I have been driving a Ford EcoSport Trend+ since 2018 and have done over 1,00,000 km on it. I am fully satisfied with its performance. Now I want to buy a mid-size petrol SUV. I am a driving enthusiast and prefer a car with good driving dynamics, strong road grip, and handling. My budget is up to ₹15 lakh. Which car would you suggest is best for me?

Autocar India

•1w

Since you are a driving enthusiast and are looking for a mid-size SUV with good driving dynamics, we would recommend the new Skoda Kushaq. Skoda recently unveiled the facelift and will also be announcing prices this month. The Kushaq is one of the more driver-focused mid-size SUVs with very good handling manners. It will feature two engines as before, a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre TSI.

If the bigger engine is out of budget, the 1.0-litre is also quite peppy and fun to drive, with good grip and cornering. Another SUV worth waiting for would be the Renault Duster, which is launching on the 17th of this month.

It gets a powerful turbo-petrol engine, and Renault has developed a good chunk of it at MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track) in Chennai and assures us that the handling would be exciting. If you aren't in a hurry, we advise you to wait till we get our hands on the Duster and even the updated Kushaq for a definitive verdict.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kushaq facelift

from ₹12.75 Lakh

Renault

Duster

from ₹12.23 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Yogesh

•1d

Hi all, I have been using a Skoda Rapid for the last 12 years, and it has amazing power and stability on the highway. I generally drive at the highest permissible speed on the expressway, and my Rapid has never disappointed me. Now it has started ageing and I am looking for a 5-star NCAP-rated SUV. Any recommendations for me, considering I drive weekly 150km in the city and occasional outings? The budget is around ₹30 lakh. Thanks for your recommendation.

Autocar India

•37m

Since you have had a positive experience with the Rapid, sticking to a Skoda would be ideal. The updated Skoda Kushaq was recently revealed, and the price launch is just around the corner. It will continue to get the 1.5 TSI engine that is unanimously loved for its performance inside the city and out on the highway. The facelift has not been tested for the Global NCAP rating, but the old Kushaq had scored a perfect 5-stars and the facelift is likely to follow the same.The new Kushaq is a facelift that brings with it new equipment and refreshed design, but mechanically, it has carried over its powertrain for the bigger engine. The smaller 1.0-litre TSI will feature a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but since you are a keen driver, we would recommend you stick to the 1.5.The engine also features cylinder deactivation, which helps save fuel in the city, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and effortless. The top-spec version would be well under your budget when it gets launched.

Skoda Kushaq

Rishabh

•1d

I am looking to buy a car which has an SUV touch, feels tough and is easy to drive in narrow or tier-II cities. Travelling is around 500-700km per month maximum, mostly within city driving. Budget around ₹12 to ₹13.5 lakh. It can be low on features as I am elderly, but needs a good feel, touch and driving comfort.

Autocar India

•1h

The Tata Nexon would be an ideal choice considering your requirements. It has a sense of toughness, especially over bad roads, is compact enough for narrow streets and comes with a modern cabin with the necessary creature comforts.This Tata car also offers a soft and comfy seat set at an ideal height, making it easy to get in and out of. Since your driving is fairly low, a petrol version would be the ideal choice. The Creative +S variant will fit in your budget and get you a good set of features too. If you want an automatic, there is also an AMT option that won't be as feature-loaded but will give you the convenience of an auto.

Tata Nexon

Philip Strange

•1d

Suggest a good automatic car petrol within 6 lakh.

Autocar India

•2h

Unfortunately, you don't have too many automatic options within Rs 6 lakh (on-road). Your options are Maruti Alto, Maruti S-Presso, Renault Kwid, and thanks to some on-going discounts, you could even manage to get a Celerio VXi AMT, which is the nicest and most premium option among the ones listed.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Renault Kwid

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