I am 73 years old and have been drive Hyundai Grand i10 since 2014. I am thinking of replacement and require only essential features. My usage is around 5000km per year with 80% driving on highways, 15% driving on hill mostly up to Solan and 5% within Delhi locally. I prefer a 5-seater automatic-sub 4m SUV that gives a better view of traffic ahead. My budget is 12-13 lakh. I want a car through which I can enjoy the experience of driving.

autocar.india

•3h

With 3,000km a month and regular 5-6 hour highway runs, the Skoda Kylaq automatic is the better fit for you. The Kylaq’s 1.0 TSI engine paired with the 6-speed torque converter automatic is a proven and reliable combination that delivers strong mid-range performance, making overtaking effortless on highways. The Kylaq also has a more planted and stable feel at speed, and the ride quality is well judged for Indian highways.The Sonet DCT is a good car, but the 1.0 turbo petrol paired with a dual-clutch transmission is not the ideal setup for high-mileage highway use. The DCT can feel a bit jerky at low speeds and is not as stress-free as a torque converter over long distances. The Kylaq’s automatic is smoother, more robust and better suited to sustained highway driving.The Kylaq also offers good value for money and is one of the best driver’s cars in the segment. It may not have the same feature count as the Sonet, but it delivers where it matters most for your usage. Go for the Kylaq automatic, and you will have a more comfortable and enjoyable ownership experience over the long term.

Skoda Kylaq

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•4h

The Renault Kiger Turbo CVT is the better choice given your priorities of a smooth automatic for Bangalore traffic, good ground clearance, rear-seat comfort and occasional ghat/highway trips. The Tata Nexon DCA is a more premium car with a lengthier features list; however, the Rs 2.8 lakh price difference is significant, making the Renault car feel far better value for money.Alternatively, you could consider the entry-level automatic variants of the Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO, both of which feel better built, are more refined, and deliver stronger performance than the Kiger Turbo CVT.

Renault Kiger

Tata Nexon

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

You are clearly an enthusiast who values a strong diesel punch and sharp handling, and the Figo S TDCi was one of the best cars in that space. At 9 years and 1.3 lakh km, the car has served you well, but the hard clutch and knee pain are a clear signal that it is time to move on. Resale value will be modest given the age and Ford’s exit, so the decision should be driven by your usage and comfort rather than the resale number.On the replacement, there is no direct hatchback equivalent today. The Skoda Kylaq is the closest in spirit, with a strong turbo petrol engine and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The automatic is also a big plus if you want to avoid clutch fatigue in traffic. The fact that Skoda has opened a showroom in Shillong is a significant positive, and Skoda is a far more stable brand in India today than Ford was at the time of its exit. If you can stretch the budget, the Kylaq is the right move. The Skoda Kylaq price range extends from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).If the budget is tight, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best hatchback alternative. It is not as powerful or as sharp as the Figo S, but it is light, nimble and fun to drive in its own way. The Hyundai i20 N Line is another hatchback option that is quite fun to drive and looks nice and sporty too but its costlier than the Swift. In summary, replace the Figo now and stretch for the Kylaq if you can. It is the closest modern equivalent to what you love about the Figo S TDCi. If the budget does not allow, go for the Swift. Do not hold on to the Figo purely for sentimental reasons, and do not worry too much about resale value at this stage. The decision should be about comfort and driving enjoyment for the next 5-10 years.

Skoda Kylaq

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20