Renault cars in India (7)

For your usage, which is 90% city driving, the Kia Seltos IVT automatic is still the more sensible and easier-to-live-with choice. The IVT gearbox is smooth, creep-friendly and very well suited to stop-and-go traffic, making daily driving stress-free.

Your concern about the naturally aspirated engine’s mid-range is valid, but in city conditions, it is not a major issue. You are rarely operating in that 40-80 km/h band where the lack of punch is most noticeable, and for regular driving, the engine feels smooth and predictable. For the occasional highway trip, it will cruise comfortably, though you will need to plan overtakes a bit more.

The Renault Duster turbo, on the other hand, will definitely feel stronger in terms of performance and mid-range, and it will be the more engaging car to drive. It will also likely offer a more comfortable ride over bad roads. However, for predominantly city usage, it may not feel as effortless or smooth as the Seltos IVT.

So the choice comes down to priorities. If you want a smooth, easy and low-stress daily driver, the Seltos IVT is the better fit. If you value stronger performance and a more engaging drive, and are willing to compromise slightly on ease of use in traffic, the Duster turbo is worth considering.

You're right, it's difficult to find a car at this price that's suitable for a tall driver. Try the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which does offer a bit more space than its counterpart, the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Moreover, it uses the older 1.2-litre four-cylinder K12 petrol engine, which is smoother than the three-cylinder Z12 engine in the Swift. 

You could also consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, in which you can get the option of a punchier 1.0 turbo-petrol engine, although space remains the same as the Baleno. Finally, also consider the Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger, which could offer a bit more space, and if you don't mind a sedan, there's also the Honda Amaze, which is known for its interior packaging efficiency.

Without knowing any further requirements, or your budget, it's hard to make a definitive recommendation. However, all things considered, the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol MT is the better overall package than the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI MT. For one, just the power alone is considerably higher in the Duster 1.3, and in fact, it's more than even the Kushaq's larger 1.5 TSI has on offer. Thereafter, the two SUVs are closely matched - both have excellent handling, both offer good space and comfort in the front seat, though it's only average in the rear seat, and both are now well equipped. 

However, the Duster edges ahead in two areas - the first being boot space, which is a massive 518 litres, compared to about 385 in the Skoda. And the other is ride comfort - while the Kushaq is good, the Duster is even better, delivering a ride that is comfortable, stable and solid feeling, all at once. Thus, overall, the Duster 1.3 Turbo is the better choice.

Choose the Renault Duster 1.3 Techno MT if you specifically want a tough, manual SUV and like driving.

The new Duster’s suspension is one of its big strengths: it rides beautifully over broken roads, has 212 mm of ground clearance, and feels robust, which really suits Indian conditions and frequent highway use. It has a very large boot and is well-equipped for the price, making it a solid family and touring car.

The 1.3 turbo-petrol is among the most powerful engines in the segment, so performance is strong once the turbo is on boost. However, in the manual, you will feel some turbo lag at low revs, and you do need to downshift to keep it in the meat of the powerband, especially in slow city traffic or on inclines. The gearbox itself is light, with positive shifts, and the clutch effort is friendly enough for daily use.

Consider going for the new Renault Duster 1.3 turbo petrol. The new Duster's 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine puts out a punchy 160hp/280Nm, and it can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Renault claims a mileage of 17.75kpl for the manual and 18.45kpl for the DCT auto, but expect real-world figures to be around 8-14kpl for both versions, depending on the traffic and your driving style. 

The India-spec Duster is 50mm taller than the overseas one to account for the panoramic sunroof, and as such, you shouldn't have any problem with your 6ft 2inch frame. The Duster also gets a segment-best 518 litre boot, and that, coupled with its composed ride quality make it a great road trip companion.