Slavia 1.5 DSG or Duster 1.3 Turbo?

Last Updated on: 18 Oct 2026
Engine Type | Strong Hybrid |
Engine Displacement | 1789 cc |
Number of Cylinders | 4 |
Engine Installation | Front |
Fuel Type/ Propulsion | Petrol-Electric Hybrid |
Gearbox Type | Auto |
Number of Gears | 8 |
Drive Layout | Front Wheel Drive |
Max Engine Power | 160 hp at 5750 rpm |
Max Engine Torque | 175 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Combined Max Power | 160 hp |
Max Motor Power | 50 hp |
Max Motor Torque | 208 Nm |
Battery Capacity | 1.4 kWh |
Official Fuel Economy | 29 kmpl |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 litres |
Front Suspension Type | McPherson strut |
Front Springs | Coil Springs |
Rear Springs | Coil Springs |
Steering Adjust | Tilt and Telescopic |
Front Brakes | Disc |
Length | 4343 mm |
Width | 1813 mm |
Height | 1659 mm |
Wheelbase | 2657 mm |
Ground Clearance | 212 mm |
Boot Capacity | 518 - 1789 litres |
Doors | 5 |
| Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust | |
| Remote Locking | |
| Driving Modes | |
| Power Windows | Front and Rear |
| Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold | |
| Climate Control | 2-zone |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | |
| Central Locking | |
| Rear Defogger | |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Electronic Parking Brake | Yes with Autohold |
| Driver Airbag |
| Headlight Type | LED |
| Spoiler | |
| Antenna | Shark Fin |
| Welcome and Goodbye Animation | |
| ORVM turn indicators | |
| LED headlamps |
| Speedometer | |
| Seat Material | Leatherette |
| Ventilated Seats | Front Only |
| Wireless Phone Charging | |
| Display | 10.1 inch Touchscreen |



Hear from the
The new Duster could make things interesting in the SUV segment. Would you consider it over the Grand Vitara or Hyryder?
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?
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.
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?
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.
I am confused between the Tata Curvv and the new Renault Duster. Which one would you recommend?
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.













