I’m planning to buy a car with a budget of ₹18–25 lakh. I want an automatic that doesn’t suffer from the “rubber-band” effect; an electric vehicle is also acceptable. I’m torn between the Sierra and Harrier, or between the Kushaq and Sierra (petrol). I’m a performance lover - which should I choose?

Autocar India

•17w

Given your budget, and that you are a performance enthusiast, you should check out the Tata Sierra with the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, which means there should be less of the rubber band effect that you might have gotten with a CVT auto.

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 petrol is another good option, although there is a facelift due in the second half of next year, which will bring many new features. While an EV is also a good option, the Tata Harrier EV will be slightly out of your budget, and the Tata Sierra EV will only be launched in 2026.

Explore cars mentioned

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.60 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.66 Lakh

Tata

Harrier EV

from ₹22.83 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Pramod Kumar

•1w

Toyota HyCross GX(O) vs Maruti Victoris ZXi(O) strong hybrid vs Tata Sierra Accomplished Plus turbo petrol. Which is best for long-term usage under ₹30 lakh?

Autocar India

•2h

For long-term usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) and the Maruti Victoris ZXi (O) strong hybrid are safer bets than the Tata Sierra Accomplished+ Turbo Petrol. Both come with a solid reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support, which is what really matters over 8-10 years of ownership.Between the Toyota HyCross and the Victoris, the HyCross is the more comfortable and practical choice. Its very spacious cabin, better third-row usability and comfortable ride make it a nicer long-distance family car. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is simple and proven, and its relaxed highway manners are a big plus if you do a lot of intercity trips.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid scores on efficiency and smoothness thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which is especially nice in traffic and helps keep running costs low. However, the boot is smaller, and the cabin is the least spacious of the three, so it’s not as versatile for full-family use. If you mainly drive yourself with only occasional passengers, the Victoris, which is also the most compact and city-friendly of the lot, is the easiest to live with in daily urban driving.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Ramnath

•4w

I am confused about whether to buy the Thar Roxx or the Tata Sierra. Right now, I have an Ertiga diesel VDI Smart from 2019 and a Venue diesel from 2021. By selling both, I am looking to buy one SUV, or should I wait?

Autocar India

•2d

While both cars are very attractive in their own right, they are for very different reasons. The Mahindra Thar Roxx is a tough, ladder-frame SUV with strong engines and exceptional off-road ability. It has great road presence and is well-equipped, too. However, all this comes with many compromises for everyday use, such as an unsettled ride, poor fuel economy and a high step-up for entry and exit to the vehicle.Overall, we would recommend the Tata Sierra instead. While it has its own share of flaws, such as some electronic gaffes and ergonomic issues, it is a much friendlier car to drive and live with. It's more comfortable, refined, efficient, manoeuvrable and spacious, and its interior feels more modern too.

Tata Sierra

Mahindra Thar Roxx

kumar

•1w

Hi, My usage will be primarily on highways with my family, and I drive less than 10,000 km per year. I am confused between the Tata Sierra Pure 1.5 NA and the Kia Seltos HTE 1.5 NA, both manual variants. My heart says to go with the Sierra because of its good looks, larger size, and better rear seat space, while my mind suggests the Seltos due to its reliability. I previously owned a Kia Sonet 1.2 NA manual (now sold), and I have mixed feelings about the Seltos in terms of design. I have also been hearing a lot about the Sierra 1.5 NA engine being underpowered with poor pickup, which concerns me. I need your help in choosing the better option between these two.

Autocar India

•2d

For your usage, which is largely highway driving with family and under 10,000km a year, the safer and more predictable choice is the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA manual. Its engine is well proven; it will feel more responsive and require fewer downshifts for overtakes, which is important on highways. This directly addresses your concern about the Tata Sierra 1.5 NA potentially feeling underpowered, especially when fully loaded, where a larger and heavier car can make a naturally aspirated engine feel flat.The Seltos also brings with it a longer track record and a more predictable ownership experience, which is where your mind is rightly leaning. That said, your heart isn’t wrong either; the Sierra’s appeal lies in its design, road presence and rear seat space. It will definitely feel like the bigger, more special car.Ultimately, this comes down to what you value more. If you want peace of mind, easier overtakes and a more proven package, go with the Seltos. If you’re willing to trade some performance certainty for space, design and novelty, the Sierra is still worth considering. But only after a proper full-load highway test drive to see if the performance meets your expectations.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

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