Dear advisor, I am looking to purchase a new SUV with a budget of approximately ₹17 lakhs. My usage is roughly 500 km per month, primarily within city limits, with occasional highway trips. I am looking for a vehicle that is robust and trustworthy, offering a balance of decent mileage and good boot space for luggage. I specifically prefer an automatic transmission, ideally a Dual-Clutch (DCA/DCT) or a Torque Converter (TC). Given my requirements, could you suggest 3 specific value-for-money models?

Autocar India

•14w

Considering your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris will be a good fit. Within your budget, you can choose either the VXI AT or the ZXI AT if you want more features.

It is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is more than adequate for city use. The torque converter automatic is smooth and should deliver decent efficiency as well. The boot is well-shaped and deep, making it easy to accommodate even larger suitcases. Being a Maruti Suzuki car, it should also prove to be reliable and easy to own in the long run.

If you want something smaller but more feature-rich, you could consider the new Hyundai Venue. It gets a peppy 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Within your budget, you can opt for the top HX10 trim, which is loaded with premium features such as a Bose audio system, Level 2 ADAS and ventilated front seats.

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Victoris

from ₹12.44 Lakh

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.39 Lakh

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Hello experts, I want to know if the new Duster 1L turbo engine will be good for city driving, or if it will feel underpowered, as my driving is 85% in the city.

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The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

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What is your opinion on buying the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, a hybrid 7-seater?

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The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is nowhere near as popular as its twin, the Toyota Innova HyCross, though both are virtually the same car. With the Invicto not being in as much demand, better discounts are possible, but you will also take a hit in resale value when you go to sell it. If you are comfortable with the Maruti-Suzuki badge, choose the Invicto Zeta+ (7‑seater) strong‑hybrid. It offers the most usable three‑row comfort, smooth city driving, and the widest service network.At over 4.7 m long and with about a 2,850 mm wheelbase, it offers real space across three rows. The strong‑hybrid setup keeps the city running very smooth, often shutting the engine off at low speeds and running on pure electric power. As a result, fuel efficiency is very good.The one thing you give up is ADAS features. The Invicto doesn’t offer lane keep, adaptive cruise, or AEB, which some rivals provide at this size. If you specifically want ADAS and more top‑end features, consider the Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX (O) instead. It adds active safety tech, but it will cost you more and involve longer wait periods.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Toyota Innova HyCross

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