•12w

I am slightly confused between the 2026 Duster Evolution petrol manual models with the 1.0-litre TCe 100 and the 1.3-litre TCe 160 engines. The 1.3-litre model costs about ₹1.4 lakh more than the 1.0-litre model. Is it worth buying, considering budget constraints? Will the mileage of the 1.0-litre be slightly better than the 1.3-litre? Will the 1.0-litre turbo have sufficient power to pull the heavier body of the 2026 Duster? My usage will mostly be on plain terrain with occasional hilly drives. Please suggest the more economical and fuel-efficient option.

•11w

One important point up front: we haven’t yet driven the 1.0-litre engine in the Renault Duster itself, but we have experienced this engine in the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite, where it feels more than adequate in both city and highway use. However, since the Duster is a larger and heavier car, it is unlikely to feel as effortless, especially under load or on inclines.

The 1.0 TCe 100 is the more economical option. For mostly city use and plain terrain, it will do the job and should be slightly more fuel efficient, which helps keep running costs in check.

The 1.3 TCe 160, however, is a big step up. It will offer much stronger pulling power, which you will clearly feel with a full load, on highways and on hilly roads. It will make the car feel more effortless and relaxed to drive, with fewer gear changes and better overtaking ability.

If you want strong performance, better pulling power and a more relaxed drive, the 1.3 TCe 160 is worth the extra Rs 1.4 lakh.

Explore cars mentioned

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More questions on similar cars

•1w

Hi, Need your advice on choosing between the Kia Seltos 1.5 DCT, Renault Duster 1.3 DCT, and Skoda Kushaq 1.5 DSG. This will be our first car. We live in Bangalore, and our usage will be roughly 400-500 km/month in bumper-to-bumper city traffic, 500 km/month on highways, plus one 1,000 km road trip every quarter. I've driven (test drive in city) the Seltos and Kushaq, but not the Duster yet. I loved the plush ride and comfort of the Seltos. My wife's cousin, who owns a Slavia, says it's firm in the city road (but manageable) and much more stable on highways. Considering our usage, comfort, city drivability, highway stability, and long-term ownership, which one would we pick and why?

•2d

All three options have their highlights. The Kushaq is the most enjoyable to drive, the Duster feels the most rugged, while the Seltos feels the plushest. Given your usage, we'd recommend the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG as the best pick. It's got the nicest gearbox, feels the peppiest, and will liven up your frequent highway drives. There is a firmness to the suspension, but it's not uncomfortable. The Skoda feels smaller than the others, and the positive to that is that it will put the driver at greater ease in congested city roads. On the flipside, the Kushaq isn't as spacious as the Duster or Seltos and is best thought of as a four-seater - the rear seat is not ideal for three passengers. If you want a more complete all-rounder, the Kia Seltos is a great pick. The DCT isn't the smoothest in town, though.

Hi, I am currently using a Tata Tiago automatic and am looking for an automatic SUV within a budget of Rs. 12 lakh. Please suggest the best option available in this range.

•13h

You could consider the Nissan Magnite Turbo-CVT. Coming from a Tiago auto, this will feel much smoother in traffic, more powerful on the highway, and one of the mid variants should fit within your Rs. 12 lakh on-road budget. It is compact, and it gives you the extra ground clearance you wanted from an SUV. If there is a Nissan touchpoint nearby, it is worth checking out.Alternatively, if you are open to an electric car and you can arrange for home charging, consider a Tata Punch EV. It is an excellent, well-rounded car.

Nissan Magnite

Tata Punch EV

•3d

Hi, I own a 2023 Nissan Magnite XE. My annual running is relatively low as I am retired. I underwent knee surgery six months ago, and therefore, I am considering upgrading to an automatic vehicle. Would it be possible and practical to upgrade from my current Nissan Magnite XE to an automatic version?

•1d

Yes, but not by converting your car. The safe and sensible route is to trade in your 2023 Magnite XE for a Magnite automatic. Given your knee surgery and low running, go for the turbo automatic version because it is much smoother in traffic and takes the stress off your left leg completely. Be aware that the turbo automatic will sip a bit more fuel than your current manual. If you are on a tight budget, then the naturally aspirated Magnite can be had with an AMT, though it isn't the smoothest-shifting AMT out there. If you are looking for alternatives, then the Hyundai Exter AMT or the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT could be good choices. They are both easy to get in and out of, compact for city use and fuel-efficient.

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Popular discussions right now

•6d

I am looking for a diesel automatic car for long-distance driving. My daily running is around 230 km, so I need something with good highway stability, reliability, and a proven track record. Kindly suggest which car would be the best fit for my requirements.

•4d

With a daily running of around 230km, a diesel automatic makes perfect sense and will be the most cost-effective option in the long run.Our recommendation would be the Kia Seltos Diesel Automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is refined, fuel-efficient and well proven, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. It is also stable at highway speeds, comfortable over long distances and has built up a strong reliability record over the years. Given the distances you cover, the diesel's efficiency advantage will quickly offset its higher purchase price.Another option worth considering is the Tata Sierra Diesel Automatic. It offers more space and road presence and should be an excellent long-distance cruiser. However, the Seltos' powertrain is more proven, and it remains the safer recommendation today.

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•1w

I am very confused about buying my first car because of the petrol fiasco. I am leaning towards diesel. I'll have a monthly 600km trip. Plus city driving of 400km a month. The budget is around 13-14 lakh. Which automatic would be the best

•4d

Consider the Kia Sonet HTK Plus diesel automatic. It fits within your budget and gets a refined diesel engine paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque-converter automatic. It also feels stable on highway trips and has enough performance for quick overtakes when needed.The downside is that the ride can feel a bit firm in the city, and rear-seat space is not the best in the segment. If that is a concern, then also try the Hyundai Venue diesel automatic, which offers a slightly roomier rear seat and a more pliant ride.Overall, if your priorities are fuel efficiency, highway ability and the convenience of a proper automatic, the Sonet diesel AT is a strong fit.

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

•1w

I have been using a Hyundai Creta Diesel since 2017 and have driven it for almost 2 lakh km. I am now planning to upgrade my vehicle. Would the Mahindra XUV 7X0 base diesel variant be a good choice for my requirements?

•5d

Yes, the XUV 7XO base diesel is a solid upgrade from your 2017 Creta if you do long highway runs. The 2.2 diesel pulls stronger, sits at cruise with less effort, and the bigger, heavier Mahindra car feels more settled at speed and over broken roads. You also get a roomier cabin and boot, which helps on long trips with family and luggage.Be ready for a few compromises. It is a big SUV, so parking in tight city spots takes getting used to, and the diesel manual’s clutch can feel heavier than your Creta’s in traffic. Expect slightly lower kpl than your old 1.6 diesel.Overall, the XUV 7XO AX is a strong choice.

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