I am planning to upgrade from my 2018 Hyundai Grand i10 and am looking for a new car with a budget of around ₹25 lakh on-road, although I can stretch it slightly for the right option. My usage will be around 80% city driving and 20% highway driving. A comfortable rear seat for my child is an important requirement, while at the same time I also want the car to feel fun and enjoyable to drive.

Autocar India

•2h

The new Renault Duster 1.3 DCT feels like the most natural upgrade. You already know and appreciate the Duster formula, but this new one moves the game on significantly. The big advantage is the wet clutch DCT, which is smoother and better suited to Indian traffic than the dry clutch DSGs in the VW and Skoda. Ride comfort is another big strength, and if you do long-distance touring, the Duster’s absorbent suspension and SUV character will feel instantly familiar, just in a far more polished package. The only real downside is that rear seat space is not class-leading.The Volkswagen Taigun GT and Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo are both excellent cars to drive. That 1.5 TSI is a strong engine, and both feel quick, polished and in some ways more sophisticated than the Duster. Between the two, the choice largely comes down to taste because mechanically, they are nearly identical. The Taigun has a more understated personality, while the Kushaq Monte Carlo feels a touch sportier. The caveat is the dry clutch DSG, which is brilliant once on the move, but not as naturally comfortable in heavy stop-and-go traffic as the Renault’s wet clutch setup.

Renault Duster

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•2d

Mostly city use in Pune with room for five and a Rs 17 lakh cap - the Hyundai Creta IVT is the best fit. The N Line or other turbo-petrol trims will require you to stretch your budget beyond Rs 20 lakh. Since most of your use is in Pune city traffic, performance from the 1.5 NA is more than adequate. It is also the roomiest amongst your choices and comfortably seats five with room for their luggage. One drawback, though, is that on your occasional highway excursions, you may find overtaking needs a bit more planning with a full load and luggage.If performance feels inadequate, then the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic or the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI automatic are great choices too. They feel solid and safe, have top crash ratings, and stay steady in sharp bends. The automatic is smooth in traffic, the engine pulls well on climbs, and fuel use is sensible for daily runs. They are not as roomy as the Creta, but overall, the space is good for four adults and a child, and the ride handles broken roads well. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris should be very easy to own and efficient, but highway performance would trail the Kushaq/Taigun.Overall, for your mix of city and highway with ghats, the Creta IVT fits best.

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•3d

Since you are upgrading from a Fiat Punto Evo, you should consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG. Coming from the Punto, you'll appreciate the Skoda's European build quality and solid ride and handling balance. It also comes with a punchy 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, so you'll enjoy driving it. Safety is also taken care of, as it comes with 6 airbags, and the pre-facelift Kushaq has also received a 5-star crash safety rating. Given your budget of Rs 20-30 lakh, you can go for the top-spec Kushaq Monte Carlo, which comes with features like a panoramic sunroof, rear seat massage and much more.

Skoda Kushaq