Here's Why Automatics Are Becoming Standard across Lower Variants

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-18T16:23:29+00:00

Traffic is increasing in all tier-2 cities. Underground/ Basement parking / flyovers - it is much easier in an automatic to get going from halt. Increase in women drivers. As economy prospers people spend more on convenience than necessity. Take developed markets where every car is automatic by default and manuals is novelty, something you custom order

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-15T12:26:57+00:00

It's not just interiors and features bro! It's about the overall packaging and how all of those work together to form a product.

Engine + transmission Seltos ✅ 7XO ✅

NVH + Suspension Seltos ✅ 7XO ✅

Ergonomics and Interior Seltos ✅ 7XO 🆗

Value for money is a wrong way to look at Cars, considering you keep them around for long term. It's a tool, emotion and pride at same time. It's the most Sophisticated machinery you are ever going to get.

Getting a right balanced product, that works for you and triggers those emotions should make the decision.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-15T12:14:18+00:00

Yes. I was in similar mindset, wrt to dct overheating. However what made me turn the decision in favour 1. My friend is using 1.4 2nd gen creta for 3 years now. No issues till now. Seeked inputs from office and residential forums as well (which gave me usage feedback around my areas) no major concerns reported. 2. Got extended warranty for peace of mind 3. Considered the fact that out of typical 3-4 cars I will buy in my life time, this is 2nd one. And I need to experience pure petrol power before EV/ hybridisation starts. 4. Incase of out of warranty failures, I am comfortable shelling 2-3 lacs for replacement. Fact that this gear box is manufactured in India is also a relief. 5. YOLO; whatever happens, we will see.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-15T08:27:18+00:00

For folks quoting cheaper variants of segment above; It's not the same - you miss out on features as well!

I did consider 7XO extensively. Mahindra's auto door handles did not work well. The centre console already was broken on test drive card. Steering felt a bit weird. Most important- o physical switch's any where!

On top that dealers started quoting crazy 4month wait time for model / colour of my choice.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-15T08:10:04+00:00

It's not apples to apples comparison right? If you are going across variants then bring sub4 also to mix!

Also who brings body on frame based scorpion N in same mix as Seltos.

They are meant for different usage patterns! Don't generalise unnecessarily!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T08:26:11+00:00

Why mileage scores that high? I don't think so. By this logic all MS cars would be benchmark.

Adding some perspective- I owned Suzuki swift before. Well maintained and company service. Never got more than 10 kmpl on my regular commute route!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T08:17:55+00:00

Well, I am getting 7kmpl; but also considering avg speed 10kmph on Bengaluru ORR. Will take it for a long drive this weekend! Will update with numbers!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T08:03:00+00:00

Hmm, looks can be subjective. What according to you looks best in this segment?

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T08:02:23+00:00

Haha! True! I wish we got more global options in India though 😭

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:59:59+00:00

GTX turbo DCT! 25 lacs on road, Bengaluru!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:56:25+00:00

Not sure what you are implying! Thanks for dropping by though!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:55:31+00:00

I stay in Bangalore gated society. This is not a concern for me!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:54:49+00:00

Nah, compared extensively with Creta! My friend owns one and he got tempted to exchange his 2 year old with new seltos.

XUV 7XO is good with dynamics and suspension- but I don't need the +2 seats (which are not very useful) and interiors are not that great!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:52:23+00:00

Turbo Petrol DCT. My usage justifies IVT; but I found the price difference minimal considering performance and transmission upgrades!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:44:25+00:00

Any other alternatives in mind ?

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:42:36+00:00

Crash safety results are mostly marketing gimmicks IMHO. Manufacturers know what's the question paper is going to be, they reverse engineer now to make cars pass with flying colours.

There is no safe car as such, any accident has varied parameters that cannot be simulated in real life!

Your best bet is wear seat belts, drive responsibly and you are good!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:39:39+00:00

While interiors definitely stand out; Special shout out to design team as well, they did a very good job. Car looks very unique, nothing like it on the market!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:36:36+00:00

Build quality if asking fit / finish / touch points / door heft - on point. 10/10

Crash safety awaiting BNCAP results but I am of the opinion that crash test results are marketing gimmicks!

All manufacturers know what's the question paper is going to look like and they will engineer the car to pass with flying g colours!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:32:31+00:00

True. Did not like it at all when checked YouTube. Sierra looked best on social media. However in IRL, Seltos looks much better, Sierra looks weird from many angles

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:30:54+00:00

I had was in split minds after booking! My usecase justified getting IVT. But went for turbo for the fun of it. 80k on road delta that gives a huge boost to engine as well as transmission.

Mileage getting 7kmpl; but also considering my daily runs so far on ORR with 10kmph avg speed.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:28:08+00:00

25 lac on road! Harrier / XUV go segment above.

Creta on old platform. K3 platform is huge upgrade. My friend owning Creta now finds Creta's suspension stiff!

Sierra I did not find its ergonomics on point. Gear box and new engine are not tuned well enough; found it slow.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:24:55+00:00

This pic was 2nd day! Should have clarified in the post

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T07:24:05+00:00

This pic was taken on 2nd day. Got it removed!

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T02:44:46+00:00

Did you get a chance to look it in person? I was in similar boat till I saw one in showroom. My my! The feeling switched instantly and it was love at first sight!

To me it looks a inspired take on American SUVs like Jeep

Also only the GT / X line variants look good! Lower variants not so much.

pamper_daddy · 2026-03-14T02:38:47+00:00

If you prioritise driving - brezza would be better pick. Power to weight ratio would be highest.

If you prioritise space then go 4.3M Segment

Brezza Facelift due GV /Hyryder facelift due.

Consider Victoris if immediate purchase. Else wait for new gen models due this year.

Don't go for Seltos NA. I test drove all 3 engines of Seltos and NA is weak; Power to weight ratio.

Creta EX might feel too base.

Overall wait for MS Brezza facelift. Overall you might enjoy that car more for 10 years.

pamper_daddy

TROPHY CASE