Is the Renault Duster 1.3 Techno manual transmission a good choice, or should I consider other cars?

Autocar India

•21h

Since you already own a Renault, the new Duster would be a great pick. With mostly rural roads, about 10,000 km a year and a Rs 20 lakh cap, you can opt for the Duster 1.3 turbo-petrol with either the manual or the DCT, depending on your preference.The 1.3 petrol feels strong and punchy once you get past the initial turbo lag, and the DCT is almost torque-converter smooth. The manual has a satisfying clutch and shifter action, though turbo lag feels slightly more pronounced with this gearbox. It stays steady at speed and the steering gives good confidence, so it will feel like a big step up from your Kwid. Ground clearance is good and the suspension handles broken patches well, so you won’t have to slow to a crawl for every rut, yet it still feels tight and enjoyable on a twisty road.Two things to note: it is not a true off-roader, so avoid deep slush and very uneven fields; and Renault’s dealer reach in smaller towns can be limited. Since you already own one, though, that should not be a major concern.If your routes are very rough and you often need to go into fields, look at the Mahindra Scorpio N instead. It is tougher and sits higher, but it is not as nice to drive on smooth roads as the Duster.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Renault Duster

Renault Kwid

Autocar India

•1d

For under Rs. 20 lakh, petrol, a strong engine, and a 5-star crash rating, the Renault Duster would be a good option. The 1.3 litre turbo coupled with the automatic is a fun car to drive. The powertrain is quick, and the Duster feels nice and lively to drive, even when driven in a regular manner efficiency is decent too. As an option, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 petrol. It too has a 5-star crash test rating, the 1.0 turbo feels quick enough and returns a good fuel efficiency too. Like the Duster, the Kushaq is also a fun-to-drive car.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•2d

With a long city commute, some short highway runs, a Rs.10-17 lakh cap and a clear dislike for non‑turbo motors, the Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo petrol automatic suits you best. It gives you the strong low‑speed pull you want without any diesel DPF worries in stop‑go traffic. The front seats, steering reach and height make it easy for a 6‑foot driver to get comfy, and the cabin feels roomier than the Kylaq and Duster you found tight. It is also one of the nicer cars to drive in this price range, with direct steering and a calm, stable feel at speed, and it packs the safety features you’d expect.One thing to note: the DCT can hesitate a bit at slow speed. If that is an issue then consider the Sierra turbo petrol AT. It is also one of the roomiest in class so you should find it comfortable. Overall for your needs, the Seltos is a good fit.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Skoda Kylaq

Tata Sierra