I am planning to buy a sedan. My annual driving is less than 10,000 km, with around 80% highway usage consisting of short trips of about 30-50 km. Would it be a good decision to buy the 1.0-litre Volkswagen Virtus or Skoda Slavia? I am especially concerned about after-sales service and long-term maintenance costs.

Autocar India

•4d

For your needs, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are good options. Both cars are mechanically identical, so it ultimately comes down to which one you prefer in terms of styling and interiors, and which brand has a service centre closer to you. Performance from the 1.0-litre TSI engine is more than adequate for your highway trips, and fuel efficiency is respectable on the highway as well. The six-speed torque converter is excellent; however, in your case, since most of your driving is on the highway, the slick 6-speed manual is a fine choice.

Volkswagen and Skoda have had a reputation for higher maintenance costs in the past. But both brands have improved things significantly with their INDIA 2.0 cars, which include the Virtus and Slavia.

One thing to note, however, is that facelifts for both models are expected shortly. While these are likely to be relatively minor updates, similar to the one the Skoda Kushaq recently received. The 6-speed automatic is expected to be phased out and replaced by a new 8-speed unit, as seen on the Kushaq. Do consider this in your purchase decision.

Explore cars mentioned

Volkswagen

Virtus

from ₹12.23 Lakh

Skoda

Slavia

from ₹11.30 Lakh

Skoda

Kushaq facelift

from ₹12.75 Lakh

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Latest questions in the community

Debasish

•3d

I am new to car driving and have a budget of under ₹10 lakh. My priorities are good mileage, safety, low maintenance, comfort, and an automatic transmission. My usage will be 50% city and 50% highway, with a monthly running of around 1,000-1,400 km. Kindly suggest a suitable car.

Autocar India

•1h

We would recommend you look at the Nissan Magnite. Since you are new to driving, the higher seating would offer you a good view outside and a slightly more secure feel compared to hatchbacks or a sedan. The interiors are comfy and spacious enough for a family of four, and since your driving is on highways and city roads, the ride and handling balance of the Magnite will benefit you. Highway stability is good, and while the city ride can be firm, it does not feel uncomfortable at any point. Opt for the 1.0 litre non-turbo engine as it offers sufficient performance for a relaxed driving style and would be more fuel efficient than the turbo engine. Within your budget, you would also get a decently equipped variant. The Magnite is also a safe car well-equipped with safety features, and it also scored a 5-star rating in the GNCAP tests. Reliability is also good, Nissan's dealer network is not widespread, thus make sure you have a dealer in your area who has a good reputation too. If not, consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, as a sedan, you will not get that higher seating, but it will meet your other requirements of safety, low maintenance and comfort.

Nissan Magnite

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Jitender

•2w

I am planning to buy a new car, preferably a diesel. My daily driving is approximately 100 km in the city. I am currently driving a Toyota Fortuner 4x2 AT and am now considering upgrading to either a sedan or an SUV. My maximum budget is around ₹50 lakh (net) after exchanging my current vehicle. Could you please suggest a suitable vehicle in this budget that would be comfortable for daily usage and long-term ownership? Regards, Jitender

Autocar India

•3h

You should check out a luxury SUV such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, which will feel like a good upgrade to your Toyota Fortuner. They might not be as large, but given that your driving is in the city, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. They have sophisticated and refined petrol and diesel engine options, high-quality cabins and lots of features. Plus, they will be considerably more comfortable and easier to drive than the Fortuner. If you simply must have more space and size than the Fortuner, then consider the MG Majestor, which will be launching very soon. It's unclear how much you will get in exchange for your Fortuner, but assuming it is not too old, big Toyotas tend to hold their value well, so these SUVs should fit in your budget.

Aditya

Dear Autocar Team, I am planning to purchase a 7-seater SUV and would greatly appreciate your expert guidance in selecting the right vehicle. My daily running is approximately 40 km, and my key requirements are: Excellent overall comfort, especially for long drives A third row that is genuinely comfortable for adults Good road presence and premium looks that match societal standards Strong fuel efficiency and reasonable running costs Good value for money My budget is around ₹35 lakh, but I can stretch it up to ₹50 lakh if the vehicle justifies the price in terms of comfort, features, and overall experience. If most SUVs in this segment do not offer a truly comfortable third row for adults, I would appreciate your recommendation on which model provides the maximum usable third-row space. Looking forward to your expert advice.

Autocar India

•4h

Unfortunately, these days there is something of a void in the Rs 30-40 lakh price bracket, with all the models that existed here having either moved into a higher price range or been discontinued altogether. At the lower end of things, you could consider the Tata Safari, which is spacious, well-equipped, and crucially, very comfortable for all passengers. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is a little noisy, but it is strong and efficient if driven carefully. At the other end of the spectrum, in the Rs 50 lakh range, is the MG Gloster. It is soon to be succeeded by the MG Majestor, but even the outgoing car is big on space, comfort and luxury, with a third row that's genuinely usable. It too has a strong 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides effortless torque to move this large vehicle.

Tata Safari

MG Gloster

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