I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Invicto. Is this a good option?

autocar.india

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For your mix of 350 km of highway driving each week and another 150 km in the city, the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid is a sensible recommendation. It combines good fuel efficiency with easy city driving, a comfortable highway ride and, crucially, a genuinely usable third row. If you regularly travel with adults in all three rows, it makes the strongest case. Toyota’s reputation for reliability adds to its appeal for long-term ownership. The Kia Sorento is a good alternative, especially since you are already leaning towards it. We would favour the diesel if highway cruising is your priority, although your city running means the hybrid deserves consideration too. The Sorento feels more plush and better appointed, and we would rate it above this Toyota car as a highway cruiser.What could be the deal-breaker is the third row. It is better suited to children or occasional use by adults. The low seating position leaves you sitting with your knees raised, rather than comfortably supported, so make sure your intended passengers try it before you decide.On safety, we would not judge the Sorento by the reputation of other Kia models sold in India. Safety is model-specific, and the Sorento generation tested by Euro NCAP earned five stars. The Skoda Kodiaq is the driver’s choice here, with excellent dynamics and a premium cabin. If self-drive enjoyment matters more than maximum passenger space, it is very appealing. However, its third row is less accommodating than the Hycross’s, and its petrol-only powertrain is unlikely to match the Toyota hybrid’s economy for your usage.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Sorento

Skoda Kodiaq

autocar.india

•1d

Your logic is partially sound, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The extra weight of an electric car does help the suspension settle over small undulations and broken patches, which is why cars like the Kia Syros EV can feel more planted than their ICE counterparts. However, that same weight also puts more strain on the suspension over larger bumps and potholes, which is where a more sophisticated setup like air suspension and rear axle steering really makes a difference. Air suspension can better manage the weight and provide a more consistent ride, while rear axle steering improves agility and stability, especially in a heavy EV.As for Mercedes-Benz not offering these features on the India-spec car, it is disappointing, especially at this price point. The decision is likely driven by cost and positioning relative to the BMW iX3, but it does feel like a compromise on what should be a flagship product. We will certainly raise this with Mercedes-Benz India at the launch.Ultimately, the best way to judge the car will be to drive it on Indian roads. If the suspension tuning is well sorted, the absence of air suspension may not be a deal-breaker, but it is something to be aware of given the price.

Kia Syros EV

BMW iX3

autocar.india

•1d

We’d recommend the Kia Sorento, specifically the six-seat HTX diesel automatic. Its second-row captain’s seats offer slide and recline adjustment, along with ventilation and rear air-conditioning vents, making it a much better fit for your chauffeur-driven usage. Be sure to choose the six-seater, as the seven-seat version has a conventional benchThe 2.2-litre diesel paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is an excellent combination for those regular 150km highway trips. It offers strong, effortless performance, while the comfortable ride and spacious second row should make spending long hours in the back considerably more relaxingSince under-thigh support is your main complaint with the Volvo, we’d strongly suggest taking an extended test drive from the rear seat. Adjust the seat slide and backrest recline to check whether the support suits you, rather than judging comfort during a quick showroom sit.Kia may not have Volvo’s premium cachet, but for your needs, the Sorento is all the car you need.

Kia Sorento