Automakers love to boast about the features on their top SUV models. Meanwhile, the mid-variants often get overlooked. That is why we will compare such variants of two of the most popular SUVs on the market. Attention Readers! Join us on the WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates
Renault Duster Vs Kia Seltos – Tekno vs HTK (O)
The Techno trim of the Duster costs between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 19.04 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).On the other hand, Seltos HTK is priced between Rs 15.92 lakh and Rs 19.70 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). There is no clear winner in the pricing department, with the features and powertrain being defining factors.
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Comfort & Convenience –
Renault Duster Kia SeltosInstrument cluster4.2-inch TFT Infotainment screen10.1-inch 10.25-inchAir conditioningDual-zone automaticManualRear WiperYesYesSound System6-speaker Arkamys6-speakersPhone connectivityWireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlayWireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlayORVMsElectrically-adjustableElectrically adjustable (with auto-fold)Powered tailgateYes Panoramic sunroofYes–Push-button startYesYesWireless chargingYes–Sunshade–Rear doorsKeyless EntryYes YesCruise ControlYes Yes
The Duster wins the feature battle. It offers more convenience features for the same price.
Safety –
Renault DusterKia SeltosAirbags 66TPMSYes YesParking CameraReverseReverseESCYesYesHill-start assistYesYesABSYesYesAuto-headlampsYesYes
It is a tie between the two in terms of safety. Both cars offer the bare necessities of the base variant, as such safety features have become the norm in the market.
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Other Details –
Renault DusterKia SeltosAlloys17-inch alloys16-inch (for NA manual only), 17-inchSpare wheel–16-inch steelBoot Space518-litre447-litres
The lack of a spare wheel has been one of the biggest talking points about the Duster. Instead, you settle for a simple puncture repair kit. For many, this could be a deal-breaker.
Powertrain –
The Duster is offered with 2 engine options –
1.0-litre turbo-petrol (99bhp & 166Nm) (6-speed MT)
1.3-litre turbo-petrol (161bhp & 280Nm) (6-speed DCT, 6-speed MT)
The Seltos gets 3 engine options –
1.5-litre NA petrol (113bhp & 144Nm) (6-speed MT, iVT)
1.5-litre turbo-petrol (158bhp & 253Nm) (6-speed IMT)
1.5-litre diesel (114bhp & 250Nm) (6-speed MT, 6-speed AT)
The Seltos seems to be a clear winner in this regard as it offers more powertrains to choose from. With the Duster, the 1.0-turbo-petrol engine is available only with a manual gearbox, while the Seltos is offered with a clutchless gearbox with each engine option. Moreover, the Duster doesn’t offer a diesel either. Renault will be expanding its powertrain portfolio soon to include a hybrid, but it is unlikely that the hybrid option will be available for lower- and mid-variants like the Techno.
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Engine Specs
Renault DusterKia SeltosEngine1.0-litre turbo-petrol1.3-litre turbo-petrol1.5-litre NA petrol1.5-litre turbo-petrol1.5-litre dieselHorsepower99bhp161bhp113bhp158bhp114bhpTorque166Nm280Nm144Nm253Nm250NmMileage (claimed)19.41 kmpl17-18 kmpl16.5kmpl15.6kmpl18kmpl-19kmplReal World12-13kmpl11-12kmpl15kmpl14kmpl15-16kmpl
The Duster does offer better performance than the Seltos, but its power comes at the cost of efficiency. The Duster lags behind in the segment in terms of mileage.
Our Verdict
In the end, it is a close battle between the two. While the Duster gets more features and a more powerful powertrain at that price point, the Seltos offers a larger variety of engine and gearbox options, more fuel-efficient engines and a better after-sales network. Not to mention, both cars are quite attractive, so looks aren’t a decisive factor. So, it’s all up to your preference on which aspects you prioritise the most. But either way, there is no wrong decision between the two.
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