Upcoming Renault cars in India (3)

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Given that you're upgrading from a Citroen C3, and looking at an excellent highway cruiser while keeping running costs in check, we'd strongly recommend you to consider the Renault Duster Hybrid Evolution variant, which is priced similar to other cars that you've shorlisted. The hybrid powertrain will be very efficient, and Duster's excellent suspension tune makes it ideal for your kind of usage. Sure, cabin space is not as generous as the Kia Seltos, and Renault's service network isn't as widespread as Maruti's. If you want to pick from the cars you've shortlisted, the Kia Seltos diesel-automatic is the one to get - it feels thoroughly modern; it gives you the most premium feel of the lot; and its diesel engine is smooth, refined and efficient.

Renault Duster

Citroen C3

Kia Seltos

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Given your daily usage of 70km, and frequent highway trips, a diesel car will be a more economical choice. And in that price bracket, consider a higher-spec Mahindra XUV 3XO which has an excellent 1.5 Diesel engine that's punchy and refined, and its ride comfort and high speed stability easily matches cars from higher segments.If you insist on a petrol offering that'll appeal to an enthusiast like you, consider a Renault Duster or Nissan Tekton 1.3 Turbo, which are excellent to drive. The only real downside is that their turbo engine isn't efficient. A Slavia or Kushaq are great to drive too, and while their 1.0 TSI feels perfectly fine in the city, on the open road you'll certainly yearn for stronger performance and more effortless power delivery, something which is available with their 1.5 versions; unfortunately, these won't fit into your Rs 15-17 lakh on-road budget.The Hyundai Verna and Creta 1.5 Turbo variants are pricey, while a Kia Seltos with a 1.5 turbo petrol variant in your budget will be with an iMT (clutch-pedal-free manual transmission). It is a well-rounded car, and even though it drives well, it doesn't feel as engaging or as fun-to-drive as a Duster, Tekton or the Skoda offerings. Even the Kia's 1.5 diesel engine lacks outright punch and isn't likely to suit your driving style. Hence we'll suggest you to either consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel, or look at the Renault Duster or Nissan Tekton 1.3 turbo instead.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Skoda Slavia

Skoda Kushaq

Hyundai Verna

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

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With your daily city running of 80 to 100km, waiting for the Kia Seltos strong hybrid is worth considering if you can postpone your purchase until 2027. Since the Duster's design and rear seat space don't appeal to you, there's little point spending nearly Rs 20 lakh on a car you're already unsure about.The Seltos hybrid was showcased at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, and an India launch is expected in 2027. Kia hasn't announced an exact launch date, battery capacity, India specific specifications or pricing yet, so these remain unknown.The seven seater based on the Duster, expected to draw on the Bigster, is anticipated to launch early next year. However, its powertrain line up and hybrid availability haven't been confirmed.

Renault Duster

Renault Bigster

Kia Seltos

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With 14,000 km of annual running and a 40-60 city-highway split, a diesel makes sense here, and the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is the recommendation. It is one of the most comfortable and spacious SUVs in this price range, with a strong diesel engine that delivers good performance and efficiency on highways while remaining manageable in the city. The automatic gearbox is smooth, and the car feels stable and confidence-inspiring at speed, which is important given your highway usage. It is also a genuinely comfortable family car with a well-sorted ride and a strong safety package.While we are yet to drive the Renault Duster Hybrid, it could be another model of interest to you. Its hybrid powertrain promises excellent fuel economy in addition to the sorted ride and handling manners that make the Duster such a good long-distance machine. Our review drops in the coming week. Stay tuned!

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Renault Duster

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The Renault Kwid's compact size, high ground clearance, light steering, large boot, and its 1.0-litre engine's drivability are its strengths. But since you're coming from a Zen Estilo, the Renault's gearbox and clutch don't feel as smooth, and its engine isn't nearly as refined as the Maruti's.An ideal replacement to your Zen Estilo would be the Wagon R, which has the same boxy, spacious cabin, smooth and efficient petrol engine, and overall, the Wagon R is known for its stellar reliability. You might not get a Wagon R of the same vintage as a Kwid for the same price since the Maruti commands an exceptionally high resale, so you might have to settle for a slightly older model. Alternatively, you could look at the Maruti Celerio or Hyundai Santro, both of which have most of the strengths of a Wagon R, and you'll be able to source newer models at a lower price than a similarly-aged Wagon R.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Renault Kwid

Maruti Suzuki Celerio