
HTX
This version adds to HTK (O):
- Two 10.25-inch screens
- Cooled seats
- Ambient lighting
- Premium seats
☆ Improvement: Luxurious interior, better interface
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹15.50 – ₹17.20 lakh
HTX (O)
This version adds to HTX:
- Advanced driver assistance
- 360-degree camera
- Blind spot monitor
☆ Improvement: Safer aware
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹16.80 – ₹18.80 lakh
HTX (A)
This version adds to HTX:
- Transmission
- Paddle shifters
☆ Improvement: Easier to drive
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹17.50 – ₹19.50 lakh
GTX (GT Line)
This version adds to HTX (A):
- Turbo petrol engine
- Sporty exterior
- Accents
- Black interior
☆ Improvement: Performance focus, unique look
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹18.50 – ₹20.50 lakh
X-Line
This version adds to GTX:
- Unique exterior finish
- Gloss black wheels
- Green accents
- Full feature set
☆ Improvement: Exclusive look, top features
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹19.50 – ₹21.50 lakh
X-Line (A)
This version adds to X-Line:
- Transmission
- Full ADAS and luxury features
☆ Improvement: convenience, complete features
Ex-Showroom Prices : ₹20.50 – ₹22.50 lakh
The Kia Seltos is a thoughtfully crafted compact SUV equipped with a feature rich interior and an overall refined design. It gives the user a premium feel prioritising comfort without jeopardising the modern tech-rich elements.
Tata Curvv
“You will never get a second chance to make a first impression”. The second combatant of the arena, the Tata Curvv embodies this through its futuristic silhouette and tech-loaded features.
The Tata Curvv is a compact SUV coupè. It was created by blending the traditional raised height and rugged design of a SUV with Coupè elements like the sporty, sleek and sloping roof making it an unconventional presence. It continues to extol the Tata Motors empire with its multiple powertrain options like the turbo petrol, diesel with DCT (it's like finding gold in a coal mine) and the EV variant. It has a premium sound system, dual-tone alloys, 12.3’ touchscreen along with Level-2 ADAS features and a solid 5-star safety rating. The Curvv is like riding an adventurous roller coaster with a reliable safety harness.
It gives an urbane driving experience with 3 ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) options and 2 pure electric motor ones.
Engine Options
- 1.2L Revotron Turbo Petrol Engine :
- Displacement - 1199 cc
- Horsepower - 118 bhp (120 PS)
- Torque - 170 nm
- 1.2L Hyperion Turbo Petrol Engine : (Direct Injection)
- Displacement - 1199 cc
- Horsepower - 123 bhp (125 PS)
- Torque - 225 nm
- 1.5L Kryojet Turbo Diesel Engine :
- Displacement - 1497 cc
- Horsepower - 116 bhp (118 PS)
- Torque - 260 nm
- EV Configurations
- Battery Pack - 45 kWh
- Horsepower - 148 hp
- Torque - 215 nm
- Battery Pack - 55 kWh
- Horsepower - 165 hp
- Torque - 215 nm
All the ICE engine options are available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) gearbox which only adds more to its mass appeal.
Interior & Exterior :
The Curvv greets you happily with sequential LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye animations. Driving in heavy fog won't be a problem with powerful fog lamps with cornering function (game changer). It sports a shark fin antenna with GPS and R18 diamond cut alloy wheels which adds on to the charm.
It has a stellar 12.3” touchscreen infotainment, a wireless charging system and a navigation display in the cluster. The scream-in-car songs on a road trip experience just got elevated with 9 speakers + subwoofer JBL sound system. The
Curvv sports ventilated front and passive ventilated rear seats for maximum comfort. Some premium features include an air purifier with AQI display, voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, an illuminated cooled glovebox so you can keep your items cool without searching for them like a blind bat and rear sunshades (serenity screen). What makes this SUV Coupè better is that it doesn't compromise with the boot space. Providing with 500l luggage compartment, the reason for it being a family favourite is evident.
Safety features :
Packed with a full range of safety technologies, the Curvv offers a confident yet secure driving experience. It includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) that detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even challenging situations at junctions. It also has a Blind Spot View Monitor (BSM), a 360° 3D surround view camera to minimise the risks, and a driver doze-off alert system so that you don't accidentally hit snooze on long drives.
With a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP and additional features like over-speed alerts and ISOFIX child seat mounts, it ensures passenger safety for your little ones too, which makes the Curvv an impeccable pick.
Variant Comparison :
Pure (Base)
- Powertrain: Manual Transmission
- Infotainment: Basic Infotainment
- Comfort: No Premium/Comfort
Safety: Basic Safety
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 10.5 lakh
Pure+
This version adds:
- Additional Infotainment
- Same Mechanical Configuration
- Retains Basic Comfort and Safety Pack
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 11.5 lakh
Creative
This version adds:
- Added Sunroof
- Alloy Wheels
Additional External Stylings
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 12.8 lakh
Creative S
This version adds:
- Larger Infotainment
- Added Cruise Control
- Added convenience for driving
There are no changes to safety suite
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 13.8 lakh
Creative+ S
This version adds:
- Additional Comfort Features
- Incremental enhancements to the interior
- There are no major changes to the mechanical or safety features
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 14.5 lakh
Accomplished
This version adds:
- Interior Materials premium
- Upgradable audio
- Enhanced Cabin Experience
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 15.8 lakh
Accomplished S
This version adds:
- Ventilated Seats
- Powered Driver Seats
- Improved seat comfort and ergonomics
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 16.8 lakh
Accomplished + A (Top)
This version adds :
- Powertrain: Automatic Transmission
- Safety: ADAS Level 2 Suite, All Safety and Driver Assurances
- Positioning: All Available Features
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 18.5 lakh
EV Variants :
- Creative EV (Base)
- Powertrain: Standard battery pack
- Positioning: Lower range than higher variants
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 17.5 lakh
Accomplished EV
This version adds:
- Higher range
- Additional Comfort and Technology Features
- Better quality of seating/safety features
- Less than Full ADAS suite
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 19.0 lakh
Empowered EV (Top)
- Powertrain: Long Range Battery pack
- Comfort: All Premium Features
- Safety: ADAPT Level 2
Ex-Showroom Prices : Rs 21.5 lakh
The Tata Curvv is not just a car. It is a bold statement on wheels. Its vivid and striking neoteric features sets it apart from the others. It is essential to take account of preserving nature in recent times. It offers a progressive approach to mobility with its environment-friendly EV variants. It moves beyond conventional styling which makes it stand out without being gaudy.
Conclusion : (Which SUV suits you)
The conclusion of this battle boils down to your expectations and preferences.
The Kia Seltos is a time-tested all rounder which is great for everyday usability. The range of engine options allows it to cater to your driving needs. This makes it a formidable contender.
But if you prefer a fresh perspective and want to enhance your driving experience, Tata Curvv emerges as a daunting contestant.
Both make excellent arguments for their case but it is ultimately you who is the judge. So, which SUV will conquer your heart?
