I have been driving a Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI for the past 13.5 years and have clocked around 1.2 lakh km with it. It is a car I absolutely love, and despite test-driving many newer vehicles while looking for an upgrade, I am still struggling to find something that matches its combination of punchy performance, handling, steering feel, solidity, and overall driving quality. I am now looking to upgrade to an SUV with a budget of around ₹25 lakh. So far, I have test-driven the following: Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo Petrol Manual - contrary to the hype, I found it quite disappointing Tata Sierra 1.5 Petrol Automatic - comfortable, but it felt underpowered MG Hector, MG Astor, and Mahindra XUV700 - none of them really connected with me as a driver Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT - this came closest in terms of driving feel, but the build quality and solidity still did not feel as robust as my older CBU Polo Volkswagen Tiguan - liked it, but it is unfortunately beyond my budget I am not inclined towards the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos because build quality and safety are very important to me. My driving usage is around 70% city and 30% occasional highway trips, although I would like to increase my long-distance driving in the future. Could you please suggest some strong options that offer solid build quality, engaging driving dynamics, good safety, and an overall premium driving experience that could genuinely feel like a worthy upgrade from my Polo?

Autocar India

•1h

With your usage of under 800 km a month and long-term ownership in mind, we would first question whether CNG is actually necessary. CNG makes the most financial sense when the cost of running is significantly higher. At your usage, the payback period becomes much longer, so spending substantially more upfront purely for fuel savings may not be the smartest move. Also, while petrol prices do rise, CNG prices tend to rise too, so the savings gap does not remain fixed forever.Between your two choices, the Smart iCNG is actually the more rational pick if you are set on the Tata Punch. Yes, it is the base variant, but it still gets the essentials like LED headlamps, front power windows and central locking. So it does not feel bare bones from the usability perspective.The Pure Plus iCNG does add a lot more premium equipment like the touchscreen infotainment with wireless smartphone connectivity, reverse camera, cruise control, rear AC vents, all power windows and a more premium cabin feel. But the key question is whether you would want to stretch your budget significantly to have those niceties. That said, if fuel efficiency is your top priority and you are open to alternatives, Maruti’s CNG options make stronger sense than the Punch. The Fronx or Baleno CNG will generally offer better efficiency, a wider service network and a more proven CNG ownership experience.

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•1h

For your very specific use case, we would actually stick with the Innova Hycross VX rather than switch to the Mahindra XEV 9e.The reason is simple. You are almost entirely chauffeur-driven, value second row comfort, want a no-nonsense premium family car and do not care for gadgetry for its own sake. That is exactly where the Hycross plays to its strengths. The second row comfort and sheer sense of space in the Hycross is simply better, especially since you have consciously chosen the VX to avoid gimmicks while keeping the practical bits that matter. The XEV 9e is an impressive EV, but its fixed rear bench and lower knee room make it less ideal for a chauffeur-driven owner who will spend meaningful time in the back.On the fuel and ethanol concern, we would not let that drive the decision. The Hycross hybrid is already very efficient for a vehicle of its size, and while E25/E30 discussions are ongoing, any move beyond current blends will be gradual. Beyond a certain threshold, proper flex fuel solutions and lower blend availability for existing cars would need to coexist. We would not cancel a purchase decision around a hypothetical future policy shift.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

•2h

Toyota has not announced India launch plans for the new Hilux. It's a small-volume product in India and will likely follow the arrival of the closely related new-gen Fortuner that's due in 2027.The 80kph cap is tied to goods-vehicle registration rules, not the badge. If you buy and register it as a private vehicle, it should not be speed-limited. Ask the dealer for written confirmation that no speed governor is fitted or active on your vehicle.