Autocar India
•19w

I have read the recent comments about the Duster on your website, and I am impressed by the overall rating of the Duster. I am planning to purchase the 1L turbo manual version of Duster and seeking advice on the power delivery and torque. Is it sufficient for city drives and, very occasionally, driving on highways?

Verified
•19w
For your requirement, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol Renault Duster should be adequate for your usage, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Although we haven’t driven this engine in the Duster yet, we have experienced it in cars like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. In those cars, the engine feels peppy and responsive, especially in city conditions.
Now, the Duster is a larger and heavier car, so performance will take a slight hit compared to those smaller SUVs. However, for city driving, it should feel more than sufficient, and thanks to the turbo, it will still offer good low-end torque, making it easy to drive in traffic. On the highway, it should be able to keep up with fast-moving traffic comfortably, and overtaking should not feel stressful.
That said, we strongly recommend that you test drive the 1.0-litre version before deciding. Since it is a 3-cylinder engine, you may notice some vibration at idle and hard acceleration, something we have experienced in the Kiger and Magnite.
If your priority is smoothness and refinement, you can also consider options like the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos, which offer more refined petrol engines. However, in terms of outright punch and torque feel, the turbo Duster will still feel stronger.
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•19w

Tata Sierra is on my list, though 1.5L NA Revotron engine, can you comment if this engine decision is right given the weight of the car, what is the city and highway performance with DCT gearbox

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•5d

I've been driving a Maruti Ritz Diesel (190 Nm) for the last 5 years and am looking for an upgrade. My usage is 70% highway and 30% city, with a monthly running of only 500-750 km. I live in Bangalore and primarily use the car for weekend drives and highway trips. Cars tested: Honda Elevate MT/CVT: Reliable and comfortable, but the CVT felt dull, and I feel the naturally aspirated engine may not be exciting enough for highway driving. Kia Seltos Turbo DCT & Diesel AT: Feature-loaded, spacious, and family-friendly. The turbo-petrol feels quick, while the diesel AT feels effortless, but I am concerned about long-term DCT reliability and diesel DPF issues. Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT: I loved the driving experience, stability, and engine performance. However, the cabin feels smaller compared to the Seltos. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 DSG: I could not properly test its performance due to heavy city traffic. Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 TSI: This was the most confidence-inspiring car I drove, but my family is not keen on buying a sedan. Current concerns: My low annual running makes me question whether a diesel is the right choice due to DPF-related concerns. I am worried about the long-term reliability of turbo-petrol engines, DSG/DCT gearboxes, ethanol-blended fuel compatibility, and fuel economy. Naturally aspirated petrol engines seem more reliable, but I am concerned they may feel underpowered after driving a torquey diesel for years. Budget: Rs. 15-22 lakh on-road (Bangalore). The car will be purchased through my company lease program, so tax benefits will apply. Currently, my shortlist includes: Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol / Diesel AT Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI AT (Highline or Topline) Considering my usage pattern and long-term ownership plans, which engine and powertrain would you recommend for the least-regret ownership experience?

Verified
•6h

Given your usage and concerns, the Kia Seltos turbo-petrol DCT is the most sensible recommendation. Your 70% highway usage and weekend trips make diesel a good fit, and thIS Seltos diesel is a proven, reliable powertrain but the relatively short distance you cover over a month does not justify the premium you would pay for the diesel variant. The turbo-petrol has good punchy performance and is smooth to drive even in the city. Unlike the NA engine that is linear and laid back, the turbo-petrol feels lively and effortless. Yes, the efficiency won't be as good as diesel, but it is the nicer car to drive in comparison to others and with the uncertainty of diesel, it is the safer bet over a long term. Moreover, the cabin is refined, this Kia car offers good space and practicality and a more premium ownership experience than some of its rivals. The HTX trim will fit in your budget and gets a good amount of kit on offer.

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•5d

I am considering the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid top model. I have never owned an automatic car. I drove it and found it a bit underpowered. Will it be safe to take it to the mountains? Will it climb steep roads without any issues? Is overtaking at high speeds difficult? Is it worth buying? If not, please suggest another option.

