Hello, I currently drive a 2015 Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost Petrol and am looking to upgrade to a new car. I am seeking a petrol automatic that offers similar performance, ground clearance, boot space, and good mileage. It should comfortably accommodate three passengers, with the occasional fourth person manageable for short 2-hour drives. My budget is around ₹20 lakh on-road, though I can stretch by another ₹3–5 lakh if necessary.

Autocar India

•1d

That's a tricky requirement as strong acceleration and good fuel economy tend to be at odds with one another. A diesel engine would be good for mileage, but none of the engines in this price range is particularly quick at accelerating. Thus, we'd recommend going for a Turbo Petrol engine, which, if driven carefully, can return a good amount of kilometres for every litre.Your best option, given your requirements, is the new Kia Seltos. It's spacious, comfortable, reliable and reasonably priced in terms of maintenance. Within your budget of Rs 20 lakh, you should be able to get the HTX T-GDi DCT variant, which also includes the excellent-sounding 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. There's also a sizeable 447-litre boot that's well-shaped and good for swallowing up a sizeable amount of luggage.

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1d

Without knowing your budget and more requirements, we can't recommend the ideal choice for you. We have shortlisted models that you should consider, and why they are of interest. Compact SUVs- Hyundai Venue: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, good interior space, upmarket interior | (-) Expensive for its size- Kia Sonet: (+) Smooth diesel engine and auto gearbox combo, upmarket interior, good value | (-) Rear seat space is limited, due to be replaced in the coming year Midsize SUVs- Kia Seltos: (+) Spacious interior, well equipped, good ride comfort | (-) Performance is adequate only- Tata Sierra: (+) Class-best space, feature-packed, tough build, ride comfort | (-) Engine feels noisy, road noise- Hyundai Creta: (+) Well equipped, decent performance | (-) Due to be replaced in the coming year

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•19h

Since you have had a positive experience with the Rapid, sticking to a Skoda would be ideal. The updated Skoda Kushaq was recently revealed, and the price launch is just around the corner. It will continue to get the 1.5 TSI engine that is unanimously loved for its performance inside the city and out on the highway. The facelift has not been tested for the Global NCAP rating, but the old Kushaq had scored a perfect 5-stars and the facelift is likely to follow the same.The new Kushaq is a facelift that brings with it new equipment and refreshed design, but mechanically, it has carried over its powertrain for the bigger engine. The smaller 1.0-litre TSI will feature a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but since you are a keen driver, we would recommend you stick to the 1.5.The engine also features cylinder deactivation, which helps save fuel in the city, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and effortless. The top-spec version would be well under your budget when it gets launched.

Skoda Kushaq