Renault Duster variants

autocar.india

•2w

Given your usage pattern of 50-50 city and highway driving, the lack of a diesel option in the new Renault Duster is not a deal-breaker. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is a strong performer and offers good drivability on highways, while still being manageable in city conditions. This new Renault car also brings a significant upgrade in features, safety and overall refinement compared to your 2014 model, which seems to be your primary motivation for the upgrade.The only caveat is fuel efficiency. The diesel Duster was known for its strong efficiency, especially on highways, and the turbo petrol will not match that.If you drive a lot and prefer to stick to diesels with all the modern bells and whistles, the Kia Seltos and Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel are worth considering.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•2w

We would suggest that you go for the Kia Seltos now. The Renault Duster hybrid is an interesting proposition, but the Seltos suits your needs better. For a family of three, the Seltos offers a more spacious rear seat, a wider cabin and a more premium overall experience, which will matter more on long drives and daily use. The Duster hybrid will likely offer better fuel efficiency and a tougher suspension setup, but the rear seat is not as spacious as the Seltos, and the expected hybrid premium will take time to recover. The Seltos is a proven product with a strong ownership track record, and you can buy it today without waiting for an unknown price and availability. If you are leaning towards the Duster for its design and hybrid tech, it is worth waiting only if fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority. Otherwise, the Seltos is the better all-rounder for your needs. It's also worth noting that there will be a hybrid version of the Seltos too, but that's only coming in 2027.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

autocar.india

•2w

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Prestige AT. With your usage pattern of 800km a month, mostly city driving with a few long trips a year, the Kylaq is the most sensible and enjoyable choice. The 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is well-suited to city traffic, offering smooth and predictable shifts, while being punchy enough for highway runs. This Skoda car also delivers a good balance of ride comfort and driving dynamics, making it comfortable for long drives without sacrificing the fun-to-drive element you are looking for.The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is the enthusiast's choice with its stronger performance and excellent ride quality. You will have to spend a bit more for the added performance, and fuel efficiency will be on the lower side. The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 DSG is a fair bit pricier; hence it might not justify the stretch.Overall, the Kylaq is the sensible pick for a family of two.

Skoda Kylaq

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•3w

Go for the Renault Duster 1.3 DCT. You have already identified the key point: you will enjoy driving the Duster, and that matters a lot when you are planning to do more long trips. The Duster also has an exceptionally comfortable ride, and the 1.3 turbo petrol paired with the DCT is a strong, enjoyable combination on highways. It is also a proven package, so reliability is not a major concern.The Seltos and Creta are both excellent cars, and from a purely practical standpoint, they are very strong options. The Seltos feels slightly more premium inside, while the Creta prioritises comfort and refinement. However, neither car offers the same level of driving engagement or ride comfort as the Duster.The only real drawback with the Duster is that the rear seat is not the most spacious in the segment, but for a family of 3-4 with average builds, it is perfectly adequate. Overall, the Duster strikes the best balance between comfort, driving enjoyment and long-term ownership satisfaction.

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

autocar.india

•3w

The Renault Duster 1.3 turbo DCT is a good car, with its biggest strength being its ride quality and handling. It feels planted on bad roads, absorbs bumps well and is genuinely enjoyable to drive. The 1.3 turbo petrol is punchy, and the DCT is quick, which makes it fun on open roads. But for your running of 800-900 km a month, mainly in the city, the 1.3 turbo-DCT isn't going to be very efficient.In comparison, the Hyundai Creta is more suited to your needs. Its interior feels airier and brighter, and overall it is a proven product with a stronger ownership track record. Sure, the Duster is the better driver’s car and feels more robust on rough roads, but the Creta will be more fuel efficient and is a better urban SUV, especially in its 1.5 Petrol IVT avatar, which is smooth and very seamless. A new Creta is expected to be launched early next year, so if you can wait, that could be worth getting.

Renault Duster

Hyundai Creta