autocar-logo
Delhi
SD

Shishir Dash

15w

I own a 2017 i20 Sports petrol and want to upgrade to an SUV. I’m a driving enthusiast and use the car for daily office commute as well as long weekend trips, so usage will be mixed. I like the Hyundai Creta and Alcazar but worry about their mileage and modest petrol power. Is there a reliable, feature-packed alternative (not Suzuki) that offers better fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
14w

That is a difficult balance to achieve, but two cars come close to your requirements, the Volkswagen Taigun GT 1.5 turbo and the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSi

Both use the same engine, and their performance is on par with the Hyundai Creta 1.5 turbo, which already offers strong performance. The advantage of the VW and Skoda engines is cylinder deactivation, which helps significantly on the highway. 

When the engine is under low load, it can shut down two of the four cylinders to save fuel and improve efficiency. Both cars are well-equipped, too. We would suggest waiting for the facelift versions, which are expected very soon.

Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen Taigun

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

Latest questions people are discussing

JA

JAYAPRAKASH

4d

I currently own a 2018 Honda WR-V diesel manual (6-speed), which has run about 50,000 km, along with a Tata EV purchased in 2023, which has covered around 20,000 km. I have now decided to replace my WR-V with a BS6 diesel automatic car. Could you please suggest which diesel automatic model would be the best choice according to Autocar?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
16h

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

VehicleHyundai Venue
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleTata Sierra
VehicleHyundai Creta
NA

Nano

2d

I am looking for an upgrade. Does it make sense to buy the 3XO, coming from a Honda City? Please suggest. (Also open to other options)

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

If an upgrade necessarily means a larger car for you, the Mahindra 3XO won't be the right move after a Honda City. You'd be best served by midsized SUVs, which measure between 4.3 and 4.5m. Of the current crop of mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra are the best-rounded. The new-gen Renault Duster that launches on March 17 also has promise.If vehicle size isn't a dealbreaker, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good pick. It's got powerful petrol engines, feels solid, and ride and handling are also impressive. The interior is also spacious for what is a compact SUV, and higher-spec versions pack in loads of equipment too. In fact, a fully-loaded 3XO is better equipped than a fully-loaded City.Within the compact SUV segment, you could also consider the Hyundai Venue, which is a well-rounded package.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleHonda City
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta
VehicleTata Sierra
VehicleRenault Duster
SA

Saransh

3d

I am planning to buy a new SUV at around ₹17 lakh on-road price and have shortlisted the Honda Elevate ZX, Kia Seltos HTK and new Kushaq Prestige. I primarily need a car for 80% driving in the city and around 1000-1200 km per month. Which is better in terms of engine and mileage? Is the Honda Elevate outdated compared to other cars in the segment?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
20h

The Honda Elevate is a good option for your needs. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the CVT automatic gearbox is well-suited to city driving. The car is spacious and comfortable, and the ZX variant is well-equipped too. However, in comparison to the Seltos, it does not have the space or the modernity, and the cabin does not feel as plush.The Kia Seltos HTK with the CVT gearbox is the best option considering all your needs. It is a lot better-equipped than the Honda, has a better ride quality, and the engine has a lot more punch and strong performance while still being easy to drive in the city. The smoothness, refinement and ease of use are why the Seltos will be our recommendation.The Skoda Kushaq is a good option, too. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quite efficient, but it is not as smooth as the 1.5-litre engines of the Honda and Kia. The facelift that was recently revealed will be launched in a few days, but it hasn't changed much in the rear seat space, where it is still not as spacious as the Seltos. So we would advise you to shortlist the Seltos.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleSkoda Kushaq

Posted on: 30 Nov 2025