I want to buy a sedan with good ground clearance due to the rains in Mumbai, and also don't want a car with high maintenance. I was considering the Skoda Slavia or the Hyundai Verna. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2d

On a Rs 18 lakh budget, for your requirements, the Hyundai Verna HX6+ IVT automatic is a good pick because it meets your 5-star safety needs and feels the most relaxed in traffic. The IVT, a CVT by another name, is a type of automatic that does not shift in steps, so it feels very smooth at low speeds, which makes stop-and-go driving easy. The back seat is roomy, the ride is comfortable over rough patches, and Hyundai’s wide service network adds peace of mind on those occasional trips out of town. The latest Verna has a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating in India, so you are not compromising on your main ask. You could stretch to the HX8 variant if you want more features and your budget is flexible.Two things to keep in mind with the Verna: it sits lower than a taller car like the Skoda Kushaq, so you need a bit more care on big speed breakers, and the rear seat is set a little low, so elderly family members who prefer a higher seat may not love it. If you want a higher seating position and more ground clearance without giving up 5-star safety, go for the Kia Seltos HTK(O) Petrol CVT, which recently got a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Though you might sacrifice some features in this variant on your budget.

Hyundai Verna

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•3h

Opt for the Kia Syros petrol manual. It is the best fit for your needs. Your requirement is clear. Family of five, low usage and a preference for an SUV. In this case, space and comfort matter more than anything else, and the Syros stands out here. It is one of the most spacious cars in this segment, especially at the rear. The wide rear seat means three people can sit in good comfort, which is important for your family's use.It also has the advantage of a turbo petrol engine. Compared to the Kia Sonet HTK(O), which gets a naturally aspirated engine, the Syros feels more responsive and will not feel short on power, especially when the car is fully loaded with five people. The Sonet’s rear seat is also not as spacious, so it ends up being a compromise for rear passengers.The Tata Punch is a different kind of option. It is a smaller segment and does not feel as premium as the other two. While it offers good value and more features for the price, it cannot match the space, comfort, and overall feel of the Syros or Sonet.

Kia Syros

Kia Sonet

Tata Punch

Autocar India

•3h

Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus. It is the better fit for your usage, especially with more highway driving. The Kylaq stands out because of its turbo petrol engine and overall driving feel. It is more responsive, pulls stronger on highways and feels more stable at higher speeds. The ride is also better sorted, which adds confidence on long drives. If you enjoy driving and want something that feels solid and engaging, the Kylaq clearly has the edge. The torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic and quick when you need it, but the downside is fuel efficiency, which will be noticeably lower than that of the Amaze.The Honda Amaze VX CVT takes a different approach. It is smoother and easier to drive in city traffic, with a very relaxed automatic experience. It is also more predictable to own, with Honda’s strong reputation for consistent after-sales service and lower maintenance costs, making it the more hassle-free option in the long run.

Skoda Kylaq

Honda Amaze