Autocar India
•16w

Hey Autocar team, I probably posted this question before, but could not find it, so I am asking again. I am a 26-year-old, 5'8" guy with a budget between ₹13-16 lakh looking for a new car. I have been driving for the last 8 years, multiple cars, including the Tata Vista 1.2L diesel, the i10 Nios 4-cylinder petrol AMT, and the Syros (recently) in the family, and I am now looking for my first car to own. I am inclined towards cars with good handling, a peppy engine, predictable steering, supportive seats, decent fuel efficiency, and a strong AC. Fancy features like a sunroof, cooled storage, and a 360-degree camera are not my requirements. I had shortlisted the Kylaq Signature manual and the XUV 3XO GDI MT, but with the new Duster and the updated Kushaq in the mix, I am confused again. I haven’t tested these new cars yet, but I wanted to know if the Duster is as good in handling and dynamics as the Kylaq and 3XO, and whether the Kushaq’s issues with the back seat and AC have been resolved, along with the new 8-speed Aisin AT. My monthly running is around 1,000 km, with 60% in the city. Any other suggestions are also appreciated. Could you please help?

Verified
•16w
We'd trim the shortlist to the Skoda Kushaq and Renault Duster. The Skoda Kushaq remains fun to drive as before, but 2026's updates have enhanced the package. The 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission delivers power in a smoother manner without losing the sporty nature of the old 6-speed unit. Skoda has also upgraded the AC, and the cooling performance is significantly better than before. It's no longer a deal breaker. A rear seat massage function has been introduced on higher-spec versions, but aside from this, there haven't been any changes to seating at the back. Legroom and headroom are decent, but the cabin isn't the widest, so the rear seat continues to be best for two passengers. 

The new Renault Duster drives fantastically. Handling is neat, there's a great feel at the steering and body control is really good. We have yet to experience the 1.0-litre engine, but the 160hp, 1.3-litre unit is very enjoyable. It's punchy and great fun when paired with the manual gearbox. On our first drive experience, we were satisfied with the cooling performance, too. Rear seat comfort is decent but not class best.
Renault Duster

Renault Duster

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More questions on similar cars

•1d

Is the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid a good choice in 2026 compared to other cars available at the same price point?

Verified
•1d

Yes, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid will still be a very good choice in 2026, but it is important to understand what you are getting. The Hyryder Hybrid is not about outright performance or the latest tech features. Its biggest strength is its hybrid system, which delivers excellent fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. Toyota’s hybrid technology is proven and reliable, and the car is engineered for long-term ownership with low running costs and strong reliability.That said, the Hyryder Hybrid is not the most exciting car to drive, and it is not the most feature-rich option in the segment. If you are looking for a more engaging driving experience, something like the Skoda Kushaq or Volkswagen Taigun would be a better fit. If you want a more premium cabin and a richer feature list, the Kia Seltos or Tata Sierra are stronger contenders.Ultimately, the Hyryder Hybrid remains a sensible and dependable choice in 2026, particularly if your priority is fuel efficiency, reliability and low running costs. If those are your priorities, the Toyota car is still one of the best options in the segment. If you are looking for excitement or luxury, there are better alternatives at the same price point.

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•1d

I have a 2017 Hyundai i20 Asta diesel. My average daily running is 30 to 50 km. My vehicle is in good condition, although it requires regular maintenance and some repairs. I occasionally drive on highways and hilly roads (Jammu to Srinagar, Kashmir). Should I replace my vehicle or continue using it? If I should replace it, please suggest a suitable option. My budget is around Rs. 25 lakh.

Verified
•1d

With a 2017 i20 diesel Asta that is still running fine, the decision to upgrade should be driven by ownership costs and reliability rather than age. At 30-50 km a day with occasional highway and hilly road use, your diesel is still well suited to your usage, but if maintenance and repairs are starting to add up, it may be time to consider a change.With a budget of Rs. 25 lakh, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI is a strong recommendation. It offers a punchy turbo petrol engine that is well suited to hilly terrain, a solid build and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. The Skoda car is also a good size upgrade from the i20, offering more space and ground clearance without being unwieldy.If you are looking for something more comfort-oriented, the Tata Sierra is worth considering. It offers a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a premium feel, making it a great long-distance tourer. The turbo petrol engine is strong, but it does not have the same long-term ownership track record as the Skoda.If you are happy with your i20 and maintenance costs are still manageable, there is no urgent need to upgrade. But if repairs are becoming frequent, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI is the best fit for your usage and budget.

