Which one would be ideal for road trips and a drive up to Ladakh?
Published on Jan 28, 2019 06:30:00 AM
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I want to buy a new car and have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta (P), Ertiga VXi (P), and the Renault Duster RXL (P). I want to take it for road trips of around 300-400km and also someday realise my dream of driving up to Ladakh. I don’t intend to sell my current car, a 2012 Dzire, and will keep the new car for at least eight years. Are there other options I can look at?
Shounak Mitra, Kolkata
AAA If you are planning to go to Ladakh and on other long-distance trips then there’s no doubt that the Duster is the only car you should consider. The Duster is a fantastic long-distance car thanks to its amazing suspension and ability to tackle bad roads. It is far more capable than either the Baleno or Ertiga, which we would think twice about before taking on bad roads and high altitudes. While the petrol Duster does the job, we feel you should look at the diesel Duster. It will have more torque and the turbocharged engine won’t lose performance like a naturally aspirated petrol at high altitudes would, making it easier to drive.
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Among the three, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno delivers the best fuel efficiency, with figures around 22-24 km/l (petrol). The Ertiga also offers good mileage at around 20-22 km/l (petrol), while the Renault Duster’s efficiency is slightly lower, especially in its petrol and AWD diesel variants.
The Renault Duster is the best for highway cruising due to its powerful engine options, high ground clearance, and comfortable ride quality. However, if you need better mileage and affordability, the Baleno or Ertiga can also serve well for long drives.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the best for city driving due to its compact size, smooth automatic transmission options, and light steering. The Ertiga is also comfortable but slightly bigger, while the Duster feels heavier in city traffic.
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the best choice for families due to its 7-seater capacity, spacious cabin, and comfort features. The Baleno is a good option if you need a fuel-efficient, premium hatchback, while the Renault Duster offers a rugged SUV experience with great ride quality.