Ask Autocar Anything - Defender D350 vs P400, Duster Hybrid Reliability | Ep. 12 | Autocar India

Key Takeaways

Land Rover Defender: D350 Diesel vs. P400 Petrol

• Recommendation: D350 diesel, especially for long touring, camping, and carrying bicycles on a roof rack.
• The P300 was described as adequate for city use but lacking low-end punch. It needs to be revved to deliver the performance expected of a large SUV.
• The D350 was praised for being smooth, torquey, and well suited to relaxed highway cruising. On long trips, diesel particulate filter (DPF) concerns are less relevant than they might be with mostly urban use.
• The panel considers modern BS6 diesels clean and likely to remain viable. They noted that restrictions discussed for Delhi apply to BS6 petrol and diesel vehicles together, rather than singling out diesel. They also said future BS7 standards would align emissions requirements for petrol and diesel.
• Verdict: For this buyer’s needs, the D350 is the clear choice over the P400. No direct performance or ownership comparison between the D350 and P400 was provided beyond that recommendation.

Renault Duster Hybrid

• The hybrid system is technically complex: it can operate in series and parallel modes, uses a gearbox with a dog clutch, and has a second motor to help synchronise gear engagement.
• The panel said the system is not unproven: it has already been used in the Dacia Duster abroad. They see less risk in the technology itself than in the quality and readiness of local dealer support.
• Renault’s seven-year warranty was noted as reassuring.
• Dealer service levels and the availability of adequately trained staff may vary, so buyers should check their local dealership before purchasing.
• The hybrid was praised as excellent to drive and strong value for money. One panelist called it the best hybrid on the market at the time.
• Cons include a not especially spacious rear seat and the removal of some equipment, including the 360-degree camera, ADAS, and auto-dimming mirror. The panel said the removal of the 360-degree camera had attracted particular criticism; ADAS was considered less essential.
• Verdict: The panel recommends the Duster Hybrid, provided the buyer is comfortable with the local dealer’s service capability.

Spare Wheels and Punctures

• Carmakers omit spare wheels for reasons including cost, weight, and packaging. Hybrid batteries can take up space where a spare would normally go, and larger modern tyres are harder to accommodate. Even a space-saver wheel must retain the tyre’s full diameter.
• Examples mentioned included the Duster and Hyundai Alcazar; the Alcazar’s spare was described as an optional extra.
• Tubeless tyres mean many punctures are slow leaks, but a sidewall gash from a pothole is more serious and can leave a driver stranded without a spare.
• One panelist suggested increasing tyre pressure by about 3 psi on long trips to stiffen the sidewall and potentially reduce pothole damage. Another agreed that extra stiffness might help prevent the tyre from compressing down to the rim, but questioned whether it would help with a nail puncture.
• Overall: Removing the spare saves space and weight, but can be a significant drawback on Indian roads, particularly when a tyre suffers irreparable sidewall damage.

Automatic SUV for Retired Parents: Hyundai Creta IVT

• Of the Mahindra XUV 3XO turbo-petrol, Škoda Kushaq 1.0, and Hyundai Creta IVT, the panel recommends the Creta IVT.
• Its advantages for this buyer include wide-opening rear doors, easier access, a more spacious rear seat, and a comfortable ride.
• The naturally aspirated petrol engine with a CVT was considered smooth and suitable for city use. The Creta was also judged more comfortable than the Kushaq and roomier in the back than the 3XO.
• The Kushaq was described as enjoyable to drive, but that was not the buyer’s priority.
• Discounts were said to be available as the Creta approached the end of its model cycle.
• Verdict: The Creta IVT is the best fit among the shortlisted cars for low-mileage city use and older passengers.

Seven-Seater for Road Trips: Mahindra XUV 7XO or Kia Sorento

• For a budget of roughly ₹30–35 lakh and mainly road-trip use, the panel favours a diesel. It offers long-distance cruising range and efficiency without charging concerns.
• The recommended option within budget is the top-spec Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7L. Its 2.2-litre diesel was praised for strong torque and refinement; suspension updates were said to improve comfort and ease of driving.
• Its third row is best suited to children, though it was considered fairly usable.
• The Kia Sorento was described as worth stretching the budget for, with spacious accommodation and a choice of diesel or hybrid powertrains.
• The Škoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron were mentioned as alternatives but considered substantially more expensive. The panel also valued having a strong service network for road-trip use.
• Verdict: Choose the XUV 7XO AX7L for a strong within-budget fit; consider the Sorento if the budget can stretch.

Different Speakers’ Views

• Defender: The panel agreed on the D350 for long-distance use. One speaker stressed its torque and the reduced DPF concern for touring; another reinforced the view that modern BS6 diesels should not be dismissed on emissions grounds.
• Duster Hybrid: One speaker focused on the complexity and proven use of its hybrid gearbox system. The discussion then shifted to the greater practical concern of uneven dealer training and service quality. The panel nonetheless praised its driving experience and value.
• Spare tyres: The panel agreed that packaging, cost, weight, and battery placement explain why spare wheels are removed, while emphasising the risk of sidewall damage. The suggested 3-psi pressure increase was presented as a limited precaution, not a guarantee.
• Creta and XUV 7XO: The speakers broadly agreed on the recommendations. One added that the Sorento is a strong alternative if the buyer can spend more.

No numerical product ratings or review scores were given.