I am confused between the new Skoda Kushaq MT base model and the Seltos base model MT. Both come in a similar price bracket. Usage: Family, occasional driving, hardly 3 to 5k km in a year, as I already have one daily driving car. The Alto K10 was driven 22k km in 8 years, so the old car will remain. We are not selling it. The new car will be used on occasion. Road conditions: Mostly bad roads, rarely good roads.

Autocar India

•1d

We would pick the Volkswagen Virtus GT now and keep it for a while because you already prefer the sedan feel and, over the next 5-6 years, cars like this are likely to become fewer while taller cars will only get more common. The 1.5 turbo with the DSG, which is a quick-shifting automatic, gives the Virtus a lively, smooth feel that makes daily drives and highway runs special. Also, if you truly enjoy sitting low and feeling connected to the road, the Virtus delivers that better than the Skoda Kushaq, so you’ll smile more every day you own it. And looking ahead, SUVs and hybrids will grow fast, but sporty petrol sedans will likely shrink in choice, not vanish overnight. So it makes sense to buy the one you really want now; the “practical” taller car will be easy to find later if your needs change. Moreover, the Virtus has plenty of ground clearance, especially for a sedan, so that should not be a worry either. Do bear in mind, though, that both the Virtus and its sister model, the Skoda Slavia, will be updated later this year, so if you can wait for just a few months, we would recommend doing so.

Volkswagen Virtus

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•16h

For your requirements, we would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid. With mostly driving in Tier-2 cities, rougher roads, and a clear focus on fuel efficiency, low maintenance and safety, it fits your brief extremely well. The strong hybrid system delivers excellent real-world fuel efficiency, especially in mixed city use, while Maruti’s service network remains one of the biggest advantages if you are driving beyond major metros. The 5-star safety rating also gives it an important edge if safety is a top priority.The hybrid powertrain also makes sense because you specifically want an automatic without compromising too much on running costs. Unlike turbo petrol automatics, which can get thirsty, the Victoris hybrid keeps fuel bills in check while still being smooth and effortless to drive. Ride quality is comfortable enough for poor roads, though it is tuned more for comfort than outright ruggedness.If you want something more premium, the Kia Seltos IVT is the alternative worth considering, but it will not come close on fuel efficiency or long-term running costs.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1d

The Kia Seltos 1.5 turbo automatic (the DCT that changes gears on its own) fits you best. It lines up with what you value and what you felt in your test drives.As you mentioned, the Seltos' seat is the most comfortable; the 1.5 turbo is quick, feels strong and has that oomph that you're looking for. Also, being the newest car, its interior quality is a step up compared to the other options listed.Of course, being a taller car, its stability and handling prowess aren't as good as the Hyundai Verna 1.5 turbo DCT, which will give you a relatively sportier driving experience due to its low-set seating.We would advise you against the Mahindra BE 6, especially when you're currently residing in a rented flat with no assured socket at your parking, and even though Bengaluru has many public chargers, you can't solely rely on public charging. You could also check out the new Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo before finalising the Seltos.

Kia Seltos

Renault Duster

Autocar India

•4d

You’re after a no-drama, long-term family car that is easy to drive, comfortable and roomy. For that brief, the Honda Elevate VX CVT is a good fit. The VX CVT is the sweet spot because the automatic keeps the engine smooth in traffic, and the VX trim gets the useful features without pushing the price too high.Why it fits your list: Honda’s simple 1.5 petrol has a long, clean track record, so it suits your “no issues for 10+ years” aim. The driving position is high, the steering is light, and the CVT makes stop-go city work very easy. Space is good for four adults, the seats are supportive, and the suspension deals with broken roads well, so daily comfort is strong.Trade-offs to note: it is not the quickest for fast highway passes, and rivals offer more flashy features. If you expect a lot of high-speed use with a full load, you may want more punch.Regarding waiting for a facelift, while it may launch this year, there is no confirmed date or list of changes. An update usually brings small styling tweaks and a few extra features, and prices can go up too. The basics you care about are space, ease of driving, Honda’s engine and service and these are unlikely to change much.If you do want to look around, pick the Kia Seltos IVT for more features and a more modern cabin. Overall, for your needs, the Elevate VX CVT lines up best right now.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•5d

Going by your shortlist, you want a bigger family car on a tight budget and are looking at base trims. If you need the car in the next couple of months for mostly city use with some weekend trips, pick the Kia Seltos HTE (O) IVT. It is well equipped and, compared to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, gives you more back-seat space and boot room.The Brezza update will be relatively minor, though we expect the 1.5 NA engine to make way for the 1.0 turbo-petrol from the Fronx. Waiting for it only makes sense if you mainly drive in tight city areas and want an easier-to-park car.Overall, for a near-term purchase and everyday comfort, the Seltos lines up best with what you’re considering.

Kia Seltos

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Autocar India

•5d

You need a car for pure highway use and want the longest stretch between stops; in that case, we would lean towards the Mahindra XEV 9S 79kWh for its better real-world highway range. In our real-world testing, we managed 477 km on the highway, which suits your “pure highway” pattern. We have also tested the AWD Harrier EV, which managed 401 km (combined). While the RWD version should better that, it will likely still fall short of the XEV 9S’s range.One thing to note: the Mahindra’s ride can feel a bit floaty on undulating highway surfaces, so try it out before you commit. If that is an issue, the XEV 9e has a more settled ride.Overall, for highway-first use and maximum range, the XEV 9S 79kWh is the safer bet.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Tata Harrier EV