With the new 1.0 eight speed AT in Kushaq, how would you rate the overall reliability? Is it still worrisome to get Kushaq over the segment's top-selling rivals?

autocar.india

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Get the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic because, for Bangalore, it nails the tough-build, sorted ride and sharp handling you asked for while staying near Rs.15 lakh ex-showroom in Signature trim. The turbo-petrol engine has real shove at city speeds, so gaps are easy to exploit, and on your twice-a-year highway runs it cruises calmly with enough punch for quick overtakes. It feels solid, has strong crash-test ratings, and its suspension handles broken roads and speed breakers without the nervous bounce you get in some rivals.Go for the automatic over the manual since it will make your life a lot easier in heavy Bengaluru traffic. NVH levels are generally good; at idle, the three-cylinder thrum is a bit audible, but it fades once you're moving.Alternatively, consider the Kia Seltos 1.5-litre petrol IVT in HTK (O) trim. It fits your budget, is a physically larger car with more interior space than the Kushaq, and is very smooth and effortless to drive in the city. The catch is that it won't have the turbo-petrol punch of the Kushaq on the highway. Test-drive both to see which you prefer.

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

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The Hyundai Creta N Line is a sportier-looking derivative of the Creta. It gets revised front-end styling, red detailing, larger 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and dual tip exhausts on the outside. The interior gets an all-black look with red detailing, which does give the cabin a sporty flavour. Unique to the Creta N Line is the option of a manual gearbox with the turbo-petrol engine. The steering has also been redone for more weight.The larger wheels and tweaks to the steering do make the Creta N Line feel slightly sportier to drive. However, the dual tip exhausts sound no different to the standard Creta's, and that's a downer. Further, the move to larger wheels comes with a firmer ride, which can get uncomfortable. Also, the 6-speed manual gearbox isn't the slickest or most enjoyable. We'd stick to the DCT.In a nutshell, while the N Line does look distinctive and attractive, it isn't the best Creta you can buy. The standard model feels comfier, and its lower price also makes it a better deal. If you want an enjoyable driving experience above all else, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG or VW Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG will satisfy you more.

Hyundai Creta

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

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All three options have their highlights. The Kushaq is the most enjoyable to drive, the Duster feels the most rugged, while the Seltos feels the plushest. Given your usage, we'd recommend the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG as the best pick. It's got the nicest gearbox, feels the peppiest, and will liven up your frequent highway drives. There is a firmness to the suspension, but it's not uncomfortable. The Skoda feels smaller than the others, and the positive to that is that it will put the driver at greater ease in congested city roads. On the flipside, the Kushaq isn't as spacious as the Duster or Seltos and is best thought of as a four-seater - the rear seat is not ideal for three passengers. If you want a more complete all-rounder, the Kia Seltos is a great pick. The DCT isn't the smoothest in town, though.

Skoda Kushaq

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos