Is the Renault Duster E85 ready? What does it mean? I have watched a couple of videos on YouTube from Autocar itself and one other creator. Here are the links: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5838JDpbBWw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUBLwrvlYbA&t=90s. I am confused about whether to buy the Duster, as ethanol blending will increase, but I really like the interior and exterior of the Kia Seltos. So, I am confused about which one to choose.

Autocar India

•1h

The point we’ve made is that Renault has already proven flex-fuel technology in markets like Brazil, where Renault cars routinely run on high-ethanol blends, so it can be introduced here when there’s a clear policy push and E85 fuel availability. For now, the new Duster’s engine for India is calibrated for E20, in line with our fuel roadmap, but the hardware is material-compliant for higher blends, so there’s some headroom built in.

So, in short, the current India-spec Renault Duster is not a flex-fuel E85 vehicle and is not designed to run on E85 today. What it means is that when (and if) E85 becomes commercially relevant here, Renault can fairly quickly localise a proper flex-fuel engine for the Duster, rather than starting from scratch, because the tech already exists in its global portfolio.

On your Duster vs Seltos dilemma: If you want a daily driver and won’t be doing too many long out-of-town runs, the Kia Seltos is the more complete package right now, with a better-finished cabin, more features and a roomier, more premium overall experience. The Duster will appeal more if you prioritise driving dynamics and rough-road ability, but purely from a comfort, interiors and family-car perspective, the Seltos edges it out.

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Renault

Duster

from ₹12.43 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Kritarth

•1d

I am planning to buy the Renault Duster Techno 1.3 DCT. I also have the option of the Kia Seltos, but I am confused between the two. I drive very rarely, in the city two or three times a month, and on highways once a month.

Autocar India

•11m

Opt for the Kia Seltos. With your very low usage, just a few city drives a month and occasional highway trips, you need something that is easy, refined and completely hassle-free every time you take it out, and the Seltos fits that role perfectly.It feels smooth and effortless to drive, especially in the city, and overall comes across as a more polished and well-rounded product, which matters more when the car is not used daily. It is the kind of car you can pick up after a gap, and it just feels familiar and easy to live with, without demanding too much from you.The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is the more enthusiast-focused option with a stronger, more engaging driving experience, and you will enjoy it more on highways, but that strength only really comes into play if you drive often and value that engagement regularly.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Mahesh

•5d

Planning to buy the Hyundai Creta N Line N10 (petrol manual). The N10 is the only turbo variant available with a manual transmission. I am looking for inputs from existing owners: is the N Line package worth the premium over the regular Creta 1.5 naturally aspirated manual? Does the improved driving feel justify the price difference in real-world use? Are there any trade-offs in comfort, mileage, or maintenance compared to the standard variant? I am also open to alternatives with a strong, powerful engine, manual transmission only, good safety, and solid build quality. I am not interested in features like a sunroof, a large touchscreen, or gimmicky tech. The objective is to evaluate whether the N10 delivers real value or if a simpler, driver-focused alternative makes more sense. I had also evaluated the Jeep Compass, but feedback on after-sales service is too bad.

Autocar India

•2d

The 150-160hp turbo-petrol manual midsize SUV is a dying breed due to limited demand, and more brands are offering only an auto, or, in the case of the Kia Seltos, an iMT. It's a shame Hyundai only offers it in the top-spec Creta N10 variant, because you end up paying for more features, and the N Line treatment, neither of which you may necessarily want.In terms of driving experience, it is a huge step up from the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol manual, with punchier performance, better response, and a more engaging feel. The engine is punchier and even has a sportier sound. That said, the 1.5 NA is the better all-rounder, mixing decent performance with smoothness and fuel economy. The standard Hyundai Creta also rides noticeably softer than the N Line thanks to its smaller wheels, and yes, service costs could be slightly lower than for the more complex T-GDi engine.If you're a driving enthusiast, the N Line N10 is definitely worth the stretch as one of the last remaining powerful turbo manuals in the segment.However, there is one more, and that's the Renault Duster. Its 160hp 1.3-litre turbo petrol is more than a match for the Hyundai 1.5-litre T-GDi unit, and in fact makes a bit more torque. Better still, Renault offers this powertrain from a much lower variant, so you don't have to pay for extra features if you don't see any value in them. Ride quality is better than the Creta N Line, and there's more boot space too, and it imparts that typically European confidence when you're at the wheel. The only area in which the Creta edges ahead is with a better rear seat and a wider service network.

Sahil Kannangar

I am confused between the top-end turbo-petrol variants of the Tata Sierra and the Kia Seltos (2026). My usage will be primarily city driving in traffic, with occasional highway trips. I am looking for a feature-loaded car with a premium feel, good reliability, and strong after-sales service for long-term ownership.

Autocar India

•23h

Mostly city driving with the odd highway run and a strong focus on features, in that case, from your two, I would pick the Tata Sierra 1.5 turbo-petrol automatic in the top trim. It is feature-packed, with a refined and powerful engine, and its torque-converter automatic is smoother in city traffic than the Kia Seltos’ DCT.That said, Kia has a more consistent reputation for service in most cities, which is one of your main requirements. Tata’s service has improved, but dealer experience can vary by city, so check reviews in your area. If that is a concern, then the Seltos is a good alternative, packed with the feel-good features you asked for, like a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. A trade-off to note for your city use: the DCT can hesitate a bit at slow speeds.Overall, for mostly city use and a feature-rich cabin, the Sierra turbo-petrol automatic in the top trim fits your brief.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

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