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Shivaram

8w

I need to buy an automatic car and I am stuck between the Tata Sierra, Honda Elevate, or the new Renault Duster. My primary use will be highway driving (60%) along with family outings. My budget is ₹18 lakh and I would prefer an SUV. Please suggest which one I should buy.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

The Tata Sierra is the most spacious and comfortable option here, and it also has a punchy turbo-petrol engine and a feature-rich cabin. The Honda Elevate is a good option too, with a refined naturally aspirated petrol engine and a smooth CVT gearbox. But does not have the tech or space of the Sierra. 

The new Renault Duster will soon be launched in India, and we will get a first glimpse on the 26th of January. The Duster is a strong brand name and is definitely worth waiting for, so we would advise you to halt your purchase a little while longer. 

Tata Sierra

Tata Sierra

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I am planning to buy a new SUV at around ₹17 lakh on-road price and have shortlisted the Honda Elevate ZX, Kia Seltos HTK and new Kushaq Prestige. I primarily need a car for 80% driving in the city and around 1000-1200 km per month. Which is better in terms of engine and mileage? Is the Honda Elevate outdated compared to other cars in the segment?

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The Honda Elevate is a good option for your needs. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to city driving. The car is spacious and comfortable, and the ZX variant is well-equipped too. However, in comparison to the Seltos, it does not have the space or the modernity, and the cabin does not feel as plush.The Kia Seltos HTK with the CVT gearbox is the best option considering all your needs. It is a lot better-equipped than the Honda, has a better ride quality, and the engine has a lot more punch and strong performance while still being easy to drive in the city. The smoothness, refinement and ease of use are why the Seltos will be our recommendation.The Skoda Kushaq is a good option, too. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quite efficient, but it is not as smooth as the 1.5-litre engines of the Honda and Kia. The facelift that was recently revealed will be launched in a few days, but it hasn't changed much in the rear seat space, where it is still not as spacious as the Seltos. So we would advise you to shortlist the Seltos.

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Posted on: 18 Jan 2026