I am looking for a strong car that performs well on both city and highway driving, including bad roads, so I need good ground clearance. I also want lowest possible cabin noise and a smooth ride. My budget is around ₹15–17 lakh. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•32m

Given your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI seems like the best bet. It has the strongest real-world performance with an automatic in this price range, the 1.5 turbo engine feels quick the moment you press the accelerator, and the DSG is engaging and quick to shift. The Kushaq rides over broken roads without fuss, has good ground clearance, and stays stable at higher speeds, so both your city runs and long trips feel easy. Build quality is solid, and it has a 5-star crash test rating, which should add some peace of mind. However, Skoda only offers the 1.5 TSI powertrain in the top Prestige and Monte Carlo variants, which fall outside of your budget.You might want to consider the Renault Duster, as the brand offers the more powerful 160hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine from the lower variants upwards. It's every bit a match for the Kushaq in most areas, and in fact, the ride quality is a bit better, and the boot space is massive, which should come in handy on your long drives. Its performance (and its DCT gearbox) err more on the smooth side, and aren't quite as engaging as Skoda's 1.5 TSI and DSG. If you can't stretch your budget for the Skoda, the Duster is a good bet.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•1h

You should check out the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK (O) manual, it fits your budget and needs best for safe, easy city driving. Your use is very low and only in the city, so the simple 1.2 petrol with no turbo is the right call. It is a 4-cylinder engine, so it feels smoother and quieter than most 3-cylinder engines. The HTK (O) trim includes a rear camera, though if you can increase your budget slightly, consider moving up to the Sonet HTK+, which will get you features like keyless entry and go, a wireless phone charger, a 60:40 split rear seat and alloy wheels.The 1.2 in the Sonet doesn't get an automatic option, so if you decide you must have one, you would need to look at a different model. Consider the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 Delta+ AMT, which also gets a rear-view camera and a four-cylinder engine. If you don't mind a hatchback, there's also the Hyundai i20 1.2 IVT Sportz, which gets a smoother CVT automatic gearbox.The only 1.5-litre engine in your price bracket can be found in the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. But as that very engine capacity disqualifies it from small car tax breaks, its price is higher than others, and you will only get a base model.

Kia Sonet

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai i20

Autocar India

•1h

Choose the Kia Carnival 7-seat Limousine variant for a chauffeur-driven family; it gives you the most space and comfort with a truly big boot within your budget. Coming from a Crysta, you will feel a clear step up in rear-seat comfort, a lower walk-in height and a quieter cabin. Also, the list of features your family will use every day, like power sliding doors, sunblinds, and a strong rear AC. The second-row lounge chairs are great for long city runs and for your 600-700 km trip every few months, and the boot can take large suitcases even with all three rows up, which is the main win over your current car. Kia’s service reach in Chennai is wide, so upkeep should be straightforward.One thing to be aware of: the Carnival is a very large vehicle, so tight basements and narrow lanes will require careful driving. Also, running costs in heavy traffic will be higher than those of your Crysta.The MG 9 is a good option too, but only for the city, and for your long trips, you will have to rely on public charging infrastructure, which can slow you down and spoil your trip. We would suggest you stick to the Carnival simply because of your long-distance runs, where you want peace of mind.

Kia Carnival

MG M9