I have a 2015 Tata Zest, which I would like to replace with a decent SUV that suits my height (I am 6.2 feet tall) and offers a good balance of power and mileage. Additionally, good boot space for long trips would be very helpful.

Autocar India

•24m

Consider going for the new Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol. The new Duster's 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine puts out a punchy 160hp/280Nm, and it can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Renault claims a mileage of 17.75kpl for the manual and 18.45kpl for the DCT auto, but expect real-world figures to be around 8-14kpl for both versions, depending on the traffic and your driving style.

The India-spec Duster is 50mm taller than the overseas one to account for the panoramic sunroof, and as such, you shouldn't have any problem with your 6ft 2inch frame. The Duster also gets a segment-best 518 litre boot, and that, coupled with its composed ride quality make it a great road trip companion.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.43 Lakh

Got a suggestion for Eric?

Add a Comment

Related questions you may find helpful

Ash

•1d

Hi, I have a second-generation Honda Amaze that is 4 years old, has run 15,000 km, and is in good condition with timely servicing since the beginning. What would be its resale price range? I am also planning to upgrade to a compact SUV, but want to avoid paying additional taxes on cars above 4 metres or with engines larger than 1.2cc engine. My budget is ₹10 lakh. Which cars and variants should I consider? Is the Skoda Kylaq a good option? I prefer peace-of-mind ownership with low servicing and ownership costs (I have heard Skoda has improved in this regard), along with decent mileage, safety, features, space (hence the XUV 3XO is ruled out due to its small boot), a quieter cabin, good suspension, and overall passenger comfort. Please advise.

Autocar India

•23h

Beyond the kilometres driven, the value of any used car depends on many other factors like the actual mechanical and aesthetic condition, the specific variant and even the colour too. Thus, it's best to get your car evaluated at an organised used car business like Spinny and also at the new car dealership. As for your new car, since you are looking at a sub-4 meter model, we would recommend the new Hyundai Venue, as this would meet most of your requirements, which indicates you seem to be looking at more of an all-rounder, which is what the Hyundai Venue is. The new car delivers well on your requirements of space, features, safety and mileage.At your budget, you would get a low-end variant, but you would still find some essential features like 6-airbags, ESP, a 10-inch touchscreen audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors. Beyond the car itself, the Hyundai service experience is also good and would thus meet another one of your requirements.

Hyundai Venue

Anto

•5d

I would like to upgrade from Ecosport. Looking for 5 seater with taller stance. Automatic transmission with Rear passengers comfort and good throttle response are priority. Mostly city-side commute with occasional long trips, no offroading. No EV. Family comfort needed. As upgrade, shortlisted Thar Roxx ANS Tata sierra, though not a fan of Tata at all. Performance wise ROXX is impressive but ruled out due to back seat body swaying. Sierra just feel ok but not appealing for the spend. Jeep unappealing for family since not taller stance. Any other options worth waiting for a Jetour T2? Does its size and width matter for urban bypass escape routes? Budget 25 to 28 lac.

Autocar India

•1d

For your needs, consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO. While it doesn’t have the rugged appeal of the Thar Roxx, it is far more comfortable in terms of cabin space and, importantly, ride quality. The new Da Vinci suspension works very well to absorb bumps at all speeds while still keeping the body well controlled at higher speeds, with none of the body swaying you experienced in the Roxx.As family comfort is a priority, you will appreciate the wide and comfortable second row, while the third row is a bonus for occasional use. It is also more powerful than the Roxx, so performance is very impressive. Before you decide, do take a detailed test drive.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Azhar

•4d

Hi Autocar Team, I currently own a 2012 Hyundai Verna Fluidic diesel manual and have clocked around 2.2 lakh km. I am now planning to buy an additional car as an upgrade. I have shortlisted the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 diesel manual and the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol manual. I recently test-drove the XUV700 diesel automatic and was impressed with its cabin space and ride quality. I intend to keep the new car for around 15 years and am specifically looking for a driver-focused car as an upgrade from my Verna. Could you please suggest which of these would be the better choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•3d

We would suggest going for the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel manual. The biggest reason is that it feels like a proper upgrade in every sense. It is a larger, more spacious car, with a more premium cabin and a very comfortable ride, which you have already experienced in your test drive.More importantly, the diesel engine suits what you are used to with your Verna. It offers strong low-end torque and relaxed cruising, which makes it feel effortless on highways and more satisfying to drive over long distances. Over a long ownership period, diesel also tends to be more efficient for regular highway use.The Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol, on the other hand, is a good driver’s car. It will feel lighter and easier to drive, especially in tighter city conditions. However, while the turbo petrol is enjoyable, it won’t give you the same sense of punch as the Mahindra larger 2 litre diesel, or the same space and long-distance comfort as the XUV 7XO.We would still urge you to test drive the new Duster before taking a final call, but as an overall upgrade, the XUV 7XO is the stronger choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Renault Duster

View all Posts