New Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos – Which SUV To Buy?

The mid-size SUV segment has received yet another compelling proposition in the new Renault Duster

In this post, I am comparing the new Renault Duster and Kia Seltos on the basis of specs, features, design, etc. The new Duster is all the buzz in our market at the moment. This time around, it comes with a fresh design, new-age tech and convenience amenities, fresh powertrains including a strong hybrid and promising safety prowess. Evidently, the French auto giant wants to take the fight to the competitors in this space. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos is among the most prominent vehicles in this category. That is what makes this comparison quite exciting.

New Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos – Specs Comparison

Let us check out the kind of powertrains on offer with both these SUVs. The upcoming Renault Duster will be available with three distinct powertrain choices – a 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160, a 1.0-litre Turbo TCe 100 and a 1.8-litre Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. In its most potent configuration, it delivers a segment-topping 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. The Turbo TCe 160 can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, whereas the Turbo TCe 100 comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the Strong Hybrid E-Tech combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery pack to achieve high fuel efficiency. Renault claims this setup enables up to 80% electric-only operation in urban driving scenarios. Notably, around 90% of the vehicle’s components have been specifically engineered for the India-spec Duster.

By comparison, the Kia Seltos draws power from its well-tested lineup of 1.5-litre engines, beginning with a naturally aspirated petrol unit producing 115 PS and 144 Nm, followed by a diesel motor offering 116 PS and a robust 250 Nm of torque, and a lively turbo-petrol variant delivering 160 PS and 253 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Customers benefit from a broad range of transmission choices, spanning a 6-speed manual and 6-speed iMT to a 6-speed automatic, CVT and a 7-speed DCT. This diverse engine and transmission combination allows the Seltos to comfortably meet varied driving needs and ownership requirements.

New Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos – Features, Tech and Safety Comparison

We know that modern car buyers want their vehicles to carry the latest tech, convenience, connectivity, and safety amenities. That is exactly the case with these two. The new Duster looks promising in all the aforementioned aspects, while the Seltos is already arguably the most feature-laden SUV in its class. Hence, this parameter is quite intriguing to compare. Let us start by checking out what the new Duster embodies:

• 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Multimedia System with Google Built-in
• Google maps
• Google Assistant (to be upgraded with Gemini in coming days)
• Google Play
• Seamless entertainment streaming
• Voice Assistant
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Carbon Fibre Accents and Metallic Finishes on the Instrument Panel
• 60+ Connected Features with MYR app
• 10.25-inch TFT Driver Display
• 17 ADAS Features
• Hill Descent Control
• Electric panoramic sunroof
• Electric powered tailgate
• Electric parking brake with Auto-hold
• Automatic dual zone air conditioning
• Clean Air AQI display with PM2.5 display
• Multi-Sense drive modes with 48 ambient lighting customization
• Electric front seats with 6-way adjust
• Front seats with Manual lumbar adjustment
• Ventilated front seats
• Auto headlamps
• Rain sensing wipers
• Renault handsfree access card with push start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• All power windows with auto up/down
• Touch activated cabin lighting
• Arkamys auditorium sound system with 6 speaker system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Puddle lamps

On the other hand, the major in-cabin attractions of the Kia Seltos are:

• 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Screens for Infotainment and Driver Display
• ADAS Level 2+ Suite with 28 Autonomous Features
• Voice-controlled Dual-pane Sunroof
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Automatic Streamline Door Handles
• 8-speaker Bose Premium Audio System
• AI-based Voice Recognition
• 8-inch Head-up Display
• 64-colour Ambient Mood Lighting,
• Kia Connect 2.0 Connected Car Tech Features
• Automatic Climate Control
• Welcome Seat Function
• 10-way Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Power Lumbar Adjust and Memory Function with Relaxation Function
• Welcome Retract Seat Function
• White Two-Tone Interiors with White Accents and Leatherette Seats
• Double D-Cut Dual Tone Leatherette-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Memory Function for ORVM
• Reflective-type HUD
• Type-C USB Charging Ports
• Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• 60:40 Split Seats with Recline Adjust
• First-in-segment Smart Key Proximity Unlock Function
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• OTA Software Updates
• Wireless Charging
• Auto Hold Function
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Blind View Monitor
• 360°Surround Camera
• Side Parking Sensors

Design and Dimensions Comparison

Now, design and styling might be subjective, but it is crucial to understand what both of these SUVs entail. The new Renault Duster features a fresh design approach rooted in modern styling cues. At a glance, it’s evident that the French automaker has shaped the SUV with Indian preferences at the forefront. Indian buyers, especially in the SUV segment, seek a commanding and dominant road presence. The latest Duster reflects this mindset through its muscular bodywork and upright proportions. At the front, it gets slim LED DRLs integrated within the LED headlamp units showcasing Renault’s global lighting signature, paired with a bold trapezoidal grille, a sculpted upright bonnet and a sporty bumper finished with a rugged, adventure-themed skid plate. Overall, the front stance delivers a distinctly aggressive appeal.

The new Kia Seltos also bears an imposing road presence and a modern design philosphy. At the front, a bold grille is accompanied by sharp LED headlamps and sleek DRLs, along with a sporty bumper featuring distinctive design elements. The side profile showcases pronounced wheel arches, dual-tone aero alloy wheels, blacked-out pillars, faux roof rails and rugged body cladding. I particularly like the neatly executed third-quarter design, which lends a touch of sophistication. At the rear, a large roof spoiler, slim split LED tail-lamps, a sporty bumper and unique cut-out elements round off the styling. Overall, the new Seltos gets meaningful updates that set it clearly apart from the previous model.

My View

These two are immensely compelling propositions. Nevertheless, the details regarding the exact specifications and pricing of the new Renault Duster will be available in the coming weeks. I shall update this section once more details surface.

Also Read: New Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta – Which SUV Offers What?