Hello Autocar, I am looking for a vehicle primarily for urban use, with occasional long-distance travel. My priorities include fuel efficiency, an engaging driving experience, ample space for five occupants, and a sufficient boot capacity. My budget is between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 16 lakh. I am currently considering the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Skoda Kushaq. I would appreciate your expert recommendation.

autocar.india

•9h

With your low monthly running and long-term ownership plan, petrol is the right choice. The Honda Elevate is the best fit here. It offers a spacious cabin with good rear legroom, a comfortable ride and Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and easy to live with, and the car is well suited to both city driving and occasional long trips. The Hyundai Creta is also a strong option with a more premium cabin and a slightly more comfortable ride, but the Elevate offers a bit more performance for highway use. The Skoda Kushaq is the driver’s car of the lot, but it is not as spacious as the rest. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid is a good, no-nonsense altenative. Go for the Elevate petrol CVT if you want an automatic, or the manual if you prefer to drive. It is the car you are most likely to be happy with after 10 years.

Honda Elevate

Hyundai Creta

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG. It is the better fit for your brief. The Kushaq is one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs in the segment, with strong performance, sharp handling and a genuinely engaging driving experience. The 1.5 TSI engine is punchy and refined, and the DSG gearbox delivers quick, seamless shifts. It is also not a large SUV, so it remains easy to manoeuvre in the city while still offering a comfortable ride and decent space for a family of four.If you are open to alternatives, the Volkswagen Taigun is mechanically identical to the Kushaq and worth considering if you prefer its styling or interior. The Honda Elevate is a sensible choice. It is reliable, easy to own and has Honda's reputation for long-term durability. But the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun 1.5 TSI are more compact and fun to drive.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Honda Elevate

autocar.india

•1d

With a budget of Rs 25 lakh and a monthly running of just 350- 400 km, petrol is the clear recommendation. At this usage level, the cost savings from diesel simply will not materialise, and petrol engines are quieter, smoother and generally easier to live with in the long term. As for transmission, go for an automatic. Modern automatics are smooth, stress-free in traffic and make everyday driving far more comfortable, especially in city conditions.Now, on the car itself. At Rs 25 lakh, a strong recommendation would be the new Skoda Kushaq, which has just been refreshed. It gets a lot more features, like ventilated seats in the front, a panoramic sunroof, massage seats in the back, and a decent amount of room as well.However, it is also very nice to drive, and since your priorities are performance, it will definitely do the job perfectly for you. Driving between cities and on highways, it is extremely stable. It is light and convenient in the city, and it is planted on the highway. The 1.5-litre TSI engine is the one we recommend, which blends performance and refinement. In your budget, you can get the top-spec Monte Carlo trim that comes loaded with all the bells and whistles and still save a good amount of money. However, if you want an even bigger car with a lot more power and three rows of seating, then the Mahindra XUV700 in its AX7 guise is a good consideration. It comes with a more powerful engine, a lot more features, and a lot more space as well. If you don't mind a large car, then that is a good choice, but if you want to stick to the compact dimensions, then the Kushaq is a preferred option.

Skoda Kushaq