I am looking to replace my Volkswagen polo with a SUV for term usage. My running is occasional few times in city and twice a year long journey. I am looking at Honda Elevate and Renault Duster. Do you have any other suggestions?

Autocar India

•7h

We would recommend you look at the new upcoming Skoda Kushaq. It sits above the compact SUV segment but is still not too large and is among the smaller of the mid-size SUVs, thus it remains quite easy and manageable in the city. The Kushaq is well equipped with many standard safety features and has scored a 5-star crash rating in the GNCAP tests, thus it meets your priority of safety too. Since you are driving in the city and looking for fuel efficiency too, we would suggest the 1.0 litre engine, which will launch with an 8-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. Torque convertors are the smoothest type of automatic transmission around, which you will appreciate in the city stop-and-go traffic. Being an 8-speed (earlier was a 6-speed unit), mileage should also improve over the previous car. It returned a figure of 8.5kpl in the city, 12.4 kpl on the highway, in our standard test cycle. Stay tuned to our channel as we will be driving the car shortly.

Skoda Kushaq facelift

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Honda Elevate VX CVT. It combines a 5-star JNCAP safety rating, smooth city-friendly CVT, and a wide, flat rear bench that can seat three adults comfortably.With 90% city use, the Elevate’s CVT makes stop-and-go driving smooth and jerk-free, which reduces fatigue. Expect about 11-12 kpl in the city and 15-16 kpl on highways from the CVT, so your occasional trips won’t sting on fuel. The rear seat is broad with a near-flat floor and supportive cushioning, so three medium-built adults can sit side-by-side more comfortably than in many midsize SUVs. You can get the top variant within your budget, and there are currently good offers available on the Elevate as well.The one thing you give up is outright punch on fast highways, as overtakes have to be more planned than turbo petrol rivals.

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•1d

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

Honda City

Honda Elevate

Skoda Slavia

Volkswagen Virtus