Autocar India
AS

Arshdeep Singh Gill

4w

My family currently owns a 2012 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXI, which is nearing 15 years of use. We are planning to upgrade and were initially considering the Honda Elevate for its reliability and lower dependence on electronics. However, the launch of the new Renault Duster has created some confusion. Our usage is about 90% city driving, with a 200 km highway trip once a month. Our budget is around ₹15–17 lakh. Fuel efficiency is important but not the top priority—our main focus is on comfort, performance, and fewer electronic components. Given these requirements, should we choose the Renault Duster or stick with the Honda Elevate?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4w

Go for the Honda Elevate V CVT - for your city-heavy use and your wish for fewer gadgets, it is the safer, easier long-term choice. Moving up from your Alto K10, the Elevate will feel like a big step up in seat height, cabin space and ride comfort, and the CVT automatic - which changes gears on its own - is smooth and stress-free in slow traffic. 

Honda keeps the features simple on the V trim; the basics are solid, and the brand’s track record for reliability and fuss-free service fits your “less electronics” brief well. For 90% city and one 200 km trip a month, the 1.5 petrol is calm and easy to drive; it is not a rocket, but it pulls cleanly and feels predictable, which matters more in daily use.

One thing to be aware of: when you press hard for an overtake, the engine gets a bit loud, and the shove is only average. Also, the ride is comfortable but not as soft as the best in this price range over sharp bumps.

Pick the new Renault Duster only if you want a stronger mid-range punch and the best bad-road ride. It should be the nicer long-distance car, but it's not as good a city car as the Elevate. Also, Renault's after-sales network is nowhere near as good as Honda's

Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

SK

Skumar

3w

this might feel a different question for most of us. But toyota hyryder s hybrid or mahindra scorpio n z4 diesel. on road of these two are similar. i want a reliable, maintenance, efficient in longer run. because hyryder can give more mileage but can cost me bulk after 8 years on battery. im kind of confused heart wants scorpio n and brain wants hyryder my city and highway ratio is 50-50 and per year i will drive 10k kms

MS

Manoj Sinha

4w

Is it right decision to buy a 14 years old Toyota Etios petrol car for another 5 years uses

SR

Sumanth RJ

4w

If it's in good condition, go for it. Take a mechanic with you. Also buy only your state vehicle, you need to renew registration, if you are going for out of state vehicle, then you have to spend a lot for registration.

More questions on similar cars

DG

Dinesh Gopalani

16h

I am confused between the Mahindra 3XO, Hyundai Venue, and Honda Elevate. I am considering petrol automatic variants (preferably non-AMT). My usage will be mostly city driving with occasional highway trips. I am looking for a car without a sunroof and with good overall performance. Could you please help me choose the right option?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4h

Unfortunately, both Mahindra and Hyundai have paired their respective automatic versions with a sunroof, which should rule them out for you.The Honda Elevate V CVT doesn't get a sunroof, but it delivers strong performance, and it meets your requirements. It is a no-nonsense car with comfortable seats, excellent ride-handling balance, and a smooth CVT automatic transmission. It is also a size larger than the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Hyundai Venue, so space and boot space are better too.Another option you could consider is the 2026 Volkswagen Taigun Highline 1.0TSI with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleVolkswagen Taigun
RS

Rahul Sharma

8h

Hi all, I own two cars - a 2017 Maruti Baleno petrol manual and an MG Comet EV. I currently use the Comet EV for my daily commute. I now want to replace the Baleno and am considering buying a new car under ₹12 lakh. I am confused among the Maruti Grand Vitara base variant, the Toyota Hyryder base variant, and the Honda Elevate V MT. Could you please help me choose the right option?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6h

The Honda Elevate V MT that you've shortlisted is priced at Rs 12.14 lakh (ex-showroom), which means that by the time the vehicle is registered and insured, prices will go over Rs 14 lakh (on-road), that's before discounts.Similarly, the base Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder are priced just below Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom, so on-road these should be priced at around Rs 13 lakhs.That said, between the three, the Honda Elevate's seats are comfier, its ride-handling balance is better, and its performance is stronger too. Overall, the Elevate will feel more satisfying to drive, which is why you should pick the Honda.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
BA

