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•32w

I need an SUV or crossover under Rs 20 lakh on-road that can handle bad roads on a daily basis without major suspension issues and also deliver good mileage. I am open to both diesel and electric vehicle options.

•32w

We would recommend waiting for the new Renault Duster, whose launch is just a few weeks away, on March 17. Like the original Duster, it is expected to offer a tough yet comfortable suspension, and it has a whopping 212mm of ground clearance, which should keep it from bottoming out on bad roads. It comes with a choice of turbo-petrol engines - a 100hp 1.0-litre and 160hp 1.3-litre - both of which are understood to be quite fuel efficient.

However, if you can wait until Diwali, Renault is launching a strong hybrid version of the Duster that uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine, 1.4kWh battery and 49hp electric motor for a total of 160hp, and promises exceptional mileage. If you want a diesel option, check out the Tata Sierra diesel, and if you want an EV option, check out the Tata Nexon EV, both of which have robust suspension to tackle rough roads.

Explore cars mentioned

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.17 Lakh

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.33 Lakh

Tata

Nexon EV

from ₹13.25 Lakh

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•2d

I am confused whether I should go with the Slavia 1.5 DSG facelift or the Duster 1.3 Turbo. Since 80% of my weekly driving (which is around 80 km) is in heavy Bengaluru city traffic. Will the Slavia's DSG clutch pose a reliability risk, or is the Duster a safer pick?

•2d

Both of these use dual-clutch automatics, but there’s an important difference for your driving. The Duster’s DCT uses wet clutches, which run in oil. The oil keeps them cool, so they cope much better with the constant creeping and slipping of stop-go traffic. The Slavia 1.5’s 7-speed DSG uses dry clutches, which have no oil cooling and can heat up in long, slow crawls. For Bengaluru traffic, that’s a real point in the Duster’s favour.The Duster is the better fit in other ways too. Renault has tuned its gearbox for smoothness rather than outright speed, and in our test it worked really well in city traffic. Its ride is one of the best in the segment, soaking up broken roads, and the higher seating position makes heavy traffic less stressful.Modern DSGs are far more dependable than the early ones that gave them a bad name, so the Slavia isn’t the risk it once was. But the 1.5 TSI is built for open roads, and at around 80km a week, mostly in traffic, you’d rarely enjoy what you’re paying extra for. If you still want the Slavia, look at the 1.0 TSI. It now comes with a new 8-speed torque-converter automatic, which takes the clutch question off the table entirely.

Skoda Slavia

Renault Duster

•6d

I currently own a 2022 Mahindra XUV700 and am interested in upgrading to the Renault Duster Hybrid. Could you please provide details about the Duster Hybrid’s launch date, booking availability, and estimated price?

•4d

The Renault Duster Hybrid will be launched on October 17th. Renault has already started accepting bookings for the Duster Hybrid, so you can register your interest with a Renault dealer now. The estimated price for this Renault car is expected to be in the range of Rs 19 lakh to Rs 22 lakh, depending on the variant and final specification.The Duster Hybrid uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a battery pack, offering strong low-end torque and fantastic fuel efficiency of 29kpl on the Indian test cycle. The hybrid system is designed to provide a smoother driving experience with seamless transitions between petrol and electric power, making it well-suited for urban commuting as well as highway runs.Compared to your 2022 Mahindra XUV 7XO, the Duster Hybrid will feel more modern and efficient, with a focus on fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience. However, this Mahindra car remains the more spacious and feature-rich SUV, so the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritise efficiency and driving dynamics or space and features.

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•5d

I am confused between the Tata Curvv and the new Renault Duster. Which one would you recommend?

•5d

The reasons to pick the Tata Curvv are its distinct SUV-coupe-like styling and its diesel engine.The Renault Duster, on the other hand, is the driver's choice. Beyond its rugged character, it offers excellent ride quality and feels more engaging to drive, especially on highways and rough roads. The 1.3 turbo-petrol engine is smoother, more refined and punchier than Tata's turbo-petrol engine. Hence, if you value driving enjoyment, ride comfort and a more rugged character, the Duster is the clear choice.

Tata Curvv

Renault Duster

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•1w

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•1w

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

•3d

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

Honda City

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Nissan Tekton

•1w

I’ve almost finalised the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, and I really like the car. However, I’m a little worried about Skoda’s long-term service and maintenance costs, especially after the warranty period. I’m planning to keep the car for around 7–8 years. Would you recommend taking the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) along with the car? Is it worth the additional cost considering regular servicing and potential maintenance expenses? Also, compared with the Brezza and Nexon, how is the Kylaq Signature Automatic in terms of long-term reliability, service costs and parts replacement? Would really appreciate your advice before I make the final purchase decision.

•3d

If you like the Skoda Kylaq Signature Automatic, go ahead and buy it. It is a genuinely good car and one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven combination, and Skoda’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The bigger concern is not reliability but long-term maintenance costs, which can be higher than Maruti or Tata once the car is out of warranty.This is where the Service Maintenance Package (SMP) makes sense. It locks in your service costs for the first 4-5 years, covers all scheduled maintenance and gives you peace of mind during the most expensive ownership period. If you are planning to keep the car for 7-8 years, it is worth the additional cost because it protects you from unexpected bills and helps you budget ownership costs more accurately.Compared to the Brezza and Nexon, the Kylaq is the better driver’s car with a more engaging driving experience and a stronger engine. The Brezza is the benchmark for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs, while the Nexon sits somewhere in between. The Kylaq is not unreliable, but parts and service can be more expensive once you are out of warranty.If you are buying the Kylaq, take the SMP and enjoy the car. If long-term ownership costs are your absolute priority, the Brezza is the safer financial choice.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

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