Mumbai

•7w

I currently own a 2016 Renault Duster Diesel 110PS AMT and am now planning to upgrade to a new car. I have shortlisted the following options: Renault Duster 1.3L Iconic DCT (2026) Volkswagen Taigun 1.5L DSG GT (2026) Skoda Kushaq 1.5L DSG Monte Carlo (2026)

•7w

The new Renault Duster 1.3 DCT feels like the most natural upgrade. You already know and appreciate the Duster formula, but this new one moves the game on significantly. The big advantage is the wet clutch DCT, which is smoother and better suited to Indian traffic than the dry clutch DSGs in the VW and Skoda. Ride comfort is another big strength, and if you do long-distance touring, the Duster’s absorbent suspension and SUV character will feel instantly familiar, just in a far more polished package. The only real downside is that rear seat space is not class-leading.

The Volkswagen Taigun GT and Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo are both excellent cars to drive. That 1.5 TSI is a strong engine, and both feel quick, polished and in some ways more sophisticated than the Duster. Between the two, the choice largely comes down to taste because mechanically, they are nearly identical.

The Taigun has a more understated personality, while the Kushaq Monte Carlo feels a touch sportier. The caveat is the dry clutch DSG, which is brilliant once on the move, but not as naturally comfortable in heavy stop-and-go traffic as the Renault’s wet clutch setup.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

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•7w

I don't know about the other variants or the other cars but let me tell you. I purchased my new duster evolution 1.3 last month on 27th. Everything is good but it hasn't even been a month and my car is starting to make rattling sounds on the inside trims of the doors and also the right side shock absorber is also starting to make noise. I am a middle aged man, i never rash drive and never went off road, not even once. If there is any other new duster owner, please do tell me if you are facing any of the issues above. And the engine too makes so much noise as if you have driven the car for a long time and it is cooling down and the radiator fan is working to do so.

•6w

Very sorry to hear . Am sure you will face more problems in coming days . Cabin noise , door squeaking noise and many more .

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More questions on similar cars

•2d

Hi, I'm planning to buy an SUV with a budget of 25 lakh. Which one would you recommend?

•1d

Pick the Hyundai Creta. Under Rs. 25 lakh, it's one of the most well-rounded SUVs on sale. It offers refined engine options, a comfy ride, a feature-rich cabin, and is easy to drive in the city while remaining capable on highway trips. Space is good for a family of four or five, and Hyundai’s big service reach keeps ownership simple. You also get a good safety kit and useful tech within your budget. The only catch is that it is not the most fun or the most fuel-efficient choice.If your daily running is heavy city traffic and mileage matters most, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid makes more sense. If you enjoy driving and do more highway driving, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 or VW Taigun 1.5 will feel more enjoyable.

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•2d

I am planning to buy a car for mostly driving on highways, but I live in a Tier 3 city. Now, I am confused between the Creta SX summer edition and the Kushaq Sportline. I am confused because the Skoda service centre is 200km from my city, and the Hyundai service centre is available in my city. Please suggest which one I should get.

•2d

Get the Creta SX Summer Edition, because with Hyundai service in your city and Skoda 200 km away, ownership will be far easier and less stressful where you live. You’ll be on highways a lot, and the Creta is calm at speed, comfy over bad patches, and quieter, so long trips feel easy. In a tier 3 city, Hyundai’s network, parts availability, and faster roadside help matter more than people admit, and every small fix won’t become a 400 km chore.Now, if pure driving feel is your top priority, the Kushaq Sportline is the better driver’s car. Its turbo petrol engines are more eager, and it feels tighter and more confident when you push. But that service gap is real. Routine visits, warranty checks or an unexpected fault will cost you time and peace of mind, especially on highway trips.So pick the Creta for hassle-free ownership, steady highway comfort and support close to home.

Hyundai Creta

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•2d

I use my car for a daily commute of 20-30 km, and we rarely travel outside the city, only once every few months. Should I buy an EV, a hybrid, or a petrol car? My budget is Rs. 15-18 lakh.

•2d

Buy an EV if you have a parking spot with a plug, because your 20-30 km daily run is exactly what EVs are best at. You will top up at home once or twice a week, spend far less than petrol, and enjoy a quiet, easy drive in traffic. Since you rarely go out of town, the odd highway trip can be planned around chargers, or you can just borrow or rent a petrol car when needed. In your budget, Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon EV fit well.If home charging is not possible, buy a simple petrol automatic and skip hybrids. With your low running, the hybrid premium takes ages to recover, and most strong-hybrid trims that make sense cross Rs. 20 lakh on-road. Good petrol picks around Rs. 15-18 lakh are Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq or VW Taigun. They will be easy in the city and stress-free for the rare road trip.

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Popular discussions right now

•4d

I am planning to purchase a new SUV. I have shortlisted two vehicles. Toyota Hyryder non-hybrid top model (manual) and Kia Seltos manual top model. Which one should I prefer? My daily running is very less around 10-15 kms.

•3d

With a daily running of just 10-15km, there's little benefit in stretching to a strong hybrid, and since you've shortlisted the non-hybrid Hyryder, the Seltos is the more complete package. It offers a more premium cabin, better performance from its naturally aspirated petrol engine, a stronger feature list and an overall more polished driving experience.The Toyota Hyryder still has its strengths. Toyota's reputation for reliability and aftersales support is second to none, and if long-term peace of mind is your top priority, it remains a very sensible choice. However, the non-hybrid petrol doesn't offer a significant efficiency advantage over the Seltos, so you miss out on the biggest reason to buy a Hyryder in the first place.Given your low running, we'd simply choose the SUV that you enjoy driving and living with every day. The Seltos also feels a little more modern inside and delivers a better overall ownership experience without asking you to compromise on reliability.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

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•6d

Hi, I am planning to buy an EV car between 10 and 15 lakh. I already have a Baleno, so I am looking for a second car. I am confused between the new Tiago EV, Punch EV and 3XO EV, which is slightly above my budget. I will be driving around 100 km daily. Please share your suggestion.

•6d

Pick the Tata Punch EV. For a 100 km daily run as a second car, its bigger battery gives you a safer buffer than the Tiago EV, and the higher ground clearance makes bad roads, speed breakers and monsoons less stressful.If you have parking with a 15A socket, the Punch EV’s mid-battery version will comfortably handle your commute with overnight top-ups and still leave range in hand for errands.Go Tiago EV only if the price is tight and you’re disciplined about charging daily. It’s easy to drive and cheap to run, but 100 km days will leave a thin cushion once you add AC, traffic and battery ageing.

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•2d

Please suggest a car between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in a budget of 16-18 L?

•2d

Go for the Kia Seltos. While they are both similar SUVs that use the same engines, the Seltos is a larger vehicle built on a newer platform. It thus offers better space and comfort, as well as new-generation tech, which the Creta will only get when its next-gen model is launched in 2027. It also has a higher-quality interior with better fit and finish. Depending on the engine, gearbox and variant you choose, you may find a few more features in the equivalent Creta compared to the Seltos, but overall value for money, the Seltos should still come out on top, considering its inherent benefits. That said, some reasons you might want to opt for the Creta is because you already own a Hyundai and are already in their system, and have an established relationship with the service centre. Also, if you are planning to exchange your i20, ask the dealer for a loyalty bonus or any other deal they might have; this could swing the purchase in favour of the Creta.

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Posted on: 23 May 2026