Delhi

•6w

I am looking to buy a new car and am confused between two options: the Renault Duster Techno+ 1.3 DSG and the Volkswagen Virtus 1.0 GT Line. I will be driving the car daily for an office commute of about 20 km. I plan to keep the vehicle for 3 to 4 years and would like to know which one is the better choice in terms of features, resale value, premium feel, driving performance, and overall peace of mind.

•6w

Go for the Virtus 1.0 GT Line. With a 20 km daily office commute and a 3-4 year ownership horizon, the Volkswagen Virtus is the more sensible and enjoyable choice. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the torque converter automatic is smooth, efficient and well-suited to daily driving, while the GT Line trim gives you a genuinely premium feel inside the cabin. The Volkswagen car also offers a more refined ride and a lower centre of gravity, making it more confidence-inspiring on highways and in city traffic.

The Duster Techno+ 1.3 DSG is a genuinely appealing driver's car with strong performance and a robust, planted feel, but the 1.3 turbo petrol has 'turbo lag' at low revs, is not as efficient in daily stop-start conditions, and the DSG gearbox is not as smooth as Volkswagen's torque converter automatic. The Duster also doesn't feel as premium inside, and Renault's resale value is unlikely to match Volkswagen's over a 3-4 year ownership period.

The Virtus strikes the best balance between premium feel, driving performance, efficiency and overall peace of mind. It is the car you will be happier living with every day.

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Volkswagen

Virtus

from ₹12.43 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.17 Lakh

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•2d

Hi Autocar team, I am looking to find a clarification on purchasing a car. I am a 28-year-old man who enjoys driving, especially a sedan. Now, I am confused about choosing which car to buy. My options are Virtus 1.5 DSG Chrome (because of Roomy interior rather full blacked out) vs Facelifted Slavia Prestige 1.5 DSG. In terms of price, the Virtus offers 21.5L, and the Slavia offers 22.80L. I have received feedback such as Slavia's interior is flimsy and creates squeaking noise, and on the highway the suspension feels bouncy, due to which body roll occurs. Whereas in the Virtus, the only complaint is its gonna be outdated soon due to the Virtus facelift. Help me choose!

•1d

The Virtus and Slavia are nearly identical, so the build quality, driving dynamics and even performance will be largely similar. As a result, the feedback you've received for the Slavia will hold true for the Virtus as well. That said, both the cars feel rock-solid at highway speeds and body roll is well contained too, despite their almost SUV-like 179mm ground clearance. Their 1.5 TSI engine is entertaining, and if you love to drive, both cars will certainly appeal to you.Between the two cars, you're likely to get higher discounts on the VW Virtus GT, as an updated one will be launched in a few weeks. Besides some cosmetic upgrades, the 2026 Virtus GT will get an updated air-con (available in the 2026 Slavia), which will be more effective in cooling the cabin. Hence, if you like the Virtus for its styling, we'll suggest you wait for that instead.However, if you can't wait, we'll suggest you go for the 2026 Skoda Slavia.

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

•2d

Hi, I am planning to buy a sedan and am confused between the Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 DSG GT Chrome for Rs 21.5 lakh (June-manufactured, due for delivery in November) and the facelifted Skoda Slavia Prestige 1.5 for Rs 22.70 lakh. Is it worth paying extra for the Slavia, or should I go with the Virtus?

•2d

If you're set on the 1.5 TSI engine, the Volkswagen Virtus GT Chrome at Rs 21.5 lakh makes more sense if savings matter, while the facelifted Skoda Slavia Prestige is worth the extra Rs 1.2 lakh if you want its additional features. Unlike the 1.0 TSI versions, where the Slavia's new eight-speed torque converter automatic is a meaningful mechanical change from the older six-speed automatic, the 1.5 TSI versions retain the same basic engine and seven-speed DSG combination. So you're not paying extra for a different powertrain.The Slavia Prestige adds meaningful equipment, including a 360-degree camera, larger digital displays, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, and a rear-seat massage function. It also gets improved air-conditioning hardware. These are useful additions, particularly if you plan to keep the car for several years.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Slavia

•4d

We have been using a 2019 Kia Seltos 1.4 DCT and are now planning to change our car. I am leaning towards a sedan, particularly the Volkswagen Virtus, for its performance, driving comfort and build quality. I have driven the Volkswagen Vento 1.0 TSI before, so I am familiar with the driving experience. However, the Virtus does not feel like a significant upgrade from our current car, especially because its interior seems dated compared with newer models. I have also considered the Toyota Camry, which looks beautiful and offers a more premium experience, but it is beyond our budget. We drive around 15,000km a year, with a mix of city commutes and highway trips. I want an engaging driving experience, good performance, comfortable long-distance cruising and a premium feel. A sedan is my first preference, but I am open to an SUV if it makes more sense. What would you recommend? Are there any cars that would feel like a genuine upgrade from the Seltos?

