Renault Duster Evolution 1.3 Turbo Petrol MT

Why don't you consider the Skoda Kushaq facelift instead? Being part of the VW group, the Kushaq will be a natural upgrade from your Polo - it is well-built, well-equipped and it drives well too. Both its engines (1.0L and 1.5L) deliver good performance. This should be high up on your shortlist.

The Honda Elevate is a no nonsense option with excellent ride comfort, and a strong naturally aspirated petrol engine. The seating position is good, and it is nice to drive too. Refinement however isn't its strong suit.

The Renault Duster also looks like a good option but we'll reserve our judgements till we actually drive it extensively.

We'd recommend waiting for the Renault Duster that will be launched on March 17. On paper, it could be the best suited to your requirements. The engine promises enough power for highway drives, and if the build is anything like the old Duster's, it will be ideal for your hill drives too, especially in testing environs like Ladakh.  

Of the other options on the list, the Skoda Kushaq/ Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 MT could fit the bill for you. They have a robust build, punchy engines and deliver good economy when driven in a relaxed manner. 

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.

Since you are a driving enthusiast and are looking for a mid-size SUV with good driving dynamics, we would recommend the new Skoda Kushaq. Skoda recently unveiled the facelift and will also be announcing prices this month. The Kushaq is one of the more driver-focused mid-size SUVs with very good handling manners. It will feature two engines as before, a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI. 

If the bigger engine is out of budget, the 1.0-litre is also quite peppy and fun to drive, with good grip and cornering. Another SUV worth waiting for would be the Renault Duster, which is launching on the 17th of this month. 

It gets a powerful turbo-petrol engine, and Renault has developed a good chunk of it at MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track) in Chennai and assures us that the handling would be exciting. If you aren't in a hurry, we advise you to wait till we get our hands on the Duster and even the updated Kushaq for a definitive verdict.

If outright mileage is your top priority, I wouldn’t rush to cancel your booking of the new Renault Duster Hybrid. On paper and in real-world conditions, a strong hybrid setup will be more efficient than a conventional diesel like the Kia Seltos. 

The Duster hybrid is expected to come with a state-of-the-art 1.8-litre strong hybrid powertrain. This will make it superior to the Seltos diesel not just in fuel efficiency, but also in refinement and smoothness. In city driving, especially, where hybrids can run on electric power at low speeds, you will likely see a clear advantage.

Performance and drive feel should also be a step up. Strong hybrids tend to feel more responsive at low speeds thanks to the electric motor assistance. Moreover, they are typically quieter and smoother than diesels. 

Since you already own a Duster, you’re familiar with the brand’s DNA - the solid, planted feel and slightly rugged character. You can expect some of that core personality to carry forward into the new model, albeit in a more modern and sophisticated package.

However, space is where the equation changes. The Seltos is distinctly larger inside. If having the best possible rear seat space and a bigger boot is critical for your usage - frequent family trips, lots of luggage, airport runs, etc., then the Seltos has an edge. It is a more spacious product overall and feels roomier in day-to-day use.

The Seltos diesel also offers very good fuel efficiency by segment standards, and being a well-established model, it comes with proven mechanicals and a feature-rich cabin. So it’s not a weak choice by any means, it just won’t match the hybrid Duster’s likely efficiency and refinement.

So, it really comes down to priorities. If mileage, smoothness and having the latest hybrid tech matter most, stick with the Duster hybrid. If maximum cabin and boot space are non-negotiable. You prefer the reassurance of a currently available, well-known product, then the Seltos X-Line diesel makes strong sense.
 

While the other cars you have listed are indeed capable for the reasons you have listed, if you all agree on the new Renault Duster, then you should go for it. The SUV has just been launched for Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom), though the petrol automatic option you are interested in starts at Rs 14.49 lakh. 

In your budget, you should be able to get the upper-mid Techno+ variant with the 1.3 turbo-DCT powertrain. While we haven't driven the new Duster yet, signs point to it being a good middle ground between performance and mileage, and it's expected to, as before, have excellent ride comfort. 

It's also got that boxy shape that made the original so popular, and it's quite well equipped too, although the rear seat isn't as spacious as we had hoped. Bookings are open for the new Duster, with deliveries starting in April. But if you really don't mind waiting, the strong hybrid version is expected by Diwali, which should easily surpass the Toyota Taisor on mileage.