My query is about choosing between the Renault Duster, the new Kia Seltos, and the Škoda Kushaq. My budget is ₹19 lakh. Please guide me.

Autocar India

•6w

All three are very capable cars in their own way, but we would suggest waiting till March before making a final decision, as the Kushaq facelift and the new generation Duster will be launched then.

If you don’t want to wait, the new Kia Seltos is easy to recommend as it is practical, spacious, comfortable, and loaded with features. The Seltos is also very well appointed and finished with high-quality materials.

Our first impressions of the new Duster are very positive, and from what we understand, its pricing will be in line with the competition. The 1.3 litre turbo petrol paired with the 6-speed DCT gearbox should deliver strong and smooth performance along with an enjoyable driving experience.

If you want a sporty car, then the new 1.5-litre Kushaq is the one for you. It is quick, agile, feels rock solid at high speeds, and comes with improved braking performance thanks to the inclusion of rear disc brakes.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kushaq facelift

from ₹12.75 Lakh

Kia

New Seltos

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Saransh

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I am planning to buy a new automatic SUV with a budget of around ₹16 lakh. I am considering the Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, and the new Skoda Kushaq. My driving will be around 80% in the city, and I am looking for a car with a good performance engine and decent mileage. Which of these options would be the best choice for my requirements?

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You should consider the Kia Seltos IVT for your requirements. The SUV is powered by a refined 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that's mated to a smooth CVT automatic gearbox. As for the efficiency, we managed 10.31kpl in the city and 14.22kpl out on the highway, in our real-world mileage tests. The Kia Seltos also comes with a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a long list of features. Given your budget, go for the Seltos IVT HTE (O) variant, which costs Rs 15.55 lakh (on-road Delhi).

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I am looking for a comfortable 5-seater with a spacious and comfortable rear seat. My usage will be around 80% in Bangalore city and 20% on highways. I am currently choosing between the Kia Seltos HTX IVT and the Tata Harrier Adventure X Plus. Which one should I prefer if I plan to keep the car for the long term? Please also consider resale value in your recommendation. If there are any other vehicles in a similar price range that I should consider, please suggest them as well. Thank you.

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Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering that 80% of your usage will be in Bangalore city, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT transmission is a very good combination. The gearbox is smooth and makes the car extremely easy to drive in heavy traffic conditions, which is important for everyday city commutes.The Seltos is also easier to drive and park in the city compared to the larger Tata Harrier. In addition, Kia generally has a more consistent ownership and service experience, which is something that becomes important when you are planning to keep the car for the long term. From a resale perspective as well, the Seltos tends to hold its value well.The Tata Harrier does offer a wider rear seat and a more spacious cabin, so if rear seat comfort for three adults on long trips is your absolute priority, it does have an advantage there. However, considering your usage is mostly in the city, the Seltos will be the easier and more practical car to live with.

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Aadi

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I am planning to buy a new car but am confused between the Tata Punch Pure Plus (2026), Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta, and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. My budget is around ₹8 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹9 lakh. My usage will include both city and highway driving, and at times, there will be three passengers seated in the rear. I am also considering increasing my budget further to buy a Tata Nexon, which has added to my confusion. Could you please help me choose the right option?

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•1h

The new Tata Punch is a solid choice in the Rs 8 lakh budget; however, it is quite narrow, which means seating three in the back seat can be a bit tight. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is better in this regard, with a slightly wider and more comfortable rear seat, but do visit both showrooms and experience them yourself. Both cars are comparable in terms of performance and efficiency, but the Baleno’s four-cylinder engine is more refined than the Punch’s three-cylinder unit.Apart from the different body style and slightly raised suspension, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is essentially the same as the Baleno. Therefore, the main reason to upgrade to the Fronx is if you need the higher ground clearance or want the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available on the Baleno.Regarding the Tata Nexon, to get a reasonably well-equipped variant, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 10 lakh and opt for the Pure Plus petrol variant. For the additional money, you get an SUV body style, a roomier cabin with a better rear seat than the aforementioned options, and a turbo-petrol engine with much stronger performance. If it isn’t too much of a financial burden, it is worth stretching to get the Nexon. But if you want to stick to your budget, the Baleno remains a good choice.

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