New SUV budget ₹50 lakh. Is the Fortuner being launched in the next couple of months?

Autocar India

•9h

Yes, priced at Rs 39.99 lakh, ex-showroom India, the Skoda Kodiaq Lounge represents great value for money. It's a full Rs 4 lakh cheaper than the Kodiaq Sportline and Rs 6.5 lakh cheaper than the L&K variant, and you don't miss out on that much. The main difference, of course, is the lack of a third row, though these seats were quite small to begin with. It misses some features too, but none of them is essential. For instance, the boot is still powered but loses its hands-free-opening function, the touchscreen is slightly smaller, the front passenger seat is not powered, there's just a rear-view camera instead of a 360deg camera, and the 13-speaker Canton audio system is replaced by a simpler one with 9 speakers. What remains unchanged is the powertrain - a 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with AWD and a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Also unchanged is the well-sorted chassis, high interior quality and solid build, which is really what you're getting a Kodiaq for in the first place.

Skoda Kodiaq

Autocar India

•3d

You want to build a serious off-road machine and still live with it day to day. In that case, the Fortuner 4x4 AT is the stronger fit for you. It addresses your concerns about rear seats and comfort much better than the Hilux. The Fortuner’s back seat is more relaxed, the ride is softer for passengers, and the cabin works better for friends and family on long drives. Off the road, its shorter length makes it a touch easier on tight, broken paths and over sharp crests.The Hilux does look cooler and the discounts are real, and we get why that tempts you. But its rear seat is upright and space is tighter, and with the empty cargo bed the ride can feel bouncy in the city. The long body can also touch down on sharp humps or ridges. Stock vs stock, neither is clearly 'better' off road. Both Toyota cars share the same strong diesel, four-wheel drive with low range (an extra-low gear for rough ground), and a locking rear axle. Tyres, ground-clearance add-ons, and driver skill will make the bigger difference.If you want a build-first truck and you rarely carry people in the back, the Hilux High 4x4 (MT or AT) then makes sense. The flat load bed is perfect for a winch, spare wheels, jerry cans, and a canopy, and the discount can fund tyres and protection parts. But for mixed daily use plus trail days, the Fortuner 4x4 AT lines up best with what you described.

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Fortuner

Autocar India

•9h

The Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol HTK (O) MT fits your brief best. In daily traffic, the Seltos will be easy to drive thanks to its smooth, naturally aspirated petrol engine and light gearshift and clutch, and the higher seat makes getting in and out easy. It also rides over bad roads and tall speed breakers without worry, which matters on mixed city-highway use. Space is good for four and fine for five for shorter trips, and the boot will take a family’s weekend bags.The HTK (O) MT is a good value for money as it offers quite a few features for the price. Just bear in mind that, on the highway, the engine will require a bit more effort to make easy overtakes. If your trips are often with four adults and lots of luggage, and you value a bigger boot and stronger pull on the highway, look at the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Sportline MT. Its small turbo engine gives more punch. But it is a lower car, so entry is not as easy, and you have to be a bit more careful on rough roads. Compared to the Seltos' naturally aspirated 1.5, you'll also experience some turbo lag at city speeds, and at your budget, you won't get as many features. Overall, for your mix of city and highway and firm budget, the Seltos HTK is the most practical pick.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Slavia