[ChiragM]

Renault Duster

What you'll like:

• A Duster on steroids! 154 BHP motor has transformed its personality
• Very fast & loads of fun on the open road. Punchy mid-range will leave you grinning
• Turbo-petrol's refinement levels are terrific, including at high rpm
• Smooth CVT automatic available. It's quick too
• Mature ride quality & sorted dynamics
• The Duster is still a good-looking crossover. Exterior styling has aged well
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction
• Practical boot (475 - 1064 liters of cargo capacity)
• Fair pricing for a 154 BHP crossover. Lakhs cheaper than the Creta / Seltos 1.4 Turbos
• ESP is a crucial safety feature in a fast car, while Hill Hold is very useful with a laggy engine
• 205 mm of ground clearance. Dismisses broken roads with aplomb

What you won't:

• 1.3L turbo-petrol suffers lag at low revs. It's very easy to stall too
• Duster's terribly old & outdated interiors are the biggest deal-breaker
• Feature list is basic by current times (no sunroof or keyless entry & go, just 2 airbags...)
• Ride quality is good, but retuned suspension & 17" rims have taken the "magic" away
• Price premium of ~2 lakhs for the turbo-petrol & 1.6 lakhs for the CVT is way too high
• Red highlights all over the car look extremely garish; we'd get them removed
• The next-gen Duster is already on sale globally, but Renault won't bring it here
• Workhorse 1.5L diesel & competent AWD are gone!!!
• Mediocre rear seat legroom. More like C1 segment sedans than C2
• Road & wind noise are prominent at high speed
• Renault's after-sales service quality is inconsistent

Nissan Kicks

Link to Launch Thread

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality parts
• Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. These are fantastic engines
• Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available. With the useful "auto-hold" feature too
• Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
• The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & upto 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

• Oddball love it or hate it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
• Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta. It is more comfortable than the Seltos though
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Hyundai Creta Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment. Old 1.6L CRDi was superior
• No manual transmission available with the fast 1.4L Petrol (Seltos offers this combo)
• The stiffer Seltos has an edge in the handling department. IMHO, the Kia is better looking too
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

Kia Seltos

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
• Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. They are BS6 compliant too
• Both the automatics - Diesel AT & Petrol DCT - are simply fantastic!
• Mature on-road behavior, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
• Top safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, blind spot monitor, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (360 degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)

What you won't:

• Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you (especially on 17" wheel variants)
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Niggles are being reported by owners (details here)
• Some misses (no paddle shifters or illuminated window buttons, thinner spare tyre on top trims, no dual-tone option on GTX+ / HTX+)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread. We still haven’t gotten the hang of it!
• Kia's after-sales service quality is an unknown. We await details in our ownership reports
• Waiting periods are already a couple of months long for some trims
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

MG Hector

What you'll like:

• Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
• A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587 litre boot too
• Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
• Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kit (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
• ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
• 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more

What you won't:

• Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
• Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
• The petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Its guzzling Automatic variant is unimpressive
• No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, XUV500, Hexa offer this combination, which we love)
• Some annoyances like the ~6 meter turning radius, no auto-dimming IRVM, strange rpm meter…
• Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
• Waiting period runs into a couple of months
• Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car

Maruti S-Cross

What you’ll like:

• Solid build & good quality, inside out
• Competent 1.5L petrol offers excellent driveability & practicality
• Smooth torque-converter AT. Gets SHVS tech too
• Mature ride & handling package. High speed behaviour is exceptional
• Practical interiors, spacious cabin and supportive seats
• Features such as LED headlamps, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• Maruti's excellent after-sales support network

What you won’t:

• This 1.5L petrol motor is uninvolving to drive. Enthusiasts, look elsewhere
• 4-speed Automatic gearbox feels old & outdated. No manual mode or paddle shifters either
• No diesel option! Maruti’s BS6 1.5L diesel engine is still some time away
• AT option has a steep Rs. 1.24 lakh ex-showroom premium (will be more on-the-road)
• Unappealing styling. Looks like a big hatchback (not a crossover / SUV). Is quite old too
• Missing features by 2020 standards (6 airbags, sunroof, wireless phone charging etc.)
• 353 liter boot - though well shaped - is small for a car of this size & positioning

[GTO]

The Duster has a deadly 1.3L Turbo engine and the car is fun to drive, but it's way too old & outdated. I like the Creta's suspension more than the stiff Seltos, but I cannot live with those concept-car looks.

Hence, my vote remains unchanged from the last time. Kia Seltos for me . Still my pick from the segment.