Verified
•14h

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is a very sensible choice for your first automatic. It is smooth, efficient and easy to drive in the city, and the hybrid system works well in stop-start traffic. However, your concern about feeling underpowered is valid. The hybrid system is tuned for efficiency rather than outright performance, and under hard acceleration, you will feel that the engine is straining a bit. Overall, performance feels adequate, and while it will climb hills and handle mountain roads without issue, performance doesn't feel particularly strong or effortless like some turbo-petrol or diesel cars.This Toyota car is a great choice if your priority is efficiency and ease of use, but if you want more performance and better overtaking ability, a 1.5 turbo-petrol automatic powered SUV like a Kia Seltos or Skoda Kushaq/VW Taigun would be a better fit.

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•5d

I am planning to upgrade from a Toyota Yaris CVT to either the Kia Seltos IVT or the Toyota Hyryder. My annual usage is around 9,000 km, with 60% driving in Bangalore city and 40% on highway trips. Please help me choose between the Kia Seltos IVT and Toyota Hyryder.

Verified
•11h

With 9,000 km a year and a 60% city/40% highway split, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid is the better fit. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city traffic, where the car runs on electric power for the majority. This makes a noticeable difference in running costs over time. On the highway, this Toyota car is comfortable and stable, and the hybrid system still contributes to efficiency. The Kia Seltos IVT is a very good car with a smooth automatic gearbox and a more premium cabin, but at your usage level the hybrid advantage is more meaningful than the extra features. The Hyryder is also backed by Toyota’s strong reliability reputation, which is important for long-term ownership. The only drawback is that the Hyryder does not feel as quick as this Kia car on the highway and has a smaller boot. Overall, the Hyryder hybrid is the smarter choice for your usage pattern.

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•5d

I am confused between Taigun 1.5 Sport and Seltos Diesel X-Line top model. I have owned the Polo AT and Vento AT in the past, so my love for Volkswagen is making this decision difficult.

Verified
•5d

Go for the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI Sport. Coming from a Polo and Vento automatic, you already appreciate Volkswagen’s driving DNA, and the Taigun 1.5 TSI is a natural progression. The engine is punchy, the DSG gearbox is quick and engaging, and the overall driving experience is far more involving than the Seltos. The Taigun also feels more compact and agile in the city, while still being comfortable on the highway. The Volkswagen Taigun mileage is 19.54 kpl for the 1.0 TSI AT, 19.98 kpl for the 1.0 TSI MT, and 18.85 kpl for the 1.5 TSI DCT.The Kia Seltos diesel X-Line is a strong all-rounder with better space, a more premium cabin and a more relaxed long-distance character, but it does not offer the same level of driver engagement. The diesel engine is efficient and torquey, but it lacks the excitement of the 1.5 TSI. Given your history with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun will simply feel more familiar and more enjoyable to drive every day. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11.00 lakh (ex-showroom).

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•5d

I want to buy my first car, and I have a strict budget of Rs 10 lakh. I will not use the car on a daily basis; I will drive it occasionally, and I live in Kolkata.

Verified
•3d

For a car under 10 lakh budget and occasional use, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno makes sense. It is a genuinely spacious hatchback with a comfortable ride. It's easy to drive in the city and has a proven ownership record. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and reliable, and Maruti’s service network in Kolkata is excellent, which keeps long-term running costs low.For occasional use, you want a car that is easy to live with, dependable and does not demand much attention, and the Baleno fits that brief perfectly. It also offers a good balance of features and practicality within your budget.If you prefer a slightly higher seating position, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is worth considering.

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•5d

I am looking to buy an electric car in the Rs. 20-30 lakh price range. My driving is mostly within the city, with an annual running of only 5,000-7,000 km. Would you recommend buying an EV now, or would it be better to wait for the newer models that are expected to launch over the next few months?

Verified
•5d

With 5,000-7,000 km a year and mostly city driving, you are the ideal EV buyer. The Mahindra XEV 9S in its top-spec Pack Three guise will comfortably fit in your budget. With a 79kWh battery pack, you can easily expect a real-world range of around 480km in daily driving conditions. The 9S is also a full-size SUV with three rows, so practicality is excellent. There is a usable frunk as well, and the feature list is extensive with connected tech, panoramic sunroof, front and rear ventilated seats, drive modes, Level 2 ADAS and much more. Also, with 286hp, the 9S has plenty of performance for everyday needs. The overall package strikes a good balance and hence is our recommendation.

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Posted on: 28 Mar 2026