Hello, I’m in the market for my first, and likely only, luxury car. I’m currently considering SUVs. I’ve test-driven the GLC, the new X3 30, Q5, and the XC60. At this point, I’m leaning strongly toward the X3, although I was quite impressed with the Volvo as well. For some context, I currently drive a 2016 Creta, which is now in its 11th year. My usage is primarily city commuting, averaging around 500 km per month. My main question is whether the X3 is a good daily driver, given its size. I’m planning to make the purchase later this year or early next year, ideally with minimal financing. From a timing perspective, what level of discounts could I expect if I target early next year?

autocar.india

•1h

If your budget permits, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG is a sensible choice. It is a practical mid-size SUV that offers better comfort and features for family use. Its CNG tank is positioned beneath the boot floor, so luggage space is not significantly compromised. Additionally, being a Maruti Suzuki car, it offers a hassle-free ownership experience with an extensive service network, making the transition from the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG seamless. If the budget is tighter, the Tata Punch iCNG is a strong option. Its tall stance makes ingress-egress easy, while the overall driving experience feels like a significant step up from the Wagon R CNG in terms of safety and everyday comfort. Tata's twin-cylinder CNG layout keeps most of the boot usable, making it practical for family use. It also feels tough over broken roads, which adds to its everyday usability.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

autocar.india

•2h

Pick the Hyundai Verna. Coming from a City, you’ll appreciate the airy cabin, big rear seat and boot, and the way it smooths out rough patches. You said you’ll use it frequently, and the Verna feels secure and relaxed at highway speeds while still being easy in tight city gaps, so it won’t feel like a step down from your Honda on the daily grind. It's also well equipped, and you get a choice of two distinct petrol engines, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The former is the better all-rounder, smoother and lighter on the pocket, with the better auto gearbox - a CVT. The latter is punchier but drinks noticeably more fuel and gets a clunkier DCT gearbox. If your usage is mostly on the highway, the turbo petrol might make sense, but in most cases, the regular 1.5 petrol is better.The Skoda and Volkswagen are also excellent choices, especially if you enjoy driving. Their turbo engines are punchy, though they are also heavy drinkers if you are not careful, and Skoda/VW service is not quite as bulletproof as Hyundai's. Moreover, both sedans are due for a facelift very soon, so we would recommend waiting to see what's in store before taking the plunge. If you're in a hurry, though, the Verna is the safer bet.

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•4h

Skip the Audi A4 and go for the BMW X1. It is the freshest luxury model you’ll get around Rs. 50-55 lakh, so you won’t be buying something that already feels old, and it will age better than a 5-year-old A4. Since you’re open to an SUV, the BMW car makes daily life easy. It is compact enough to drive in the city, comfortable on bad roads, and still relaxed at highway speeds. It also gives you more space and a bigger boot than any sedan in this budget, which helps if you have a family or do airport runs often.Do note, though, that the X1's performance is just alright. The X1’s engines are fine, not thrilling, and the cabin doesn’t feel as plush as the bigger German sedans.If you must have a sedan at this price, look at the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. It is newer than the A4, sharp to drive, and usually fits the budget, but rear seat space is tight.

BMW X1

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Audi A4