Test drove the Grand Vitara strong hybrid yesterday and honestly wasn't expecting the low speed EV mode to feel this smooth. Anyone else surprised by it the first time?

autocar.india

•20h

You do not have to use premium petrol in your Skoda Slavia. The 1.0 TSI engine is designed to run on regular petrol, and using premium fuel will not significantly improve performance or reliability. The bigger concern is your fuel efficiency of 8-9 km/l, which is quite low for this engine. This is likely due to heavy city traffic, short trips or driving style rather than the fuel itself.If you are looking for a reliable, safe and efficient hybrid under Rs 20 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid is the best option. It uses the same strong hybrid system as the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, offering excellent fuel efficiency in both city and highway conditions. On the highway, you can realistically expect over 20kpl depending on your driving style and speed. The Victoris also benefits from Maruti's wide service network and a slightly more premium interior than the Grand Vitara.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid is essentially the same car with the same hybrid system, so the choice comes down to brand preference and dealership experience. Both are reliable, safe and efficient options that will significantly reduce your running costs compared to the Slavia.

Skoda Slavia

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

autocar.india

•1h

With a budget of Rs 12 lakh and a clear preference for a diesel automatic, you would have just two cars that you could look at: the Tata Nexon and the Kia Sonet. The Kia Sonet has the edge over the Tata when it comes to engine performance as well as the gearbox, which will be smoother in stop-and-go traffic, being a torque convertor unit. The Tata Nexon, on the other hand, is an AMT - automated manual, in which the shifts can be felt and at times feel jerky. Thus, if it's a lot of city driving that you will do, the Kia would offer a much more pleasurable experience. However, bear in mind that the rear space is quite cramped and not as much as the Nexon, which feels a bit better. Overall, though, we would lean towards the Kia.

Tata Nexon

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•1h

Since you have been driving a Polo GT for the past eight years, it is clear you enjoy a car that is compact, well-built and fun to drive. With a budget of Rs 25 lakh and a preference for automatic transmission, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG is the most natural upgrade. It retains the same Volkswagen Group DNA you are familiar with, offers a strong 1.5 turbo petrol engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that delivers quick, crisp shifts. The Kushaq also offers a more spacious cabin and a higher seating position without losing the engaging driving character you have enjoyed in the Polo GT.If you are open to a slightly different flavour, the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG is essentially the same mechanical package with a slightly different design and interior feel, but it misses the rear seat massage feature from the Kushaq. Both cars offer a significant step up in performance, refinement and practicality while staying true to the driving experience you have enjoyed for the past eight years.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun