Kia Seltos Turbo-petrol Manual vs DCT: Real-world Performance & Mileage Comparison

This time around we have the Kia Seltos going up against the Kia Seltos. However, one is a manual while the other is an automatic

Kia Seltos’ entry into the Indian market has seen it compared to a lot of existing cars but we decided to compare it to itself. You see, the Seltos is offered in a number of powertrain combinations, with each engine having the option of either a manual transmission, or an automatic transmission. Thus, we decided to compare the manual and automatic transmission versions of the Seltos’ most powerful 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Take a look at the engine specs below.

As the same engine is present in both versions of the Seltos, there is nothing but the transmission that separates the two on paper.

Performance Comparison

Acceleration and Roll-on Tests:

Sprinting from zero to 100kmph, the times are close. However, even we were surprised when the manual transmission version of the Seltos ended up beating the DCT version. After all, dual clutch transmissions are known for their shifting speed. In the end, we pegged it down to the fact that in the manual version of the Seltos, we are able to get a better launch than the DCT version.

Overall, we’d say things are pretty even between the two in this department.

Also Read: Kia Seltos Variants Explained: Which One To Pick?

Braking Distance

The DCT is quicker in coming to a stop, be it from 100kmph or 80kmph. However, the gap between the two when coming to a halt from triple digit speeds is frankly miniscule. However, stopping from 80kmph, the DCT comes to a halt almost a metre before the manual version in our tests.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Things are quite close once again. The manual version delivers better fuel efficiency, be it in the city or out on the highway. This is despite Kia claiming on paper that the DCT is more fuel efficient than its manual counterpart. The difference in the city is miniscule and can be chalked down to external factors. However, even though the gap in highway figures is also relatively small, we feel it might be because of the fact that a manual transmission allows you to upshift early.

Check out what kind of fuel efficiency you can expect from either of the two, based upon your usage, below.

Also Read: Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Which SUV To Buy?

Verdict

There is not a lot separating the two versions of the Seltos here. The manual accelerates to a 100kmph quicker, the DCT comes to a stop from 100kmph and 80kmph faster and it is the manual which is again slightly more fuel efficient.

 Buying the manual will give you a small gain in fuel efficiency but it will all depend on your driving style as well. Reaching to a 100kmph, the manual is faster but frankly it is only because of the fact that it can launch better.

The DCT version can stop faster. So, if the slight drop in fuel efficiency is something you can live with, we recommend going for the DCT. However, if you have a budget and cannot stretch it, and would like to save as much on fuel as you can, pick the manual version.

Read More on : Seltos on road price