I have a Honda City ZX MT, Jimny Zeta MT, and Ignis Alpha AMT. We are planning to get a new Seltos diesel automatic for convenience and mileage. Which of these should I replace, considering that I love the City for its VTEC? Also, is this a wise decision in terms of rear-seat comfort, driving feel, and fuel economy?

Autocar India

•9h

Get the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic. It fits within Rs. 18-20 lakh, is compact enough to be easy in Mumbai traffic, and the turbo-petrol with the smooth automatic has the kind of mid-range shove that makes quick gaps, and flyover overtakes feel natural after an XUV500. You also get auto AC, central locking, power windows and a reverse camera in the Ambition/Style trims.What makes it work in the city is the clean, creep-friendly automatic and light steering, without the heat worries some dual-clutch setups can have in bumper-to-bumper. On the highway, it feels stable and confident, and the 1.0 turbo pulls stronger than most 1.5 NA rivals, so you won’t feel shortchanged when you need to get a move on.It isn’t as wide or roomy as your old XUV500, and fully loaded hill climbs won’t feel as effortless as a big diesel, but for daily Mumbai use with regular weekend runs, it strikes a good balance within your budget.If you want even more punch, consider the Renault Duster. Its wet-clutch DCT is smoother than the dry-clutch units found in cars such as the Kia Seltos, and it is less prone to overheating in stop-and-go traffic. On the downside, fuel efficiency is not particularly impressive, and rear seat space is more restricted than in the Skoda Kushaq.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•5h

The Kia Seltos DCT is a solid pick for your requirements. It's got the space, power and comfort for your requirements, including hill station trips with the family. The Kia Seltos is also a reliable package that will not give you trouble over the duration of your ownership. The dual-clutch transmission should serve you well and is unlikely to pose issues if you drive with care and are timely with regular maintenance. Do note, the DCT works well for long-distance drives but isn't super slick in slow-moving traffic, where it can feel a bit jerky between shifts now and then. Even so, the turbo-petrol engine's power and DCT's quick shifts make the Seltos DCT the one to buy for your kind of usage. Alternatives include the Renault Duster, which has a hardy feel to it and a smoother DCT. And while it's not as roomy as a Seltos, it actually feels comfier for three at the back, in case you travel five up often.If space is a high priority, the Tata Sierra is worth a look. It's easily the roomiest of the SUVs for the money. The turbo-petrol engine is strong and refined, and its torque converter auto delivers smooth gearshifts. However, Tata cars are not quite up there with Kia vehicles in long-term reliability.We'd sum up by saying the Kia Seltos DCT is the right pick for you.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•1d

With 100 km a day, 26 days a month, and a Rs 15-20 lakh budget, consider the Kia Seltos diesel manual. The diesel will keep your running costs in check and feel a lot smoother than the old Scorpio. For someone used to bigger cars, the Seltos cabin will still feel comfortable and airy. The tall seats and large windows give a clear view out, and the air conditioning works very well, which you will appreciate.If the Seltos is stretching your budget, then consider the Sonet diesel instead. Its cabin isn’t as roomy, but the large vents mean that the AC cools the cabin very well.Overall, for your commute and budget, the Seltos lines up best.

Kia Seltos

Kia Sonet