I am confused between the Kia Seltos G1.5 6MT HTE(O) and the Duster 1.3 ltr Evolution models. Which car would I prefer best suited for my requirements as follows: 1. Budget-friendly 2. Fuel efficient 3. Lower maintenance costs in longer run 4. Seating and comfort 5. Good legroom space for the rear seats 6. Safety ratings My daily run will be around 20 to 25 kms with some random trips within a 300 kms range. Suggest to me the best feasible car among the two. Thanks

Autocar India

•11m

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTE(O) 6‑speed manual as it would better meet most of your needs. It is the more budget-friendly option, and in real-world conditions, its naturally aspirated engine would be more fuel efficient than the 1.3 litre Renault Duster turbo engine. Turbos are very sensitive to driving style and tend to use more fuel if not driven very carefully.

Kia’s service network is wide, and routine upkeep is predictable and not very expensive. For comfort, the front seats are supportive, and the back seat has good knee room and a comfortable backrest. The Duster, on the other hand, has less room in the rear. Safety is a big plus; the current Seltos has a 5‑star Bharat NCAP crash rating, which is reassuring, while the Duster is yet to be tested, though it too will likely fare very well.

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Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.43 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Aravind

•3d

I have a budget of around ₹15 lakh (on-road) and am looking for a petrol automatic car. My usage will be approximately 70% city driving and 30% highway, with an annual running of about 10,000 km. My key priorities are reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall value for money. I am currently considering the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Which one should I prefer among these three? Additionally, the newly launched Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara also seem appealing. Should I consider stretching my budget for these models?

Autocar India

•2d

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi AT is the best fit among your options. It uses a smooth torque converter automatic, which is ideal for city traffic and more reliable in the long run. The engine is simple, proven and efficient, and Maruti’s service network and low maintenance costs make ownership very easy. It also offers good ride comfort and a spacious cabin, which adds to its family appeal.The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet are more feature-rich and feel more modern inside, but both use turbo petrol engines with DCT gearboxes in the automatic versions. These are quicker and more fun to drive, but in heavy city traffic, they are not as smooth and can feel slightly jerky at low speeds.On stretching your budget, the Kia Seltos is a segment above and a better all-round car, but the petrol automatic will go well beyond your budget. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is also appealing, especially in strong hybrid form, but again requires a significant stretch.For your usage and priorities, there is no strong reason to stretch. The Brezza already fits your needs very well.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Hariprasad

I am planning to buy a new vehicle with a budget of ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom). My usage will be around 60-70% on highways, with occasional hill drives, while the rest will be city use, mainly on weekends, with around 30-40km of running. I prefer a manual transmission and am currently considering the Seltos. Please suggest a suitable variant for a fun-to-drive experience, or other car options.

Autocar India

•2d

For your usage, which is largely highway-focused with occasional hill drives and a clear preference for manual driving, the Kia Seltos HTK Petrol MT variant is a sensible and well-rounded choice within your Rs 15 lakh ex-showroom budget. It offers a comfortable and stable highway experience, light controls for occasional city use, and enough ground clearance to handle broken roads and hill sections without worry.However, if fun-to-drive is an important factor for you, the naturally aspirated petrol may feel a bit flat, especially on highways and inclines where you will need to work the gearbox more for overtakes.In that case, it is worth considering something like the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual. It offers a stronger mid-range and a more engaging driving experience, which suits highway driving and hill sections better, especially for someone who enjoys being behind the wheel.So the choice comes down to what you prioritise. If you want a comfortable, easy and well-equipped all-rounder, the Seltos HTK+ works well. But if you are looking for a more engaging and fun driving experience, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual is the better fit.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Joseph Dsouza

•6d

How does the 2026 Renault Duster compare with Toyota hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder in terms of performance, efficiency, and overall usability?

Autocar India

•1d

Both are aimed at very different buyers, so it really depends on what you value more: driving pleasure or day-to-day efficiency.The 2026 Renault Duster is simply more entertaining to drive. Its 1.3 litre turbo petrol is punchy, smooth and among the most powerful engines in the segment. With around 160+hp and 280Nm on tap, the chassis comfortably copes with that performance. It feels confident at high speeds, the suspension is tough enough for bad roads, and it still has that robust, go anywhere character that Duster owners like. If you enjoy driving and often do highway or mixed runs, the Duster will put a bigger smile on your face.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid, on the other hand, is more of an urban SUV, and that’s where it shines. Its strong hybrid powertrain can run silently on electric power at low speeds and constantly shuffles between engine and motor to keep things smooth and relaxed in stop-and-go traffic. Fuel efficiency is in a different league altogether - the Hyryder hybrid can give close to 20kpl, something a turbo petrol Duster simply cannot match. Plus, being a Toyota, long-term reliability and peace of mind are a big draw.

Renault Duster

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

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