Hi team, I really enjoy the Autocar weekly podcast; it’s very entertaining. Wanted to check on my new car purchase. I previously owned an Altroz DCA but sold it as it was ergonomically unsuitable for my height of 6 feet and wider build. I am now looking for a new car in the ₹15 to 20 lakh range, preferably an SUV, with a focus on safety, reliability, and ease of driving for city use and occasional highway runs. My daily city driving is around 70 km. Is there a manual that is light and easy to use, or should I opt for an automatic?

Autocar India

•13w

Thank you for your kind words on the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast!

Given your requirements, we'd recommend the Hyundai Creta IVT or the new Kia Seltos IVT. Their CVT gearbox (IVT as the carmakers' brand them) is very smooth and works really well with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Both models are known for their reliability and are easy to drive. Of the two, the Kia Seltos is newer (prices will be announced on January 2) and has its advantages in a roomier cabin, a more comfortable ride, and a few more features.

Among the manual gearbox options, models from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota have light clutches and easy-to-shift manual gearboxes. Even so, the experience won't be as convenient as a good automatic transmission.

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Creta

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Hello experts, I want to know if the new Duster 1L turbo engine will be good for city driving, or if it will feel underpowered, as my driving is 85% in the city.

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The new Renault Duster 1.0 turbo-petrol should be acceptable in the city, but it is not the most effortless choice for predominantly urban use like yours.The 1.0 turbo makes about 99hp and 160-166Nm, and the torque comes in from around 2,000rpm, so performance at low revs will feel merely adequate rather than strong. You will need to work the gearbox to keep the engine in its power band, especially with a full load or on inclines, and that can get tiring in bumper‑to‑bumper traffic. The good bit is that the clutch is light and the engine reasonably refined, so it won’t feel cumbersome or heavy in daily use.However, there is no automatic with the 1.0 turbo. It comes only with a 6‑speed manual, which is a drawback for an 85% city‑running profile. If you prioritise smoothness and ease over outright punch, an automatic CVT in this segment will suit you better.The Kia Seltos 1.5 iVT offers seamless, jerk‑free power delivery and feels very smooth and responsive in typical city driving. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta 1.5 petrol CVT, which has the same gearbox as the Seltos, is another good option. Both the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta make urban driving more relaxing, even if performance is only adequate rather than exciting.

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I am planning to buy a car and need help choosing the right option. My primary usage will be for office commuting and family trips, with an average monthly running of over 1,000 km on a mix of highway, city, and village roads. Considering this, should I opt for an electric vehicle to reduce high fuel costs, or go for a diesel vehicle? I previously used a Ford Figo Aspire diesel for 11 years. Please suggest the best vehicle option based on reliability, economy, and premium interiors for long-distance comfort.

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Choose the Hyundai Creta diesel automatic; with your 1,000+km/month across city, highway and village roads, it offers strong low-end torque, good ground clearance, a comfortable cabin, and proven nationwide service.For your usage pattern, a diesel makes more sense than an EV. The Creta diesel offers good fuel efficiency, the automatic is smooth and easy to use, and the compliant suspension handles rough village roads quite well. Cabin quality, space and seat comfort are also well suited to long trips.The one thing you give up is the ultra-low running cost of an EV. If you can install a home charger and typically travel less than 250km between fast chargers, then consider the Tata Nexon EV with the larger 45kWh battery.On the test drive, do a sustained 80-90kph run and a rough-road loop; check cabin noise, automatic creep in traffic, and confirm extended warranty (five to seven years) and service package pricing with the dealer.

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Hello Team, I would like your advice on purchasing a new car. I have been driving a Hyundai Creta E Plus diesel manual for the past 7 years. Now, I want to buy an automatic car, as my daily running is around 110 km. Please suggest the best car with good mileage and comfort.

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Given your high daily running of 110km, a diesel-automatic makes sense for you. If you had a good experience with your older Creta, go for the new Hyundai Creta SX (O) diesel automatic. The Creta diesel-auto stands out for its smooth and refined powertrain, spacious and feature-rich cabin and a comfortable ride quality. The smooth 6‑speed torque converter automatic works well in traffic and on open roads, too. Hyundai claims the Creta diesel-auto will do 19.1kpl, but realistically, expect 13-15kpl in the city and 17-19kpl out on the highway. Since you’ve lived with a Creta for 7 years, the familiar driving position, visibility, and ride comfort will feel natural. You will also be familiar with the after-sales experience.The one thing you give up is a whisper‑quiet experience at idle; the diesel is a bit louder than a petrol or hybrid, though noise settles down once you’re cruising.If most of your 110 km is slow, stop‑go city traffic, and you want maximum km/l over diesel punch, consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Strong Hybrid V e‑CVT instead; expect roughly 20-24 km/l in city and 18–22 on highways.

Hyundai Creta

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