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

•2m

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.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.22 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.79 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Mahesh

•3d

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

•1h

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.

Sagar Malsane

I want to sell my existing Honda Jazz petrol and want to purchase a new SUV. My budget range is 15-20 lakh. My workplace is within 4km, and travel is limited to Pune city. Occasionally, I travel to Mumbai or Nashik. I am particularly concerned about Indian roads and hence looking for an SUV. A few names that come to my mind are: Creta, Seltos, Duster, etc.

Autocar India

•32m

You should pick the Kia Seltos HTX Petrol CVT. For your Pune city use and the occasional Mumbai/Nashik run, it is the most comfortable and easy-to-live-with choice in your budget. Moving up from your Honda Jazz, you will appreciate the higher seating position, better view of the road, and extra ground clearance for broken patches and tall speed breakers. The IVT automatic is very smooth in stop-and-go Pune traffic and makes short office trips effortless. Ride comfort has also improved with the new generation. The steering is light in the city, and Kia’s service reach in and around Pune is strong.One thing to be aware of is that the IVT is tuned for smoothness, not speed, so quick overtakes need a firmer press on the accelerator. If you want a similar experience with a bit more performance, then consider the Honda Elevate CVT.On your test drive, take speed breakers and broken patches at low speeds, and also try a few slow stop-go starts.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Puneet Singh Gill

•2d

I am planning to buy a new SUV within a budget of ₹15-20 lakh (on-road) and would appreciate your expert recommendation. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (due to heavy city driving) Strong performance (top priority) Good ground clearance and suspension for rough roads Solid build quality and high-speed stability Comfortable for both daily city use and occasional long drives I am not specifically looking for a 4x4 but want a car that can confidently handle most road conditions. I really like the new Renault Duster, but am also considering the Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, and the new Hyundai Creta. I am open to better suggestions as well. Which would be the best overall choice considering performance, driving experience, and long-term ownership?

Autocar India

•1d

Given your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI seems like the best bet. It has the strongest real-world performance with an automatic in this price range, the 1.5 turbo engine feels quick the moment you press the accelerator, and the DSG is engaging and quick to shift. The Kushaq rides over broken roads without fuss, has good ground clearance, and stays stable at higher speeds, so both your city runs and long trips feel easy. Build quality is solid, and it has a 5-star crash test rating, which should add some peace of mind. However, Skoda only offers the 1.5 TSI powertrain in the top Prestige and Monte Carlo variants, which fall outside of your budget.You might want to consider the Renault Duster, as the brand offers the more powerful 160hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine from the lower variants upwards. It's every bit a match for the Kushaq in most areas, and in fact, the ride quality is a bit better, and the boot space is massive, which should come in handy on your long drives. Its performance (and its DCT gearbox) err more on the smooth side, and aren't quite as engaging as Skoda's 1.5 TSI and DSG. If you can't stretch your budget for the Skoda, the Duster is a good bet.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

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