Hyundai Bayon HX3 vs Kia Seltos HTE: Full Specs Comparison

Hyundai Bayon as well as Kia Seltos are now rivals in the total entry-level segment with the Bayon priced around Rs 35,000 lower than that of Seltos HTE. This comparison is important since it will be generally between Bayon versus Venue or Creta for the larger chunk of customers, although in this case, the base Seltos variant is much closer as per pricing.

The key difference here is that Seltos HTE is loaded with extra features, bigger in size, and crash-tested as compared to Bayon HX3 which is cheaper and comes with a smart key system as well as more boot space.

Understanding the Base-Variant Battle Front

The Bayon sits between the Venue and the Creta in Hyundai's line-up, while the Seltos is a larger mid-size SUV. At the base end, however, their prices and engines are almost identical. Both cars share the following:

• Six airbags
• Electronic stability control and hill-start assist
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Rear parking sensors and rear camera
• 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Manual air conditioning with rear AC vents

That shared base makes the differences below easier to judge.

Pricing: Hyundai Bayon HX3 vs. Kia Seltos HTE

On-road prices will be higher for both cars because of registration, road tax and insurance, which vary by state. At roughly 3 percent of the Seltos HTE's price, the Rs 35,000 gap is small enough that equipment and safety should drive the decision.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs Tata Nexon CNG: Full Specs Comparison

Powertrain and Performance: The Core Similarity

Performance will not separate the two, and neither car offers an automatic at this trim level. Hyundai quotes the Bayon at 115 PS, which is roughly the same output as 113 bhp in a different unit.

Features: What the Extra Rs 35,000 Gets You

The Seltos HTE also adds a rollover sensor, downhill brake control, a passenger airbag cut-off switch and height-adjustable front seatbelts. The Bayon HX3's main advantage is the smart key with push-button start, which the Seltos offers only in higher variants.

Safety Comparison

• Kia Seltos: It has a five-star Bharat NCAP rating, which Kia says applies to all variants, including the HTE.
• Hyundai Bayon: Hyundai says the car is engineered for five-star safety based on internal assessment. It has not yet been crash-tested, so there is no official rating.

Bharat NCAP results for the Bayon are expected by the end of the year. Until then, the Seltos has the stronger safety case.

Dimensions, Boot Space and Practicality

The Seltos is 215 mm longer and has a 90 mm longer wheelbase, which usually means more room for rear passengers. The Bayon counters with 58 litres more boot space, and its smaller footprint suits crowded city streets.

Also Read: Toyota Glanza Facelift: Price, Variants, Mileage & Specs Explained

Who Should Consider Which Car?

Hyundai Bayon HX3

Go for the Bayon HX3 if you wish to save Rs 35,000, prefer smart key system and want a bigger boot space. It does well for buyers who need a compact crossover for their daily commute. Those who wish to have cruise control should go for HX5 at Rs 12.45 lakh which is Rs 1.20 lakh more than Seltos HTE.

Kia Seltos HTE

You should opt for the Seltos HTE if you need cruise control, disc brakes for all four wheels, bigger instrument display and a confirmed five-star Bharat NCAP rating. It also helps buyers who need to carry passengers frequently and look out for passenger cabin room and bigger fuel tank.

Conclusion

Hyundai Bayon and Kia Seltos are closely matched at the base end, sharing the same engine, gearbox and six airbags. The Seltos HTE justifies its extra Rs 35,000 with more equipment, more space and a crash test rating. The Bayon HX3 offers a lower price, a smart key and a bigger boot. Compare both on-road prices locally and take a test drive of each before you book.