Hi Autocar India team, I’m planning to buy the Hyundai Venue (HX(O) top variant) but I’m confused between the 1.0 turbo petrol DCT and the 1.5 diesel automatic. My monthly running is around 600-700 km, mostly city driving with some highway use. I’ve come across mixed reviews about the petrol DCT - especially regarding DCT overheating issues in traffic and lower real-world mileage from the 3-cylinder turbo petrol. On the other hand, the diesel automatic seems more reliable, but I’m unsure if it makes sense for my relatively low monthly usage. Considering reliability, maintenance, mileage, and long-term ownership in Indian conditions, which variant would you recommend - petrol DCT or diesel automatic? I’d really appreciate your expert opinion. Thanks!

Autocar India

•2w

Between the two options, you can be reasonably relaxed about the reliability of the petrol DCT. Hyundai’s dual clutch gearbox has been in service for many years now and is a well-proven unit.

While overheating warnings can show up in very slow-moving traffic, the system is designed to protect itself, and over time. Hyundai has continuously improved both performance and reliability. In its current, more mature form, it is unlikely to give you trouble in normal ownership.

Considering your usage of around 600 to 700 km a month, mostly in the city, the petrol automatic makes far more sense than the diesel. The 1.5 litre diesel engine is refined, and the torque converter automatic is smooth. But with such limited running, there is a high chance of DPF-related issues cropping up over long-term ownership.

Also, with stricter emission norms, modern diesels are not as fuel-efficient as they were once, especially when paired with a torque converter. So the traditional mileage advantage is no longer a strong enough reason to choose diesel in your case.

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Hyundai

New Venue

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Nikhil Sharma

•2w

I am getting the old seltos HTK variant at 12.5 lakh and also i have booked the NEW venue N LINE N6. MT . To which car i have to choose

Moses Alsahri

•2w

Never go with a weak heart that's an 1.0 ltr engine and that too with a lame 3 cylinder engine, Prefer a 1.5.ltr petrol automatic 4 cylinder NA or Turbo engine. Japanese cars or German cars are better than Korean.

Latest questions in the community

Tarangkumar Patel

•1d

Hi, I currently own a Honda Amaze diesel 2014 model. Now, after using it for so long, I want to upgrade to a 7-seater. I shortlisted the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis and have done test drives for both vehicles. My daily usage in the city is 25 km, and I occasionally do long family trips. Now I am super confused between both cars, as one has premiumness and the other has space. Please suggest the best vehicle for me. Is the turbo petrol good? Now I am super confused.

Autocar India

•1h

Both cars are quite closely matched on premium feel, though one aesthetic seems to have worked better for you than the other. It's more a contest of road presence versus space, as the tall, SUV body style of the Hyundai Alcazar makes a strong impression on the road. It is boxy and upright and has the edge on ground clearance, as well as larger wheels.The price you pay is in the third row, where the Kia Carens Clavis' practical MPV shape liberates more space, and there's better ease of access too. Both cars have the same powertrain options, except that the Carens Clavis offers an additional engine option - the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. It also gets an iMT automated manual gearbox with the Turbo Petrol engine instead of a conventional manual, which the Alcazar gets.Yes, the Turbo Petrol is a good option, as given your relatively low usage, a diesel doesn't feel necessary. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo feels strong enough to haul 7 people and is quite enjoyable to drive too.As for which of the two you wish to buy, if you simply must have an SUV for its visual appeal and ground clearance, that is the only reason to choose the Alcazar. If that is not a bother, then the lighter, more spacious, more practical Kia Carens Clavis is the one we recommend.

Kia Carens Clavis

Hyundai Alcazar

Ajinkya Sonar

•22h

I am looking for a 7-seater manual car which is easy to maintain. My budget is around ₹15 lakh. My annual running is 80% on the highway and 20% in the city. I am confused between two options: Carens or Clavis. Please advise which one I should pick and whether to go for a petrol manual or a diesel manual.

Autocar India

•3h

With your budget of Rs 15 lakh, you can move past the Kia Carens and up to the Carens Clavis, which is essentially a facelift of the Carens, with more features and an additional engine option. The trickier choice is which engine to choose, between the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, both of which are available with a manual.The diesel is the more obvious choice, given that your usage is 80% on the highway, where the additional torque will be beneficial, not to mention the better mileage. However, in your budget, you'll only get it in the base HTE spec. If that's fine with you, then you should go ahead with that; otherwise, note that the Carens 1.5 petrol MT is available in the higher HTE (EX) trim, with more features.You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which comes in petrol and CNG guises, has lower maintenance costs, and is far more affordable than the Kia.

Saransh

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?

Autocar India

•3h

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.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Skoda Kushaq

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