I’m planning to buy an automatic car (or electric) with a budget of ₹18–25 lakh. I want an automatic with no noticeable “rubber-band” effect, and I prefer strong performance. I’m deciding between the Tata Sierra, Tata Harrier, Skoda Kushaq, or the Sierra in petrol - which should I choose and why?

autocar.india

•2d

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is a very sensible choice for your first automatic. It is smooth, efficient and easy to drive in the city, and the hybrid system works well in stop-start traffic. However, your concern about feeling underpowered is valid. The hybrid system is tuned for efficiency rather than outright performance, and under hard acceleration, you will feel that the engine is straining a bit. Overall, performance feels adequate, and while it will climb hills and handle mountain roads without issue, performance doesn't feel particularly strong or effortless like some turbo-petrol or diesel cars.This Toyota car is a great choice if your priority is efficiency and ease of use, but if you want more performance and better overtaking ability, a 1.5 turbo-petrol automatic powered SUV like a Kia Seltos or Skoda Kushaq/VW Taigun would be a better fit.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

autocar.india

•1d

Given your usage and priorities, the Volkswagen Virtus Highline Plus 1.0 TSI automatic is the better fit. Your daily running is low, and the occasional highway trips do not justify the additional size and complexity of the Tata Safari. The Virtus offers a more refined driving experience, better fuel efficiency and a more manageable ownership proposition over the long term. It is also a more comfortable car for a family of four plus a child, with a spacious rear seat and a large boot. The Safari Pure X turbo petrol manual is a good value proposition for those who need the extra space and road presence, but it is not the best choice for your usage pattern. The manual gearbox will become tiresome in traffic, and the larger size will make it less convenient to live with on a daily basis. The Virtus is the more sensible and enjoyable choice for your needs. You can expect the Volkswagen Virtus mileage to be around 9 to 12 kpl in the city and 15 to 18 kpl on the highway.

Volkswagen Virtus

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•3d

Both the Kushaq and Taigun are mechanically identical, sharing the same 1.5 TSI engine + dual-clutch automatic gearbox options and chassis, so the driving experience is essentially the same. The decision comes down to brand preference, dealership experience and minor differences in interior design and feature packaging. The Volkswagen Taigun's design and interior feel slightly more premium, but the difference is marginal. At the end, besides aesthetics, see which brand is getting you a better deal. You won't go wrong with either. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11 lakh for the base variant (ex-showroom).

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq