Delhi

•22h

Hi Autocar Team, I am considering the Renault Duster E-Tech hybrid and have a few concerns: 1. How reliable is this hybrid powertrain internationally? Are there any known issues with the engine, transmission or battery? 2. What is the expected battery life and replacement cost? Is there enough real-world data to establish its 10-year reliability? 3. Can it handle challenging Himalayan routes like Leh-Ladakh, including high altitudes, steep climbs, long descents and extreme temperatures? Are there any performance or cooling limitations? 4. Is Renault India's service network equipped to handle hybrid repairs, especially during long-distance trips? 5. Given the Rs. 3.5 lakh premium over the DCT, would you recommend the hybrid for 10-year ownership and extensive road trips across India? Thanks

•3m

The Renault Duster E-Tech hybrid would be our recommendation, particularly if you enjoy driving and plan to undertake frequent highway trips. As our review found, the 160hp, 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain is both quick and refined, with instant electric motor response and a 0-100kph time of around 10 seconds. Unlike many hybrids, it doesn't have the typical rubber-band effect or engine drone, and feels more like a dual-clutch automatic, with distinct gear shifts. It is also an excellent highway cruiser, with strong in-gear performance for overtaking. The Duster's ride and handling are particular highlights, with precise steering, excellent high-speed stability and a suspension setup that deals impressively with broken roads.

For Himalayan journeys, its performance and comfortable ride should make it a capable companion on regular mountain roads. It is front-wheel drive, though, so it isn't intended for serious off-roading. The hybrid also gets a seven-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty, which is reassuring for long-term ownership. While 10-year reliability data and battery replacement costs are not yet established, the technology has been used internationally for several years. Renault's service network is a consideration when travelling to remote regions, so check workshop support along your regular routes.

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Duster

from ₹12.17 Lakh

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•1d

I need suggestions for an SUV under Rs 18 lakh that returns 10-12 km/l in the city and around 18 km/l on the highway. I’ll drive it more than 10,000 km a year.

•19h

Since mileage is a key requirement for you, we would recommend that you opt for a strong hybrid. The options would be the Renault Duster, the Maruti Victoris or the Maruti Grand Vitara or is sister car the Toyota Hyryder. All these SUVs would deliver well on the fuel efficiency front and should easily meet your mileage expectations in the city and highway, assuming they are driven in a normal fashion. Picking one would come down to some more specifics, like if you enjoy driving and want a good performance too then go with the Duster where as the Grand Vitara / Hyryder would offer you better rear seat room and comfort.

Renault Duster

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

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•2d

I am planning to buy the first car for our family, with a budget of Rs 20-25 lakh. After researching and test-driving several cars, including the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo manual, Nissan Tekton 1.3 manual and AMT, Volkswagen Taigun 1.5, Skoda Kushaq 1.5 and 1.0, Tata Sierra diesel manual and AMT, and Mahindra XUV 3XO, I have narrowed down my choices. I mostly prefer a top-end manual variant. I am now confused between the Nissan Tekton 1.3 manual, Renault Duster 1.3 manual, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq 1.0 and 1.5. My priorities are performance, safety, rear passenger comfort and an engaging driving experience. Which car would you recommend from these options? If there are any other cars in this segment that I should consider, please let me know.

•2d

Out of the cars you have mentioned, the Renault Duster 1.3 with a manual gearbox would be our suggestion. The 163hp engine has good punch, and while the third gear is rather tall, other factors like ride and handling make it a much better car to drive. The Nissan Tekton features the same setup with a different design, so between the two it boils down to design preference and proximity of a dealership. Both Renault and Nissan cars offer limited touchpoints, so ensure there is a dealership near you. Within your budget, the Duster in its top-spec guise will fit right in, and it also offers a good amount of equipment. The suspension and ride comfort are segment best, and the steering has good consistency to make it fun around corners. The VW and Skoda cars mentioned above fall short in ride comfort compared to the Duster and Tekton.

Renault Duster

Nissan Tekton

•5d

Hi, I’m planning to buy a new car, and it will be the first car in our family. I’m looking for safety, a strong and refined engine, and good comfort for rear-seat passengers, since my family members are about 5 ft 5 in tall on average. After multiple test drives, I’m confused between the Nissan Tekton 1.3 manual, the Renault Duster 1.3 manual, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 and 1.0, and the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 and 1.0. I’m mainly looking at the top-end variants. Which one would you suggest? If none of these, which car should I consider?

•2d

If you prefer a manual gearbox and are looking for strong performance, we would suggest choosing between the Nissan Tekton 1.3 turbo manual and the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo manual. These more powerful engine options are available with a manual gearbox, unlike the 1.5 TSI versions of the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, which are offered only with a DSG automatic. The 1.0 TSI manual versions of the Kushaq and Taigun are good enough for everyday use, but they won't offer the same performance as the 1.3 turbo engines.Both the Tekton and Duster are also enjoyable to drive and offer a comfortable ride. Given your family's average height of around 5.5ft, rear seat space in either car should be adequate. Between the two, the decision would largely come down to which brand, styling and overall cabin experience you prefer.

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•1w

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•5d

It seems like you're leaning towards the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX, and we think it is a good choice. The diesel engine feels adequately powered for highway usage and ghat driving, and it is likely to return respectable efficiency too. Moreover, despite being modern with all the latest tech and features, the Seltos will be substantially more affordable than the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. So unless you need the Innova's extra space, or you frequently travel with six or seven passengers, the Kia Seltos diesel is your best bet.

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