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Shailesh Pawar

14w

Which car should I buy with a budget of around ₹15 lakh if I want a petrol manual variant with a panoramic sunroof, good safety and mileage, and should I wait for the Kia Seltos 2026 or choose between the Toyota Hyryder and Grand Vitara, considering I can stretch my budget by only Rs. 50,000?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
14w

If ₹15 lakh is a strict budget and a sunroof is a must, we suggest you consider either the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder or the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. With year-end offers currently available, you can negotiate and secure a good deal.

The new Kia Seltos is an attractive option as well, but at this price point, the variant you get may not include a sunroof, and the Seltos is not particularly known for fuel efficiency. That said, if you are keen on the updated Seltos, it may be worth waiting for the price announcement on 2nd January. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

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If I have to choose between the Honda Elevate AT, Skoda Kushaq 1.5, and Kia Seltos IVT for a family of four, with most of the driving being within city limits (around 40 km daily), which one would be the best option in terms of long-term benefits and lower maintenance costs?

Autocar India team

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Verified
21h

Go for the Honda Elevate CVT, which seems like the best fit among these three for your needs. It's not quite as spacious as the Kia Seltos, but for a family of four, there's more than enough space. And it's not as exhilarating as the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI to drive, but it's still quite enjoyable and far more fuel efficient for your usage of roughly 40km per day in the city. While all three cars have decent warranties, with the ability to extend them for a fee, but Honda offers a unique 'Anytime Warranty' which lets you extend in increments of 1-year/20,000km for up to 10 years. Plus, Honda is known for its reliability and rock-solid after-sales experience, which should give you the best overall long-term experience. The downside is that the Elevate is a bit plain and not quite as well equipped as the others, but then it is also considerably more affordable. Your next best bet is the Kia Seltos, but be prepared to shell out a bit more money for spec.

VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
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Vikram Singh

1w

Hi, I am looking to buy my first car as a new driver. I initially explored a few used car options, but couldn’t find a suitable one, so I am now planning to buy a new car. I live in Lower Himachal, where the terrain includes both plains and hilly areas, and my driving will be around 80% on highways. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Turbo DCT and the Renault Duster top-spec 1.3 Turbo DCT. What difference will the torque figures make between these two cars? Also, is it advisable to consider the Renault Duster in terms of long-term reliability, as I am looking for a no-nonsense, dependable vehicle? Should I also consider other options, since I can stretch my budget to ₹20 lakh? I prefer variants with ventilated seats. Additionally, how significant is the absence of a spare wheel in the Duster?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
22h

For your usage, which is largely highway driving with some hilly terrain, the Kia Seltos turbo automatic makes more sense as an overall package. The difference in torque figures between it and the Renault Duster is not something you will notice in isolation, as both offer strong mid-range performance. In real-world conditions, it is more about how the power is delivered than the number itself.Where the Seltos has an edge is in terms of overall ease of ownership. Kia’s wider service reach and more established support network make it a more predictable choice, especially if you are planning to keep the car long term and will be driving across varied terrain. The Duster, on the other hand, is an all-new product, so while it promises to be a tough, no-nonsense SUV, real-world long-term ownership experience is still an unknown at this stage.The missing spare wheel in the Duster is also something to consider seriously for your usage. In hilly areas, having a proper spare is important, as puncture kits may not be sufficient in case of a major tyre issue like a side wall cut.

VehicleRenault Duster

Posted on: 19 Dec 2025