I’m planning to purchase my first car for daily use. My regular usage is around 80-100 km per week and about 1,000 km every two months. I prefer a 5-seater with good handling, preferably a compact SUV or SUV, within a budget of ₹17-20 lakh. I have shortlisted the Nexon, Sonet, Venue, Grand Vitara, Victoris, Seltos and, after its launch, the Sierra. I’m considering the higher or second-highest variants, and my preference is automatic. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2h

For long-term usage, the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) and the Maruti Victoris ZXi (O) strong hybrid are safer bets than the Tata Sierra Accomplished+ Turbo Petrol. Both come with a solid reputation for reliability and strong after-sales support, which is what really matters over 8-10 years of ownership.Between the Toyota HyCross and the Victoris, the HyCross is the more comfortable and practical choice. Its very spacious cabin, better third-row usability and comfortable ride make it a nicer long-distance family car. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is simple and proven, and its relaxed highway manners are a big plus if you do a lot of intercity trips.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid scores on efficiency and smoothness thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which is especially nice in traffic and helps keep running costs low. However, the boot is smaller, and the cabin is the least spacious of the three, so it’s not as versatile for full-family use. If you mainly drive yourself with only occasional passengers, the Victoris, which is also the most compact and city-friendly of the lot, is the easiest to live with in daily urban driving.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Sierra

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Autocar India

•2d

For your requirement, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol Renault Duster should be adequate for your usage, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Although we haven’t driven this engine in the Duster yet, we have experienced it in cars like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. In those cars, the engine feels peppy and responsive, especially in city conditions.Now, the Duster is a larger and heavier car, so performance will take a slight hit compared to those smaller SUVs. However, for city driving, it should feel more than sufficient, and thanks to the turbo, it will still offer good low-end torque, making it easy to drive in traffic. On the highway, it should be able to keep up with fast-moving traffic comfortably, and overtaking should not feel stressful.That said, we strongly recommend that you test drive the 1.0-litre version before deciding. Since it is a 3-cylinder engine, you may notice some vibration at idle and hard acceleration, something we have experienced in the Kiger and Magnite.If your priority is smoothness and refinement, you can also consider options like the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos, which offer more refined petrol engines. However, in terms of outright punch and torque feel, the turbo Duster will still feel stronger.

Renault Kiger

Renault Duster

Nissan Magnite

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Tata Sierra

Autocar India

•2d

Since you have evaluated the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and the Tata Sierra, it would be wise to check out the others in your shortlist too, namely the Renault Duster and the Skoda Kushaq. Checking out your options is always wise, especially when the purchase is of high value.If interior space and features are a key criterion, then the Duster and Kushaq aren't really better off than the Seltos. However, where the Duster and the Kushaq are really good is if you enjoy driving, as both SUVs have responsive engines and provide an entertaining handling feel with good road grip and body control around corners.

Renault Duster

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Tata Sierra