•7w

I currently drive a Swift petrol 2016 LXi. My budget is a maximum of 17, where hoping I will get a resale value of 2 lakhs on the Swift, and 15 will be made in a loan. Changing cars because I want an automatic car. My driving is mostly 10k yearly. My driving pattern is local riding of 100km on working days in a week, mostly sedative driving. Weekend ride to the hometown of 400km to and from, which is a little aggressive, takes quick overtakes. As swift is capable of doing it. Since I don't have experience with turbo cars, where they are reliable in the long term. I am looking forward to using the car for the next 10 years. While suggesting, also recommend the type of automatic gearbox to choose. My father owns a VW Virtus 1.0 Highline. I don't use that car much. So the new car should compete with that car too, and family or I should feel downgraded from that car. Also, the new one should not be a sedan. What are my options currently, and should I wait for any upcoming cars? My priorities are a decent engine for the long term, maintenance should also be decent, as I feel Virtus maintenance is not something I can manage, coming from using a swift, decent fuel economy, decent power, confidence on steep hills, and good resale value. Keeping this order on priority, suggest to me some cars.

•6w

Mostly city use with 400km weekend runs and a Rs. 17 lakh cap - the Honda Elevate automatic is the best fit. It uses a simple, non-turbo petrol engine and a seamless CVT automatic, which keeps long-term reliability and upkeep closer to your Swift. In town, it is easy and quiet, and on highways, it holds speed well and gives you steady, safe overtakes. The high seating position, ground clearance and space mean your family will not feel like it’s a step down from the Volkswagen Virtus.

Trade-offs: It won’t feel as quick as a turbo car when fully loaded, and the cabin is more functional than fancy.

For a bit more size and brand trust, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder automatic is a good pick, though your budget will limit you to one of the lower trims, which might not feel as premium on the inside. If you prefer a more modern interior, also consider the Kia Seltos IVT.

Overall, the Elevate is a good fit for your needs.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.69 Lakh

Volkswagen

Virtus

from ₹12.39 Lakh

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Hyryder

from ₹13.31 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹12.98 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

•1d

Hi, I was considering a Kylaq Sig+, the Venue N line N6 and maybe Honda Elevate, trying to keep the cost below 13lakhs. A first-time car buyer. It's just my wife and me, sometimes maybe take our parents around. Our goals are weekend trips, and weekdays are not a lot. Want it to be a sub SUV of sorts. Would also do multistate trips sometimes. Kylaq was a no-brainer, but I was worried about Skoda maintenance and the turbo petrol engine. Should I look at NA instead? Please suggest from the above, or if there's any other car I could consider?

•5h

We'd recommend the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ Automatic. For a first-time buyer who will mostly use the car for weekend drives, occasional long road trips and relatively little weekday running, the Kylaq is the most rounded choice. It offers excellent ride and handling, feels secure at highway speeds and is enjoyable to drive without compromising on comfort.We wouldn't be overly concerned about the 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine. It is now a well-proven powertrain, and the 6-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic has a strong reputation for smoothness and reliability. As for maintenance, Skoda's ownership costs have become much more competitive in recent years, especially if you opt for one of its service packages.The Honda Elevate is a strong alternative if you value long-term simplicity and reliability above all else. Its naturally aspirated petrol engine and CVT are proven, easy to live with and should offer complete peace of mind, though it isn't as engaging to drive as the Kylaq.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Elevate

•5d

Hello Autocar. I have been looking for a second car for our family. We currently own a Tata Tiago EV Long Range, which is used for all our city driving and weekend trips to our hometown, around 80 km one way. However, we now feel the need for a dedicated highway car because we miss taking longer family road trips. Our budget is under Rs. 15 lakh. My primary choice was the Honda Elevate VX Manual. I deliberately avoided the CVT because we already have an automatic EV for city use, and I don't think a petrol automatic can match the smoothness and instant response of an EV. However, I've started reconsidering my decision because I feel the Elevate isn't the ideal highway cruiser. While it is spacious and comfortable, it doesn't feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds, and its highway fuel efficiency isn't very impressive. The next option I shortlisted is the Hyundai i20 N Line N6 Manual. I generally prefer spacious hatchbacks over sub-4 metre SUVs, and I never really liked that segment. Choosing the N Line would also save me around Rs. 5 lakh compared to the Elevate, while offering better cruising ability and fuel efficiency, considering this car will be used almost exclusively for highways and long road trips. My main question is whether the i20 N Line would be comfortable enough for a family of four with some luggage. All of us are lean, under 170 cm tall, and below 60 years of age. Everyone in the family likes the idea of the N Line. We have also ruled out diesel cars because my family doesn't like them, and I didn't push that option either due to DPF concerns and the fact that the car won't be used regularly. Please advise whether the i20 N Line N6 Manual would be a good choice for us.

•2d

The Hyundai i20 N Line N6 manual is a good highway car. Its tall sixth gear allows it to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while returning respectable fuel efficiency. The engine has a strong mid-range, making overtakes easy, and it feels stable at high speeds. For your use case, performance will feel noticeably dulled with four people on board, and pushing the engine harder will reduce fuel efficiency. It also suffers from a weak bottom end, so performance below 2,000rpm is not particularly strong. A full load can also leave ground clearance marginal over taller speed breakers, and the ride is on the firmer side, which passengers may find uncomfortable. While cabin space is generally good for the segment, the boot may feel tight when carrying luggage for four.The Honda Elevate has a definite advantage when it comes to space. While your family of four, all under 170cm tall, will fit comfortably in the i20, the Elevate gives them more room to stretch out, which matters on longer journeys. Its shorter gearing means performance is actually quite good for a naturally aspirated engine, but as you pointed out, it does not feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds.If you can live with the i20 N Line’s shortcomings, it is a good fit for your needs and significantly cheaper than the Elevate. Before making a decision, take your family on an extended highway test drive to see how they feel in the rear seat. As a family car, though, the Elevate is the better choice.Alternatively, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual. It offers better highway performance than the Elevate, more space than the i20, and is one of the best-handling SUVs in its class, which you are likely to enjoy.

At present, I am using a Ford Figo diesel. Now I am planning to buy an SUV. Most of my driving is on highways and hilly roads. I am 58 years old, and my budget is under 15 lakh. My choices are the Honda Elevate and the Hyundai Venue diesel. Which one is better for long-term ownership? Are there any other options I should consider?

•1d

Pick the Hyundai Venue diesel. Your driving is mostly on the highway and hills, and the diesel pulls strongly at low revs, making climbs easier. It will also save you money on long runs thanks to far better fuel economy than a petrol car. Your highway use will also keep the DPF or diesel particulate filter running at its best. The flip side is size. The downside is that the Venue is smaller than the Elevate. The rear seat is not as spacious, and the boot capacity is also lower.If you want a more relaxed highway feel and a roomier cabin, the Honda Elevate is the comfier mile‑eater. It's simple petrol is fuss‑free to own for years, but you will downshift more on steep climbs, and your fuel bills will be higher. The automatic also feels busy uphill.Other options worth checking are the Skoda Kylaq (strong engine and fun to drive, but a touch small for rear seat occupants) and the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel. If cabin space is a key requirement, consider the Kia Syros diesel, which offers a very roomy interior.

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

I am planning to buy an SUV and prefer the German twins Škoda and Volkswagen. Which one is better? Also, how significant is the DSG issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the NCR region? This will be my fourth car, so I want to try a German brand.

•5d

Between the German twins, the choice largely comes down to personal preference, as they share the same engines, gearboxes and underpinnings. We slightly prefer the Kushaq for its cleaner design, excellent ride and handling balance and overall value proposition.As for the DSG, it isn't as big a concern as it once was. The current DSGs are far more robust than the earlier units, but if your driving is predominantly in bumper-to-bumper NCR traffic, a torque-converter automatic is still the smoother and more relaxed option over the long term. If you want to stay with a German SUV but avoid the DSG altogether, the 1.0 TSI automatic in the Kushaq and Taigun now comes with an 8-speed Aisin torque-converter, which is smooth, refined and better suited to heavy city traffic.Coming from the S-Cross Petrol, you'll notice a significant step up in performance, cabin quality, safety and driving dynamics with either car.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

•1w

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

•6d

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra EV

Renault Duster

•1w

Hi. I am planning to purchase an automatic car under Rs 15 lakh. My driving is split equally between traffic and normal roads. The options I'm considering are: Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A TC, Hyundai Venue HX6 DCT, Skoda Kushaq Classic Plus TC, and Kia Sonet HTX DCT. Please suggest the best option for me.

•6d

Pick the Skoda Kushaq Classic Plus automatic. Your driving mix of traffic and open roads suits its 6-speed torque converter very well. It creeps smoothly in jams and never overheats, and the 1.0 turbo petrol is punchy for quick passes. It also feels more surefooted at speed than the others here, which makes longer runs less tiring, and it’s among the safest in this lot thanks to its 5-star crash safety rating. It's also the only one here that's not a compact SUV (sub-4 metre).The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet are tempting for the features they offer, but their DCTs aren't as smooth. The XUV 3XO with the torque converter is also a good fit and roomier, but the Kushaq still feels nicer to drive overall.Be aware that the Skoda’s cabin and feature list in Classic Plus isn't on par with the Koreans, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller. If you value a calm, durable auto for daily congestion and a confident feel on weekend runs, the Kushaq Classic Plus AT is the one to buy under Rs. 15 lakh.

Skoda Kushaq

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

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