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

•31m

Go for the Kia Seltos GTX A. It is the most balanced choice for your requirements. Your daily usage of 30 km, with a mix of highway and city driving, does not justify a diesel, so a strong turbo-petrol with a reliable automatic gearbox is the better choice.This Kia car offers the panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera you want, along with a well-rounded ownership experience, a wide service network, and a comfortable ride for your grandfather. The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T is also a good option, but it is a much larger vehicle and not as easy to live with in the city.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris ZXI Plus (O) is a strong value-for-money proposition, but the Seltos feels more premium and better finished. The Hyundai Creta N Line is a good alternative if you prefer Hyundai, but the Seltos feels like the more complete package. The Tata Sierra Adventure is interesting, but its turbo-petrol engine still needs a longer ownership track record.The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are excellent driver's cars, but the Seltos offers a better overall ownership experience. Overall, the Kia Seltos GTX A is the car you are most likely to be happiest with over the next five years.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Tata Sierra

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•10h

Based on your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of space, comfort and performance, and is a significant step up from both your Ertiga and Jazz. The Scorpio N is a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV and is better suited to rough roads and occasional off-roading, but it is not as comfortable as the XUV 7XO for everyday use. It is a similar story with the Thar Roxx which is more of a lifestyle vehicle.Mahindra service has made significant improvements in recent years and service quality is now largely dependent on the dealership. It is worth checking the reputation of your local dealer before making a decision.The Toyota Innova Crysta is still the benchmark for reliability and long-term ownership, but it is expensive for what it offers and does not feel as modern or feature-rich as the XUV 7XO. Alternatively, consider the Kia Carens Clavis diesel. The engine is refined, it is premium inside, and the third row is better than the 7XO or Safari, though it lacks their SUV-like appeal. Kia service is also amongst the best in the country. Overall, the XUV 7XO is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Toyota Innova Crysta

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

autocar.india

•11h

With 40km a day in Hyderabad traffic, your priority should be a comfortable automatic with good fuel efficiency and low running costs. Since you are coming from a Harrier manual, you are already used to a large SUV, but in city traffic, a smaller, more efficient automatic will make a bigger difference to your daily experience.The best option for your usage is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid automatic. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency in stop-start traffic, and the automatic gearbox is smooth and stress-free. It is also a reliable, low-maintenance car with a strong service network, which is important for long-term ownership. The only drawback is that it is not as big as the Harrier, but for city use, it is the more sensible choice. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara also offer the same powertrain if you prefer the look of those.If you want something a bit more premium and are willing to compromise slightly on fuel efficiency, the Kia Seltos IVT automatic is a good alternative. It is more spacious and feels more upmarket, but it will not match the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid on fuel economy in city traffic.Overall, the Victoris Hybrid automatic is the best fit for your usage and budget. It will make your daily commute easier, cheaper and more comfortable.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Harrier

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Kia Seltos