I live in Chennai and want a car with good performance and safety, and preferably better mileage. I am considering the Seltos HTK(O) DCT and the Kushaq 1.0 AT Classic Plus. My thought process is that I can upgrade to a bigger car after a year or so, when I sell my wife’s Venue DCT, and she can then drive the Kushaq Classic Plus. My monthly commuting will be around 1,000-1,200km, with 80% city use. Open to other suggestions as well. My budget for the Kushaq is ₹14 lakh, whereas for the Seltos it goes up to ₹18 lakh.

Autocar India

•1d

Without knowing any further requirements, or your budget, it's hard to make a definitive recommendation. However, all things considered, the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol MT is the better overall package than the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI MT. For one, just the power alone is considerably higher in the Duster 1.3, and in fact, it's more than even the Kushaq's larger 1.5 TSI has on offer. Thereafter, the two SUVs are closely matched - both have excellent handling, both offer good space and comfort in the front seat, though it's only average in the rear seat, and both are now well equipped. However, the Duster edges ahead in two areas - the first being boot space, which is a massive 518 litres, compared to about 385 in the Skoda. And the other is ride comfort - while the Kushaq is good, the Duster is even better, delivering a ride that is comfortable, stable and solid feeling, all at once. Thus, overall, the Duster 1.3 Turbo is the better choice.

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•1h

Pick the new Renault Duster 1.3-litre with the DCT automatic. It produces segment-leading figures of 163hp and 280Nm, and the wet-clutch dual-clutch automatic impresses with its almost torque-converter-like smoothness. It isn’t quite as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kushaq, but it makes up for it with sublime ride quality. Besides, a comparable Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG will be closer to Rs 22 lakh on-road, as the bigger engine is only available in the top two trims. The Duster’s Techno+ trim should fit within your budget and comes very well equipped for the price.The one downside is that it is not as spacious on the inside as the Kia Seltos. If that is a priority, then consider the Seltos with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol DCT instead.On the test drive, spend 10 minutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic to feel DCT creep, then do an 80-100kph run to check straight-line stability and cabin noise.

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•2d

Pick the Kia Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol IVT. Since you live in Gurgaon, where diesel cars can only be legally operated for 10 years, petrol is the better choice. While your running is on the slightly higher side, the savings from choosing diesel may not be enough to offset its higher purchase price and its lower resale value in Delhi NCR.The 1.5-litre engine is very refined, and the IVT does a good job of making it feel responsive in the city. In most urban driving, it offers adequate performance and doesn’t feel strained unless pushed hard. The IVT also simulates stepped shifts, so it feels more natural and doesn’t exhibit too much of the rubber-band effect that other CVTs do. If your usage is mostly on the highway and you need more performance, then consider the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol instead.On the test drive, check if the throttle response and performance are adequate for your needs.

Kia Seltos