[Abhi5868]

Kia Seltos all the way.

When we were in the market, duster was overlooked for it's uninspiring interiors. Two years down the lane and nothing has changed. A person spending close to two million₹ must not have to compromise with something like that.

Okay with Creta's unconventional looks, but the lack of manual transmission is the real bummer for me. Hence Seltos it is.

[shaleenvashisht]

Originally Posted by Abhi5868

Kia Seltos all the way.

When we were in the market, duster was overlooked for it's uninspiring interiors. Two years down the lane and nothing's changed. A person spending close to two million₹ must not have to compromise with something like that.

Okay with Creta's unconventional looks, but the lack of manual transmission is the real bummer for me. Hence Seltos it is.

Have you seen the thread related to brake issues with Seltos/Creta ? I think a person spending that much must prioritize car that has at least reliable and predictable brakes!

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...ia-seltos.html (Brake failure issues in the Kia Seltos)

[Abhi5868]

Originally Posted by shaleenvashisht

Have you seen the thread related to brake issues with Seltos/Creta ? I think a person spending that much must prioritize car that has at least reliable and predictable brakes!

Hello Shaleen, Firstly my dad currently owns a FL Creta and I'm thoroughly versed with the ABS problems faced in 1st generation as well as in the Seltos. But you may also be aware of the DQ200 problem in Skodas, the faulty airbag sensors of Toyota and the notorious air suspension failure in the Germans. It's a shame that Hyundai India still refuses to acknowledge the problem leave alone issuing a recall, however if you look at the overall reliability there products offer then you may realise that they're still the safest bet under that price point atleast in my opinion. I'm a disgruntled customer myself because of their ASS attitude, but there's no denying the fact that their products are great.

[shaleenvashisht]

Originally Posted by Abhi5868

Hello Shaleen, Firstly my dad currently owns a FL Creta and I'm thoroughly versed with the ABS problems faced in 1st generation as well as in the Seltos. But you may also be aware of the DQ200 problem in Skodas, the faulty airbag sensors of Toyota and the notorious air suspension failure in the Germans. It's a shame that Hyundai India still refuses to acknowledge the problem leave alone issuing a recall, however if you look at the overall reliability there products offer then you may realise that they're still the safest bet under that price point atleast in my opinion. I'm a disgruntled customer myself because of their ASS attitude, but there's no denying the fact that there products are great.

Hi Abhi, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hyundai makes great cars, their feel is very unique. Most importantly their products are priced competitively.

However, I think in pursuit of owning a car, sometimes we forget what are the first priorities anyone should look into. Brakes, safety features, engine, transmission, comfort and accessories (bells and whistles, etc.) :we need to decide our priorities - some people start from focusing on bells and whistles ... and keep Brakes/Safety as last

I believe the braking issue in Creta/Seltos/Verna is only in Indian made versions, as globally I heard some of these have been received really well. If the brakes had any issues say in North America, it would have been all over the news.

Also, I am little suspicious about the tactics of these big players. When Seltos was launched, everyone was so much positive about the product, that you can sense something is fishy. Read this:
https://www.facebook.com/MotorBeam/p...6328103853354/

Not that I dislike Seltos/Creta - they are good cars. But I think we need to open up our minds and see what is the product really offering and how honest they are admitting their problems/issues. Frankly, I lost the confidence on Seltos's brakes as I felt helpless in panic braking, but I never heard any media house stating that. I could never get courage to spend my hard earned 17.5L on a car which occasionally fails to stop in hard braking.

[anb]

Originally Posted by shaleenvashisht

However, i think in pursuit of owning a car, sometimes we forget what are the first priorities anyone should look into. Brakes, Safety features, Engine, transmission, Comfort and accessories ( bells and whistles etc) :we need to decide our prorities- I could never get courage to spend my hard earned 17.5L on a car which occasionally fails to stop in hard braking.

Every car has it's own positives and negatives. Honda has a history of airbag issues in India. Recently , Honda admitted that 17 people were killed in US due to airbag issues. Why did you buy Honda City ? What is the guarantee that this issue will not come back again? https://www.livemint.com/companies/n...793355592.html

[shaleenvashisht]

Every company has their fare share of such incidents. Some are more honest in admitting problems, some arent.

Hope you have seen the class-Action Lawsuit against Hyundai-Kia:

https://apnews.com/press-release/bus...ee35e3c13e30ff

Brakes are the most important component of a car- surprising thing is, only who have witnessed it personally are talking about it. No noise from Media houses.

