Sir, as you mentioned in the podcast that the Duster Hybrid will be much more efficient than Toyota/Maruti hybrids, please throw some light on the hybrid quality of the upcoming Seltos Hybrid with respect to the above-mentioned cars.

Autocar India

•15h

If outright mileage is your top priority, I wouldn’t rush to cancel your booking of the new Renault Duster Hybrid. On paper and in real-world conditions, a strong hybrid setup will be more efficient than a conventional diesel like the Kia Seltos. The Duster hybrid is expected to come with a state-of-the-art 1.8-litre strong hybrid powertrain. This will make it superior to the Seltos diesel not just in fuel efficiency, but also in refinement and smoothness. In city driving, especially, where hybrids can run on electric power at low speeds, you will likely see a clear advantage.Performance and drive feel should also be a step up. Strong hybrids tend to feel more responsive at low speeds thanks to the electric motor assistance. Moreover, they are typically quieter and smoother than diesels. Since you already own a Duster, you’re familiar with the brand’s DNA - the solid, planted feel and slightly rugged character. You can expect some of that core personality to carry forward into the new model, albeit in a more modern and sophisticated package.However, space is where the equation changes. The Seltos is distinctly larger inside. If having the best possible rear seat space and a bigger boot is critical for your usage - frequent family trips, lots of luggage, airport runs, etc., then the Seltos has an edge. It is a more spacious product overall and feels roomier in day-to-day use.The Seltos diesel also offers very good fuel efficiency by segment standards, and being a well-established model, it comes with proven mechanicals and a feature-rich cabin. So it’s not a weak choice by any means, it just won’t match the hybrid Duster’s likely efficiency and refinement.So, it really comes down to priorities. If mileage, smoothness and having the latest hybrid tech matter most, stick with the Duster hybrid. If maximum cabin and boot space are non-negotiable. You prefer the reassurance of a currently available, well-known product, then the Seltos X-Line diesel makes strong sense.

Kia New Seltos

Renault Duster

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Autocar India

•2d

Of your two shortlisted SUVs, the Kia Seltos is the better option for you. For one, the Tata Harrier is priced much higher, essentially in a segment above, and though you mentioned that only basic features would suffice, you will get only an entry-level Harrier petrol at your budget. Moreover, it's a large, heavy vehicle, so fuel economy will not be good at all. In fact, do note that even if you choose the Seltos Turbo DCT, you would have to drive extremely carefully to achieve 12kpl in real-world usage, especially if the majority of that is in Delhi city traffic. While we still recommend the Kia Seltos, consider choosing either the 1.5 petrol IVT or even the 1.5 diesel AT instead if mileage is a priority.

Kia New Seltos

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Autocar India

•5h

If you have convenient access to EV charging or, better yet, can install an EV charger at your home, an electric car is worth considering. EVs feel their best in the city with a seamless drive experience that no ICE automatic can match. Of course, refinement is another highlight. The quiet experience really adds calm to frustrating bumper-to-bumper drives.You haven't shared your budget, but (in order of price) models like the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor, Hyundai Creta Electric, and Mahindra XEV 9S should be in your consideration set.

MG Windsor

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV

Hyundai Creta Electric

Mahindra XEV 9S

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