Autocar India
•27w

I wish to buy a new mid range automatic petrol SUV. Had been owner of Honda Amaze for 11 yrs. Low maintenance, less service costs, happy ownership. So planned to buy Elevate CVT but found it lagging in power. Test drove Citroën Aircross/Basalt Turbo AT, found them to be more powerful. But lack confidence to buy due to other ownership reasons. Can you suggest a Automatic SUV in range of 17 to 19 with usage of 80% Bangalore city drive?

Verified
•26w

If you are looking for something with similar performance to the Citroen Basalt/Aircross, you should consider the Volkswagen Taigun or the Skoda Kushaq with the 1.0 TSI and torque converter automatic. The facelifted Kushaq now gets an 8-speed automatic replacing the old 6-speed unit, and the Taigun will get the same when it is facelifted later this year.

The 1.0 TSI makes a healthy 115hp and 178Nm, which delivers better performance than the naturally aspirated engine in the Elevate and is on par with the Basalt. The 6-speed torque converter automatic was also smooth-shifting and very convenient to use, and we expect the 8-speed to be more of the same. With 80 percent of your driving in heavy Bengaluru traffic, this transmission will be a boon.

Prices for the facelifted Kushaq will be announced later this month, and we expect our first drive reviews to drop around the same time. Before you decide, take a test drive, of course.

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Citroen Basalt

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•6h

I have owned my Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI DSG for 6.5 years, and it has crossed 1 lakh km. It still runs like a dream and has been extremely reliable, with no major mechanical issues apart from regular servicing. My only concern now is the possibility of expensive repairs as the mileage increases, especially related to the DSG or injectors. Another issue is that the Rapid feels quite bare-bones compared to newer cars. I am considering upgrading to something under Rs. 25 lakh, mainly looking at the Duster 1.3 DCT and Taigun 1.5 TSI. My question is: should I keep the Rapid for a couple more years, or would the Duster/Taigun be a worthwhile upgrade? Or is there anything else under Rs. 25 lakh that would make a good replacement? Please suggest.

Verified
•1h

Given your ownership experience with the Rapid 1.5 TDI DSG, it is understandable that you are weighing the decision carefully. The car has served you well, and the 1.5 TDI is a robust engine, but at over 1 lakh km, the potential for expensive repairs - particularly with the DSG and injectors - becomes a valid concern. The Rapid also feels dated compared to newer cars in terms of features and overall cabin experience, so all things considered, this is where we would recommend parting ways with it.Between your shortlisted options, the Renault Duster 1.3 DCT will feel like the more meaningful upgrade. The 1.3 turbo petrol is a strong, characterful engine, and the DCT gearbox is quick and engaging. The Duster also offers a more rugged, SUV-like feel and a better ride over rough roads, which makes it a genuinely different ownership experience from the Rapid. The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI is a very good car, but it is mechanically similar to what you already have, and the upgrade will not feel as substantial. That said, the Taigun is a proven product that's been around for a few years, whereas the Duster is brand new and yet to prove its mettle over the long term. If you've been happy with Skoda's aftersales performance, Volkswagen is quite similar in that regard. If you want a good but familiar experience, go with the Taigun, but otherwise, it's the Duster we'd recommend.

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•1d

Kushaq vs Taigun, same platform and drivetrain options, but they somehow feel like completely different cars to drive. Curious which one people think actually justifies its badge here?

•9h

I am confused between the Victoris ZXi and the Kia Seltos HTK(O) petrol automatic. One offers better reliability, while the other provides more features at a similar price point. Personally, I prefer the Seltos’ cabin and interior design, as I find the Victoris’ interior quite average. For long-term ownership, which one should I go for?

Verified
•2h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK+ petrol automatic. The Seltos is a more premium product overall, and the cabin quality and design are clearly something you value. The HTK+ is a well-equipped variant, and the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT automatic is a smooth and reliable combination. The Seltos also offers a more spacious and premium-feeling cabin, which will make a difference over a long ownership period.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a good car, and Maruti's reliability and service network are strong points, but the Seltos is the more complete product. Kia's reliability record in India is also strong, so there is no major long-term ownership concern with the Seltos.

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Popular discussions right now

•4d

I have a Tata Nexon Creative AMT that is only a year old, but I have already had to replace the spark plugs four times and the ignition coil once. I am still facing engine misfires and vibrations inside the car. I am honestly fed up with Tata's service, as they have been unable to resolve the issue. I am therefore planning to sell the Nexon and buy a Kia Seltos with a manual transmission this time. My priority was safety earlier, and it remains my top priority. However, I now also want peace of mind and a hassle-free ownership experience. Would selling the Nexon and switching to the Seltos be a good decision?

Verified
•3d

Yes, it is a good decisionYes, it is a good decision to sell the Tata Nexon and move to the Seltos manual. The Nexon is generally a safe and well-engineered car, but if you are facing repeated engine issues and the service centre is unable to resolve them, it is understandable to lose confidence in the ownership experience. The Kia Seltos is a very well-rounded SUV with a strong safety package, a more refined ownership experience and a good service network. The manual transmission is also a good choice if you want to avoid any potential automatic gearbox-related issues. Overall, if peace of mind and a hassle-free ownership experience are your top priorities, the Seltos is a sensible upgrade.

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•5d

I am planning to buy a sub-compact SUV. My budget is Rs. 13-14 lakh, and my priorities are a smooth automatic transmission and good mileage. I am considering the Brezza ZXi AT, Sonet HXT DCT, and Venue HX6 DCT. I am very confused because the Brezza’s torque-converter automatic offers good fuel efficiency but lacks some features, while the Sonet and Venue offer all the features I need. However, I am concerned that the DCT may be less fuel-efficient and could involve higher maintenance costs. My daily commute is around 30 km, mostly in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. Please suggest which one would be the best choice for my requirements.

Verified
•5d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT. Your priorities are a smooth automatic, good fuel efficiency and a daily 30km commute in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. The Brezza’s 6-speed torque converter automatic is the best fit for this usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to stop-start conditions, and the naturally aspirated petrol engine is efficient and easy to live with. Maruti’s service reach and low maintenance costs add to the ownership peace of mind.The Sonet and Venue DCTs are good cars, but the DCT gearbox is not ideal for heavy traffic. It can feel jerky at low speeds.Alternatively, if you can arrange for home charging, the Tata Punch EV is an excellent option.

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•6d

I currently drive a Grand i10 Manual petrol and am now planning to buy a new compact SUV that is comfortable, fuel efficient and has low maintenance. My usage is 35km of daily office commute in Delhi-NCR traffic. Please advice which option is best fit amongst Hyundai Venue HX 6T, SONET HTK+O and XUV 3XO.

Verified
•6d

Go for the Hyundai Venue. With your daily 35km commute in Delhi NCR traffic, comfort and low maintenance are key, and the Venue delivers on both. The 1.2 NA petrol is smooth, refined and easy to drive in stop-start conditions, while Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The HX6T variant also gives you a good balance of features without pushing the budget too far.The Sonet HTK+O is mechanically very similar, but the Venue is a newer model and offers a more spacious cabin. The XUV 3XO is also a good option, but its turbo petrol engine won't be as efficient as the Hyundai’s.Overall, the Venue is the most sensible upgrade from your Grand i10 for daily city use.

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Posted on: 8 Mar 2026