Also, the way companies involve media houses, YouTubers - we need to take the reviews of vehicle with pinch of salt. Not that reviews are wrong but they probably showcase only what will sell. Didn't mean to say that YouTubers are wrong, they just want to stay relevant and go with the flow.

[turbo]

Creta turbo = 20 lakhs

A Polo GT TSi Manual with the wonderful EA211, because what good is a fast car if you can't take a fast corner with it. = 9 lakhs
And maybe a 1.5 Creta to take the family out in some comfort. = 12 lakhs

I guess option 2 makes much more sense to me.

[Durango Dude]

I've hated turbo petrols, it's very easy and embarrassing to stall at speed breakers. I've TDed the Linea 1.4 turbo-petrol with the bump and grind of urban jungle keeping things on the boil and above 2000 rpm is stressful even with an automatic and also consumes more fuel due to this. My City CVT I drive at around 1000 rpm in a smooth manner rewards with a blissful drive and gives great fuel efficiency and caress brakes when needed see the light around the speedo and tacho stays green as much as possible. That said voted Creta, I've missed Hyundai cossetting low speed ride and refinement ever since I sold the Elantra.

[sramanat]

I wanted to ask a slightly different question (may be a concept for next poll). If you were to build your own car from these cars, what part would you pick from each of these. My answers -
1. Renault's petrol engine/MG's diesel engine
2. Kia's body styling and interiors
3. Creta's panaromic sunroof
4. MG's ICE/touchscreen
5. S-Cross's service network and price :-)

[ramnaresh_2000]

Voted for Kicks. For some reason I find it very unique and distinctive. The interiors in top model are fantastic and well sorted. The 360 degree camera is a boon in city traffic and tight parking conditions. It stands out in crowd of Seltos and Cretas.

The gem of an engine, revs like a Merc. Turo petrol though not quickest on paper, will put a smile on your face whenever you press the gas.

If resale value is not your concern and not interested in gimmicky features which you will stop using in couple of months, then Kicks is your no-nonsense go to vehicle.

Renault has shot itself in it's feet with interiors which are decade old.

[Vik0728]

Voted for the KIA Seltos

I am not a big fan of SUVs and hands down despise the SUV wannabes as well. But if I had a gun to my head and pick a decent SUV, it has to be the Jeep Compass.
It looks mean, the 2.0 MJD engine can plaster a wide grin and the 4X4 Limited Plus has more than most would ever need.

Duster on the other hand is Fill it, Shut it and Take it machine. But Renault are just another VW India:
- Boring
- Old
- Living off of legacy
- Dissapointing

KIA Seltos sits smack in between these two and gives bit of both in oodles

[1.2TSI7DSG]

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

Voted for Kicks. For some reason I find it very unique and distinctive. The interiors in top model are fantastic and well sorted. The 360 degree camera is a boon in city traffic and tight parking conditions. It stands out in crowd of Seltos and Cretas.

Agree. for me I would pick the Kicks 1.3 turbo in the lot. No nonsense car, decent reliability & interiors, a decent experience as compared to the 1.2TSI.

Creta- can't fathom the looks
Seltos- Comes close second
Harrier- comes close third
MGH- no thanks please, I don't like the car, no hard feelings about China
Duster- Never ever in my life have is seen a mismatch between the engine bay and the people bay.
S Cross- bad braces, no 1.6....

[Reinhard]

My vote theoretically (because I'd actually never buy a Petrol SUV for myself) to the Seltos & it was quite easy for me at least to decide. The Duster is just too old in the tooth now. I'm ready to accept the exteriors because of good wide track, robust appearance & neat proportions. But the interiors of the Duster are just not acceptable anymore. Can't sit in this ergonomic blunder + decade old design anymore - especially given that there are so many better options available. Without an AWD, there just isn't any reason to compromise and get a Duster.

The Seltos on the other hand IMO is the best looking car on this side of the 18-20 L INR mark. Very proportionate, not unnecessarily blingy, not overdone. Clean, straight line looks. Its a handsome car beyond any doubt. This is the only car I'll call "handsome" in this list in fact. Interiors are sorted, quality is good & the engines are on par with what's out there on offer in general.

The others in the list aren't to my taste on looks. I feel the styling on those is a bit awkward or overdone in comparison to a Seltos. And they don't offer comparable electronic kit like the Seltos either (except the Creta of course. But then it's looks change by pulse rate too much for comfort.)