Mumbai

•20w

I am planning to buy a new SUV within a budget of ₹15-20 lakh (on-road) and would appreciate your expert recommendation. My key requirements are: Automatic transmission (due to heavy city driving) Strong performance (top priority) Good ground clearance and suspension for rough roads Solid build quality and high-speed stability Comfortable for both daily city use and occasional long drives I am not specifically looking for a 4x4 but want a car that can confidently handle most road conditions. I really like the new Renault Duster, but am also considering the Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos, and the new Hyundai Creta. I am open to better suggestions as well. Which would be the best overall choice considering performance, driving experience, and long-term ownership?

•20w

Given your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI seems like the best bet. It has the strongest real-world performance with an automatic among cars under 20 lakh. The 1.5 turbo engine feels quick the moment you press the accelerator, and the DSG is engaging and quick to shift.

This Skoda car rides over broken roads without fuss, has good ground clearance, and stays stable at higher speeds, so both your city runs and long trips feel easy. The Skoda Kushaq mileage ranges from 18.72 kpl to 19.66 kpl, depending on the chosen powertrain option.

Kushaq's build quality is solid, and it has a 5-star crash test rating, which should add some peace of mind. However, Skoda only offers the 1.5 TSI powertrain in the top Prestige and Monte Carlo variants, which fall outside of your budget.

You might want to consider the Renault Duster, as the brand offers the more powerful 160hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine from the lower variants upwards. It's every bit a match for the Kushaq in most areas, and in fact, the ride quality is a bit better, and the boot space is massive, which should come in handy on your long drives. Its performance (and its DCT gearbox) err more on the smooth side, and aren't quite as engaging as Skoda's 1.5 TSI and DSG.

If you can't stretch your budget for the Skoda, the Duster is a good bet. The Renault Duster mileage is claimed at 19.41kpl for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol manual, while the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol delivers 17.75kpl to 18.45kpl, depending on the transmission.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kushaq

from ₹12.62 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.38 Lakh

•19w

I test drove the duster DCT and Kushaq too. Duster overall looks amazing in everything, the looks, the feel but the turbo lag is a bit disappointing. Kushaq on the other hand gives you power throughout but it feels like an old car looks wise. The interior as well as exterior doesn't feel exciting and it is expensive too. I really want the new duster but I am worried about Renault's after sales service as well as the car's reliability since it is a new product in the market with no actual on ground feedback. What are your thoughts? Any other car I can consider or should I take the risk with this new beast in the market.

•20w

Honda elevate is a no nonsense car, comfortable , smooth , my mom always falls asleep on its rear seats That was my expectation was and it delivered

More posts on similar cars

•2d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

•21h

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

I’m planning to buy my first car and have a budget of around Rs 13-15 lakh ex-showroom. I also plan to register it under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, and I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I want something classy and elegant, with good comfort and a premium-looking interior. Leather or leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, though neither is essential. At the same time, I do not want a car focused solely on comfort. I enjoy driving and would like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips are also important. In short, I am looking for a safe, automatic, classy and comfortable family car that is also enjoyable to drive, within Rs 13-15 lakh ex-showroom. What would you recommend?

•1d

Based on your requirements, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the best fit. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family comfort. The Skoda Kushaq has a 5-star Global NCAP rating, which addresses your top priority. The 1.0 TSI engine is punchy, and the 8-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and reliable, making it enjoyable on highways and easy to live with. This Skoda car also has a premium interior with a classy design, good rear-seat comfort and a decent boot for family trips. It is not the most spacious car in the segment, but it is adequate for a family of four and the driving experience more than makes up for it.At your budget, you will get a lower-trim model, but it will have all the basics. We would, however, recommend you increase your budget slightly; if not, you can opt for the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic, which is a good alternative. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs, has a 5-star safety rating and is also enjoyable to drive. The only drawback is that the boot is smaller than the Kushaq's.Overall, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the best all-rounder for your requirements. It is safe, classy, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to drive.

Skoda Kushaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•1d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

•1d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

Kia Seltos

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Popular discussions right now

•6d

Hello, given the DPF concerns and upcoming CAFE III regulations, with my driving pattern being 60% highway and 40% city and covering around 15,000 km annually, would a 1.5L diesel (automatic or manual) still be a worthwhile choice?

•5d

Yes, a 1.5-litre diesel is still a worthwhile choice for your usage. At 15,000 km a year with 60% highway driving, you are well within the sweet spot for diesel ownership. The DPF concerns are often overstated - modern diesels are designed to regenerate the filter during sustained highway runs, and your usage pattern is ideal for that. CAFE III regulations are pushing manufacturers towards cleaner engines, but they are not making diesels obsolete; they are simply making them more efficient and cleaner. The bigger question is whether diesel still makes financial sense. With the narrowing price gap between petrol and diesel, the payback period is longer than it used to be, but at your mileage and highway bias, it still adds up. If you are keeping the car for 5-7 years, you will see the benefit. As for automatic versus manual, go automatic if you want ease of use in city traffic; modern torque converter automatics on diesels are smooth and reliable in cars like the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. Overall, diesel is still the right choice for your usage.

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•6d

Suggest a car Requirements: Daily city driving in Bangalore, with lots of potholes. I am open to either an SUV or a sedan. My budget is Rs. 25-30 lakh on-road. ADAS, cruise control, and hill assist are must-have features. I want a car that offers a comfortable drive, feels luxurious, and is fun to drive. An automatic transmission is a must.

•5d

Go for the Kia Seltos 1.5 T-GDi DCT. It is the best fit for your requirements. The Seltos turbo is genuinely fun to drive, with strong performance and a well-sorted chassis that makes it enjoyable on both city roads and highways. The 1.5 T-GDi engine paired with the DCT automatic is a highlight, offering quick shifts and a responsive driving experience. At the same time, this Kia car is comfortable over broken roads and potholes, with a suspension setup that strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling. It also feels premium inside, with a well-built cabin and a solid feature set that includes ADAS, cruise control and hill assist. The only thing to be aware of is that the DCT gearbox can feel a bit clunky in stop-and-go traffic, but overall it is a well-rounded package that delivers exactly what you are looking for. If you want something a bit larger, the Mahindra XUV 7XO turbo-petrol is a good alternative, but it will feel large and cumbersome in Bangalore city traffic, and its fuel economy is very poor.

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•1w

Hi, My budget is 20 lacs and I am looking to buy a car with good driving performance and fuel efficiency. I travel in Delhi and sometimes travel to Jaipur. I am open to hybrid, petrol plus CNG, or EV. If there are any good car launches coming up, I am ok to wait till year end.

•6d

For your budget of Rs 20 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the most sensible recommendation. This Maruti Suzuki car offers a good balance between fuel efficiency and performance, making it well-suited for your Delhi city driving as well as occasional runs to Jaipur. The hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy in the city, and there's enough performance for highway cruising. Maruti's service network and proven reliability also make it a safe long-term ownership proposition.EVs are not the best fit for your usage pattern. While they are efficient in the city, the Delhi-Jaipur highway run can be inconvenient due to charging stops. CNG is also not ideal for your requirement, as it compromises boot space and performance.Overall, the Victoris Hybrid strikes the best balance between efficiency, performance and hassle-free ownership.

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