Balasubramanian

1d

I recently upgraded from a Skoda Rapid Diesel DSG to a Honda Elevate ZX CVT. I drive around 62 km daily in Mumbai (Navi Mumbai to Andheri) in bumper-to-bumper traffic. I like everything about the Elevate except its 40-litre fuel tank, due to which I need to refuel every 4-5 days, which is becoming frustrating. I am even considering changing my car by the end of the year to the Renault Duster (which is expected to have a larger 50-litre tank). I also need sufficient boot space. I understand the Duster may not offer a spare wheel (stepney), though space might be available to carry one. While the Duster Hybrid is tempting, the lack of boot space and a proper spare tyre could be deal-breakers, especially since I take occasional long drives to the South where a spare tyre feels essential. Given this situation, should I continue with the Elevate or consider switching? What would you suggest?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

If you're looking to replace the Honda Elevate CVT with a Renault Duster, make sure you opt for the hybrid version. The Duster's 1.3-litre turbo-petrol-DCT combination isn't likely to deliver respectable fuel efficiency, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic; hence, your fuel stops are likely to be as frequent, if not more so. A hybrid, on the other hand, will remain in EV mode while idling or at low speeds, which will significantly reduce fuel consumption. While Renault provides a puncture repair kit, a spare tyre will certainly come in hand in the event of a sidewall cut, which is a possibility on long drives and unfamiliar roads. Hence, you could purchase an extra tyre and place it in the boot, however that is likely to compromise luggage space.Alternatively, you could consider retaining your Honda Elevate. It is a very sensible, no-nonsense car. Also, keep in mind that because it isn't a popular model, resale value is likely to be on the lower side, hence you will have to add a fair bit from your pocket, to make the new purchase.

VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleHonda Elevate

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P S RAHUL

4d

I am 60 years old and have booked the Toyota Innova Hycross top-end variant. My usage will be mostly within the city, along with 4-5 long trips every year. Is this the right choice for my needs, or should I consider any other options? I plan to continue doing long-distance drives comfortably over the next 10 years.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d

You want a car that is comfortable in the city, easy to drive and capable of doing long trips for the next 10 years. The Toyota Innova Hycross fits this very well. The hybrid system makes it very smooth and quiet in city driving, and the automatic gearbox is effortless, which becomes more important with age. On highways, it is stable, comfortable and built for long-distance travel, which is what the Innova name has always stood for.What really works in your favour is long-term ownership. Toyota’s reliability, strong service network and resale value make it one of the safest bets if you plan to keep the car for many years. The Hycross also offers excellent space, easy ingress and egress and a comfortable ride, which are important for everyday use and for passengers as you grow older.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
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Vedant Nawange

1w

Hi, I am confused between buying the Kia Seltos diesel, which I love for its interior and power and which gives around 15 km/l mileage, and the Toyota Hyryder, which involves a slight design compromise but offers 22+ km/l mileage. My daily running is around 70 km, including both city traffic and highway cruising. Also, please share if there is even the slightest possibility of a Kia Seltos hybrid coming next year, as I would be happy to wait.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6d

With a 70 km daily mix of traffic and highway use, we would lean towards the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. Your usage is high, and the hybrid will use far less fuel in city traffic while staying calm and smooth. It pulls away on electric power at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels quiet and easy.You like the Seltos for its cabin and stronger shove, and that is fair. The Seltos diesel feels stronger when you press the throttle for quick passes, and its cabin does look and feel richer. If most of your 70 km is open highway and you really value that strong pull and the Kia car interior, the Seltos diesel automatic is still a solid pick.On a Kia Seltos hybrid: Kia does intend to introduce a hybrid, but timing is not yet decided as they are trying to localise components. We estimate it could arrive in 2027, but that could change. For your mix of city and highway, the Hyryder strong-hybrid lines up best with what you need right now.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
PS

Peasant Sampan

4d

Hello Autocar, I am planning to buy a sedan, with almost 90% city usage. Please suggest a suitable option. Also, is it true that for my usage, naturally aspirated (NA) engines are better suited than turbo-petrol engines?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d

For your usage, a naturally aspirated petrol with a CVT or IVT is the best fit. These setups are smoother, easier to drive in traffic and more predictable, which matters far more in city conditions than outright performance. So yes, in your case, NA engines are better suited than turbo petrol.The Hyundai Verna IVT stands out as the most well-rounded option for city driving. The engine is smooth, the IVT gearbox is very intuitive in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall driving experience is effortless. It feels refined and easy to live with daily.The Honda City Hybrid is worth considering if your running is high. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, strong performance and is very easy to drive in the city thanks to its hybrid system. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, and the battery placement results in a higher boot floor, which slightly affects practicality.Compared to the Verna, the standard Honda City CVT is also an option, but the engine feels a bit noisier, and the gearbox is not as intuitive as the Verna’s IVT in everyday use.

VehicleHyundai Verna
VehicleHonda City

Posted on: 4 Apr 2026