Renault Duster Iconic 1.3 Turbo Petrol MT

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Given your annual running of 8-9,000 km, a diesel no longer makes financial sense. The payback period is simply too long at this usage level, and modern petrol engines are far more refined and efficient than they were a decade ago. The new Renault Duster petrol is a strong option if you loved your old Duster. It retains the same rugged character and excellent ride quality, and the 1.3 turbo petrol is punchy and enjoyable to drive. The MG Hector is a spacious SUV with a roomy cabin, but it isn't as rewarding to drive as the new Renault Duster.If you are open to hybrids, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is worth considering. It offers excellent fuel efficiency and a very smooth driving experience, especially in city traffic. However, it does not have the same rugged SUV feel as the Duster.The key is to move past the old diesel mindset. Modern turbo petrol engines are genuinely enjoyable to drive, and the new Duster is the closest you will get to the car you loved, just with a more sensible fuel choice for your usage.

Renault Duster

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

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Go for the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid G Optional. With a Rs 3 lakh discount on ex-showroom, this Toyota car becomes a far more compelling proposition and is the better fit for your usage. Your driving is mostly city with only occasional highway trips, and that is exactly where the Hyryder Hybrid excels. The strong hybrid system allows the car to run on electric power at low speeds, which significantly improves fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic and makes the driving experience smoother and quieter. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs also makes it a sensible long-term ownership choice.The Renault Duster Adventure 1.3 DCT is a very appealing car in its own right, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. However, this Renault car is more of an enthusiast’s car, and its strengths are best appreciated on highways and twisty roads rather than in daily city traffic. The DCT gearbox is also not as well suited to heavy stop-and-go conditions as the Hyryder’s hybrid system.The only caveat with the Hyryder Hybrid is that it is not a particularly quick car and the engine can get a bit noisy when pushed hard. But for your usage pattern, the efficiency, refinement and ownership experience far outweigh that drawback.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Renault Duster

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The Renault Duster is larger and has a class-best 518-litre boot. Also, its ride-handling balance is among the best in its segment, which makes it ideal for long drives. Yes, the 1.3 Turbo-petrol with the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission will be a bit pricier than the Mahindra car, but if you enjoy driving, it is certainly worth the stretch. Over the XUV 3XO, you also get ventilated front seats and paddle shifters, among other things.You could also consider the new Nissan Tekton, which is a badge-engineered version of the Duster, with a brighter interior (in top-spec variants).

Renault Duster

Nissan Tekton

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Go for the Volkswagen Virtus GT with the 1.5 TSI engine and DSG gearbox. Since you are upgrading from a Hyundai Aura 1.2 Petrol and find it boring to drive, it's clear that driving experience matters to you. Among your shortlisted cars, the Virtus is the most engaging to drive, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely enjoyable chassis.It would also be worth waiting a few months for the facelift. It is expected to bring more features, sharper look and an improved air-conditioning system.The Renault Duster is quite engaging too, while offering the practicality and ground clearance of an SUV. However, it is not spacious for its size and nor is it very fuel efficient. The Honda Elevate is the most sensible long-term ownership choice, but it is not as exciting to drive as the Virtus and is due to receive a facelift soon.As for E20 fuel, do not wait. All three cars are E20 compliant, and there is no confirmed official roadmap beyond E20 at the moment. Modern engines are designed to run on E20 fuel, and the impact is limited to lower fuel efficiency, regardless of the model.Regarding a new versus pre-owned car, your budget is sufficient to buy a top-spec Virtus or a well-equipped Duster. There is little reason to compromise on a used car. Moreover, there are not too many engaging options in the segment above that make a compelling used-car buy within your budget. Buying new gives you the full warranty, and an ownership experience that is likely to be more satisfying in the long run.

Volkswagen Virtus

Renault Duster

Honda Elevate

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Go for the Kia Seltos, which is a very good all rounder and will suit your mixed usage very well. In the city you will find it quite manageable and out on the highway high-speed stability is good, and the car tracks straight even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Go for the naturally aspirated 1.5 litre petrol that comes with a CVT gearbox. The combination delivers a smooth and easy drive experience when driven at normal everyday pace and enough performance for highway drives too. Inside the new Seltos has more space too and the 447 litre boot is also well shaped and would easily manage luggage for a weekend trip. With long drives every alternate month, if you are looking for something more fun to drive, consider the Renault Duster turbo petrol automatic. The Duster’s ride quality is excellent especially on highways and rough patches, and the handling feels quite sporty. The turbo petrol engine paired with the 6-speed dual clutch automatic is smooth and responsive but on the efficiency front the Seltos might prove to be better for you.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster