Autocar India
TB

Tata boi

•7w

Should I switch from pre-booked Duster hybrid to Seltos X-Line A diesel for better mileage? I currently own a 2018 Duster petrol CVT top model. I have pre-booked the new Duster hybrid, but after checking out the Kia Seltos, I am thinking about cancelling my booking and booking the Seltos X-Line A diesel instead. I want good mileage, and boot space is also important. Which option is better for me?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•7w

If outright mileage is your top priority, I wouldn’t rush to cancel your booking of the new Renault Duster Hybrid. On paper and in real-world conditions, a strong hybrid setup will be more efficient than a conventional diesel like the Kia Seltos. 

The Duster hybrid is expected to come with a state-of-the-art 1.8-litre strong hybrid powertrain. This will make it superior to the Seltos diesel not just in fuel efficiency, but also in refinement and smoothness. In city driving, especially, where hybrids can run on electric power at low speeds, you will likely see a clear advantage.

Performance and drive feel should also be a step up. Strong hybrids tend to feel more responsive at low speeds thanks to the electric motor assistance. Moreover, they are typically quieter and smoother than diesels. 

Since you already own a Duster, you’re familiar with the brand’s DNA - the solid, planted feel and slightly rugged character. You can expect some of that core personality to carry forward into the new model, albeit in a more modern and sophisticated package.

However, space is where the equation changes. The Seltos is distinctly larger inside. If having the best possible rear seat space and a bigger boot is critical for your usage - frequent family trips, lots of luggage, airport runs, etc., then the Seltos has an edge. It is a more spacious product overall and feels roomier in day-to-day use.

The Seltos diesel also offers very good fuel efficiency by segment standards, and being a well-established model, it comes with proven mechanicals and a feature-rich cabin. So it’s not a weak choice by any means, it just won’t match the hybrid Duster’s likely efficiency and refinement.

So, it really comes down to priorities. If mileage, smoothness and having the latest hybrid tech matter most, stick with the Duster hybrid. If maximum cabin and boot space are non-negotiable. You prefer the reassurance of a currently available, well-known product, then the Seltos X-Line diesel makes strong sense.
 

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RS

Raj singh

•4d

I have a base model diesel Kia Seltos manual, which I have been using since October 2019. I have driven it for 1.10 lakh km. I am now thinking of upgrading, and am considering the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, and Skoda Kushaq. Should I go for a manual or automatic? My usage is mostly in Pune city, around 1,000 km per month, with an occasional 600 km highway trip every 2-3 months. My budget is 20 lakh. Should I consider petrol, diesel, or hybrid? Also, should I look at a second-hand luxury SUV?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

With mostly Pune city use at about 1,000 km a month and an occasional 600 km highway run, the Renault Duster Techno Plus 1.3 Turbo Petrol DCT is the best of all your shortlisted SUVs within Rs. 20 lakh. It suits your mix because an automatic will take the strain out of traffic, the 1.3 turbo petrol feels smooth at city speeds yet punchy when you need it to be, and the Duster feels sturdy and stable on the highway.Coming from a base Kia Seltos diesel manual, you will notice easier driving in stop-and-go traffic, better features, and a more comfortable ride. This version should sit close to your budget. Do check the current on-road prices in Pune. One trade-off to keep in mind is that a petrol will consume more fuel than your current diesel Seltos. However, given your usage pattern, petrol makes more sense than diesel.You could consider the strong hybrid Maruti Suzuki Victoris, or even the new-gen Kia Seltos, which is a big upgrade from your 2019 model, but they won't offer as much bang for your buck in your budget. A second-hand luxury SUV under Rs 20 lakh is tempting, but upkeep and repair costs can be high. Only consider it with a full service history and a strong warranty. Overall, for your city-heavy use and budget, the Duster 1.3 Turbo DCT lines up best.

VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleKia Seltos
KR

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
•15h

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.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleRenault Duster
SR

smruti ranjan senapati

•6d

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 team

Autocar India

Verified
•16h

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.

VehicleRenault Duster
VehicleKia Seltos

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Posted on: 28 Feb 2026