•2d

The Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI DSG is worth considering if you want an engaging sedan with strong performance and good highway manners. However, since you already drive a Seltos 1.4 DCT, the Virtus may not feel like a substantial upgrade in cabin quality or features, even though it offers a different driving experience. The Toyota Camry would feel like a bigger step up in refinement and premiumness, but if it is beyond budget, stretching for it may not make sense.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is worth a serious look if you're open to an SUV. It will feel more like a genuine upgrade in cabin space, features, comfort and performance, with a more substantial family-car feel. It is enjoyable to drive, has good ride comfort, and if you do a lot of highway driving, you can also consider the diesel automatic, which is refined for a diesel and delivers strong performance.

Volkswagen Virtus

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Camry

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•1w

Dear Autocar Team, I currently own a Dzire diesel manual (2018) and now I am planning to buy a new car but I am very confused between Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kwh and the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 79kwh. Although, I love diesel cars but since I live in Faridabad, my biggest concern is about increasing bans and restrictions on diesel cars. My main usage is on highways and bit within the city. I have clocked 1.3 lakh km on my Dzire in 8-9 years. I am getting the exact Harrier EV model for Rs. 22 lakh (on-road) whereas the XEV 9S will cost around Rs. 27-28 lakh (on-road) and that is my biggest confusion. Should I spend this additional amount on the XEV 9S for Harrier ev because I don't want any hassles as an since I plan to keep the car for the next several years.

•6d

Since your choice is between these two exact models, go for the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 75kWh at Rs 22 lakh on-road. It is a much better value proposition given the Rs. 5-6 lakh savings over the Mahindra XEV 9S. The Harrier EV is a solidly-built, hardy SUV that's comfy for 5 adults and their luggage.Sure, the XEV 9S gives you the flexibility of three-rows of seating; a lighter steering with a tighter turning radius; and with a larger battery and a more efficient electric powertrain, real-world range will be better. But since you don't specifically need a three-row SUV, the Harrier EV's lower price makes it the more sensible buy.

Tata Harrier EV

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•6d

I am looking for a petrol automatic car under Rs 12 lakh with good features. My first choice is the Honda Amaze, but I am concerned about its ground clearance and engine performance. Around 70% of my driving will be in the city. Would the Amaze be a good choice?

•5d

With 70% city driving, the Honda Amaze is actually a very sensible choice. The CVT automatic is smooth and easy to drive in traffic. The engine is reliable, and the car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park.The only real drawback is that the engine is not particularly torquey, so it can feel a bit flat on highways or when fully loaded. However, for predominantly city use, that is not a major concern. The ground clearance at 172 mm is adequate for most urban conditions, but a fully loaded car can cause the rear suspension to compress significantly, requiring caution over large speed breakers. If you like the Honda Amaze petrol automatic for what it offers, go for it.

Honda Amaze

•3d

For my personal requirements, I have shortlisted two cars including Mahindra 3XO Edge automatic and Brezza VXI automatic. The only reason for which I have shortlisted Brezza is because of its simple engine. Otherwise, everyone in my family wants to go with 3XO for its space, unique looks and bigger width. I want to know about TCMPFi engine. Will it be reliable and at least better than Nexon's Revotron?

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO Edge automatic. The Brezza VXi automatic is a safe, simple and reliable choice, but the 3XO is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a wider cabin, more space and a more premium feel, which your family clearly values. The TCMPFi engine is a turbocharged petrol unit and is fundamentally a sound engine. It is not a new or unproven powertrain, and Mahindra has had time to refine it. It is also paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is a proven and reliable gearbox type. Compared to the Nexon’s Revotron engine, the 3XO’s powertrain is more refined and the gearbox is smoother and more conventional in its operation. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simpler and will likely be marginally more reliable over a very long ownership period, but the 3XO’s engine is not something to worry about from a reliability perspective. Given your family’s preference for space and the more premium feel, the 3XO is the better choice.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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