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Ghulam Mohd

•16w

I want to buy a new SUV. I often drive on rough, hilly roads. My budget is below 15 lakh. I need a car that will last a long time.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•16w
There are two options for you to consider. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a good pick for many reasons. First and foremost is its ladder frame construction that makes the Jimny feel tough and capable to deal with the worst of roads and surfaces. There's also the added ability of 4x4.
The Jimny is great off-road and can take you to places where few other like-priced cars can. The Jimny is also narrow, which comes in handy on hilly roads. Maruti Suzuki's strong after-sales support and easy parts availability will also ensure years of stress-free ownership. Drawbacks on the Jimny are its large turning circle, small cabin (there's only space for 4) and unexciting engine. 

If you aren't in need of something as hardcore, the Honda Elevate is an option to consider. It stands out amongst front-wheel drive SUVs thanks to a tough build and robust suspension that feels absorbent even on big potholes and poor roads.
Compared to a Jimny, the Elevate is more upmarket inside and has comfortable seating. Being a Honda car, it will last long without giving any major mechanical issues.  
Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Maruti Suzuki

Jimny

from ₹14.32 Lakh

Honda Elevate

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.49 Lakh

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Abhay Pota

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What would be the best automatic SUV under ₹20 lakh with good mileage, a 5-star safety rating and a comfortable rear seat for 3 people? 90% city driving with occasional highway drives.

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Go for the Honda Elevate VX CVT. It combines a 5-star JNCAP safety rating, smooth city-friendly CVT, and a wide, flat rear bench that can seat three adults comfortably.With 90% city use, the Elevate’s CVT makes stop-and-go driving smooth and jerk-free, which reduces fatigue. Expect about 11-12 kpl in the city and 15-16 kpl on highways from the CVT, so your occasional trips won’t sting on fuel. The rear seat is broad with a near-flat floor and supportive cushioning, so three medium-built adults can sit side-by-side more comfortably than in many midsize SUVs. You can get the top variant within your budget, and there are currently good offers available on the Elevate as well.The one thing you give up is outright punch on fast highways, as overtakes have to be more planned than turbo petrol rivals.

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Shivathmaja PS

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I am looking to buy a car for my parents, who do not drive, so it will mostly be chauffeur-driven. My main priority is rear seat comfort. We are upgrading from a 2011 Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The car will mainly be used for highways and long trips, with minimal city usage. However, I would prefer an automatic transmission in case I need to use it occasionally in the city (Bengaluru). Before starting test drives, I wanted your suggestions on some suitable vehicles. Based on my initial research, I have shortlisted the following options: Honda City ZX CVT Kia Seltos HTX iVT Honda Elevate ZX CVT Škoda Slavia 1.5L Sportline DSG or 1.0 Monte Carlo AT Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT My budget is around ₹20–21 lakh. Which option would you recommend, especially considering rear seat comfort and highway usability?

Autocar India team

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Verified
•1d

Go for the Honda City ZX CVT. For chauffeur‑driven parents, it offers the comfiest rear bench, ample legroom, and a smooth CVT for Bengaluru traffic within your ₹20-21 lakh budget.Rear comfort is its strength: the 2,600 mm wheelbase helps knee-room, the rear seat is well-cushioned with good thigh support, and the ride is tuned soft for long trips. The 506‑litre boot easily swallows luggage for highway runs. ZX adds 6 airbags and ADAS with adaptive cruise control, useful on long highways. The CVT’s smooth creep and no shift‑shock make occasional city use easy. Versus your shortlist, Elevate’s rear bench feels upright, while Slavia/Virtus ride firmer and are more driver‑centric for back‑seat comfort.The one thing you give up is ground clearance in comparison to the Elevate. Also, if getting in and out is a concern, the Elevate's high-set seats would make it easier. A test drive should sort that out. For now, we recommend the City for its hassle-free ownership experience, reliability and most of all, a refined and comfortable cabin.

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Alok Tirkey

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I need a 7-seater family car under a ₹16-17 lakh budget with safety and mileage for medium running. Ertiga, XL6, Clavis, Scorpio N, etc. I want to invest in only one car for long-term, 10+ year use. Please suggest.

Autocar India team

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•4h

The Kia Carens Clavis would be a good option for you. The insides and comfy, and the third row is spacious for two adults and has AC vents as well as type C ports for charging. With three rows up, there's also a fairly useable 216-litres of boot space, and there is some more space under the boot floor too.Kia cars have proven to be quite reliable, and this would serve you well since you plan to keep it for a long time. The car is well-equipped with a host of safety features that are standard, and since mileage is also your priority, we would suggest you opt for the diesel or the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.5-litre petrol engine.

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Posted on: 22 Nov 2025