I am planning to buy a new SUV within a budget of ₹15-20 lakh (on-road) and would appreciate your expert recommendation. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (due to heavy city driving) Strong performance (top priority) Good ground clearance and suspension for rough roads Solid build quality and high-speed stability Comfortable for both daily city use and occasional long drives I am not specifically looking for a 4x4 but want a car that can confidently handle most road conditions. I really like the new Renault Duster, but am also considering the Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, and the new Hyundai Creta. I am open to better suggestions as well. Which would be the best overall choice considering performance, driving experience, and long-term ownership?

Autocar India

•2d

For your brief, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG would be our first recommendation. Coming from a Grand i10, it will feel like a massive upgrade in performance, sophistication and overall driving experience. The 1.5 TSI is genuinely fun, the DSG is quick and smooth once on the move, and the Kushaq still manages to be comfortable enough for family duty. The rear seat is also more accommodating, which matters when you are dealing with a child seat and all the associated family luggage on longer trips.A slightly more value-focused but equally appealing alternative is the new Renault Duster 1.3 turbo DCT. It is also genuinely enjoyable to drive, rides brilliantly, and the wet-clutch DCT is actually better suited to Bangalore traffic than the dry-clutch DSG in the Skoda. The only caveat is rear seat space, which is not as generous as the Kushaq, so if rear seat comfort with a child seat is a big factor, the Skoda has the edge.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•1d

With 90:10 city to highway use and an upgrade from your 2015 Hyundai i20, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong-hybrid automatic is the best fit. In slow city traffic it can move on electric power a lot of the time, so it feels very quiet and smooth and uses less fuel. The automatic makes daily driving easy, the seat is higher than your i20 Active so you see out better, and Maruti's service reach is wide, which helps for long-term peace of mind.Know the trade-offs: the hybrid’s battery eats into boot space, and when you press hard on the highway the engine can sound loud and you may need a bit more planning for fast overtakes.If you prefer the Toyota badge, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid gives you the same smooth city drive with a different cabin feel. If you want a sedan, look at the Honda City and pick the hybrid variant if available near you; it is very smooth and efficient in town, but the boot is smaller than the standard City. Overall, for mostly city driving, the Victoris hybrid lines up best.Renault will be out with the Duster hybrid later this year and that could be an option to consider if you're not in a rush to bring home a new car.

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•1d

Since you are a happy Renault Duster owner, the best upgrade for you is the new Duster hybrid. The new-gen Duster really does feel like an upgrade in terms of its interior ambience, features and tech. Age-old Duster traits like the steering shock have been fixed, and in top-spec form, there is a premium vibe to the otherwise rugged package. The only catch is that the space is about the same as your Duster. A larger 7-seat version of the Duster is also due for launch and could bring with it a roomier cabin too.As for the 1.8-litre strong hybrid powertrain, it sure has the makings of a very enticing option. The engine is strong and coupled to electric motors; real-world fuel efficiency should be very good, too. We would definitely wait for Renault's hybrid before finalising any SUV in the Rs 20 lakh plus price band.FYI - The next-gen Hyundai Creta that comes by early 2027 is also expected to launch with a strong hybrid powertrain.

Renault Duster