VehicleSkoda Kushaq
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•2d

I'm happy to choose either the Kia Seltos diesel or the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel, as you suggested. However, I'm concerned about DPF issues. My usage is around 40km daily in Bangalore city, along with 3-5 highway trips every month.

Verified
•1h

With a 40km daily commute in Bangalore and 3-5 highway runs a month, you are actually in a good position for a modern diesel. The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issue is a concern mainly for cars that do only very short, stop-start city runs with no opportunity for the filter to regenerate. Your 3 to 5 highway runs every month should suffice in keeping the DPF clean; you would have long enough stretches for the car to reach operating temperature and allow passive regeneration to occur. Between the Kia Seltos and the XUV 7XO diesel, the decision comes down to priorities. The Seltos diesel is the more refined and polished package, with a smoother engine and a more premium cabin experience. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the more powerful and more spacious car, with a stronger engine and a more commanding road presence. If you value refinement and a more premium feel, go for the Kia car. If you want more power, more space and a more rugged feel, go for the Mahindra car.The key point is that with your usage pattern, the DPF should not be a deal-breaker. Both cars are strong diesel options, and your driving routine is well-suited to modern diesel ownership.

VehicleKia Seltos
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Popular discussions right now

•2d

I want to buy a low-maintenance car for my father, who is 65 years old. My budget is around 15 lakh. His daily commute is around 30-40km, and he also visits our farm 7-8 times a month. Which car would you recommend?

Verified
•1d

For your father, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza petrol automatic is the most sensible recommendation. At 65, ease of use, reliability and low maintenance are far more important than outright performance or flashy features. The Brezza’s naturally aspirated petrol engine is simple, proven and well-suited to a 30-40 km daily commute, while the automatic gearbox makes city driving effortless. Maruti’s service network is the best in the country, which means low running costs and peace of mind over the long term.This Maruti Suzuki car also has enough ground clearance and a robust suspension setup to handle occasional farm visits without any fuss. It is not the most exciting car in the segment, but it is comfortable, easy to drive and built for hassle-free ownership. At Rs 15 lakh, it is one of the most dependable choices you can make for your father. Since the Brezza facelift is just around the corner, you can wait for that or try to get a good deal on the outgoing model.

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•6d

I currently own a Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 ZX Variant AT, which has covered 55,000 km and has been an absolute peace of mind. I am now planning to upgrade my vehicle with a budget of around Rs. 30 lakh. Which car would you recommend?

Verified
•4d

If you have enjoyed 55,000 km of trouble-free ownership with the Innova Crysta, the most logical upgrade is the Toyota Innova HyCross. It retains the core strengths of the Crysta - reliability, comfort and Toyota's experience - while offering a genuinely meaningful step up in refinement, technology and efficiency. The Toyota Cars hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to Indian conditions, delivering strong fuel economy in the city and a smooth, effortless driving experience on the highway. The cabin is a significant upgrade over the Crysta, with a more modern layout, better materials and a more premium feel overall. The only caveat is that the HyCross does not offer the same diesel torque as the 2.8, so if you are a very heavy highway user who values that diesel punch, you may want to consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel as an alternative. However, for most owners, the HyCross represents the best balance of reliability, comfort and long-term peace of mind.

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•1w

Hi, I live in Ahmedabad. My daily travel is around 85 km. I already own a Maruti Suzuki Baleno and a Hyundai Accent. My budget is Rs. 25-27 lakh. Kindly suggest a few good options.

Verified
•2d

With a daily commute of 85 km, your running is very high, so fuel efficiency and running costs become the most important factor. At the same time, you already own a Baleno and an Accent, so this car should feel like a meaningful upgrade in terms of comfort, space and overall ownership experience.The best option for your usage is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in city and highway conditions, and the petrol engine ensures long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. The Victoris is also a very comfortable and spacious car, making it well-suited for long daily commutes. The hybrid system of the Maruti Suzuki car is particularly effective in stop-and-go traffic, where it can significantly reduce fuel consumption.If you are open to diesel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is also a strong option. It is a larger and more powerful SUV with excellent highway performance and a comfortable ride.Overall, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the best fit for your needs. It offers the right balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability and ownership experience for a high-mileage daily commuter.

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Posted on: 24 Mar 2026