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?

Autocar India

•21h

Go for the Skoda Kushaq Active 1.0 TSI MT. Since you are going in for the base models, you will find the Kushaq a little better equipped with features like automatic climate control versus a manual AC on the Kia Seltos, rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger and a rear washer and wiper.Also, for your 3-5k km a year on bad roads, it delivers a sturdier suspension, and the 1.0 TSI engine delivers a more than adequate level of performance. The one thing you give up is boot volume: Kushaq’s 385 litres versus Seltos’ 433 litres. However, the Kushaq boot is well-shaped, and you can easily get 6 cabin bags inside, which should be more than enough for your occasional family drives.

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•2d

For your usage in Bengaluru traffic and focus on long-term reliability, we would suggest going ahead with the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA IVT (HTK/HTK(O)) rather than waiting for the new Duster. The Seltos’ naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT gearbox is one of the smoothest combinations in this segment.In heavy stop-and-go traffic, it feels very easy and predictable to drive, with none of the hesitation or heat-related concerns that are sometimes associated with dual-clutch transmissions. Since you already own a Kia Carens, you are also familiar with Kia’s after-sales experience, which adds a layer of confidence for long-term ownership.That said, the new Renault Duster is a very interesting option and worth considering. On paper, it looks like a strong package with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine, expected to offer strong performance, a solid ride quality and a more rugged overall character. We would suggest test-driving the Duster before making a final decision.

Kia Carens

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•1d

If you like the Tata Curvv and its design, you should opt for it. It has secured a 5-star crash test rating from Bharat NCAP and is equipped with all the necessary safety kit. Given your usage, the extra outlay for the diesel automatic does not seem worth it, and the turbo petrol engine should feel like a good mix of performance and fuel economy for you.Downsides of the Curvv, however, are a DCT gearbox that can be jerky at low speeds, limited rear-seat space and poor cabin ergonomics. Plus, it has been known to suffer software glitches, and Tata's service quality is reportedly not as good as some other brands.Another option you could consider is the new Renault Duster. Its boxy shape may not be anything like the low-slung Curvv's, but it is quite appealing in its own right, and its 1.3 turbo petrol engine and DCT combination is a good mix of smoothness and performance.

Renault Duster

Tata Curvv