So the new Kia Sorento's booking has already opened. I already love the Sorento before it ever entered the Indian Market. My family has been on the look out for a new car (hybrid), and so far our only option was the Innova Hycross. Now with the expected launch of the Sorento and its ex-showroom price of 40 Lakhs, I am not so sure if that's worth it. Especially if you can get a Hycross ZX(O) for a little over 35 Lakhs. Toyota has always been behind in terms of features compared to the competition. The reason I hate the Forturner and its absurd pricing. So I am not sure what to make of it. Could you help me decide what would be a better option. It should be driver focused car, not a chauffeur car. Minimum running in a day 100KMS to 300 KM. Mixture of city and highways. We have Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, we like it but it sucks to drive that thing on the highway. Especially at higher speeds like 100-120Km/hr, makes too much engine noise, hard to keep it cruising at the same speed, even if we try the milage drops significantly. Normally it gives around 18-22 km/l in summers and in winters 26-28km/l, but if we take it for a road trip, you will be lucky to get 17. Another concern is the LED headlamps, their throw is so bad, can't see anything while driving at night especially on the highways (I don't like to use high beam because I know what's it like to be on the other end, when an idiot has his 400 W LED on high beam). People I know have reported the same problems with the hycross. Should I just wait till the car is officially launched and then make my decision?

autocar.india

•5d

The choice really comes down to your usage and what you value in the car. If you need more space for both passengers and luggage and have a few long drives that you would undertake, then opt for the Tata Sierra. This Tata car is much larger and has a very spacious interior. The ride quality is also very good over both bad city roads as well as high highway speeds. If, however, your usage is mainly going to be within the city, then the Kia Syros is the better buy. Its compact footprint will be much easier to manage while driving congested streets, and finding parking would be easier. You would also enjoy the top variant of the Kia car and its features.

Tata Sierra

Kia Syros

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI Sport. Coming from a Polo and Vento automatic, you already appreciate Volkswagen’s driving DNA, and the Taigun 1.5 TSI is a natural progression. The engine is punchy, the DSG gearbox is quick and engaging, and the overall driving experience is far more involving than the Seltos. The Taigun also feels more compact and agile in the city, while still being comfortable on the highway. The Volkswagen Taigun mileage is 19.54 kpl for the 1.0 TSI AT, 19.98 kpl for the 1.0 TSI MT, and 18.85 kpl for the 1.5 TSI DCT.The Kia Seltos diesel X-Line is a strong all-rounder with better space, a more premium cabin and a more relaxed long-distance character, but it does not offer the same level of driver engagement. The diesel engine is efficient and torquey, but it lacks the excitement of the 1.5 TSI. Given your history with Volkswagen cars, the Taigun will simply feel more familiar and more enjoyable to drive every day. The Taigun price starts at Rs 11.00 lakh (ex-showroom).

Volkswagen Taigun

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•5d

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis diesel automatic. It is the most sensible and well-rounded choice for your requirements. The Carens is a genuinely spacious seven-seater with a comfortable third row, which is important when the car will be shared between families. The diesel automatic is the right powertrain for strong fuel efficiency and effortless performance, especially on highways and with a full load. The Carens also comes well equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, and Kia’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The only real drawback is that the Carens does not have the same SUV-like road presence as some rivals, but as a practical family car it is hard to fault. If you want something with a more rugged SUV feel, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is worth considering, but mileage would be lower. The Carens is the better all-round family car.

Kia Carens Clavis

Mahindra XUV 7XO