Dear Autocar team, I have just returned to India and am looking to purchase a compact SUV just for the two of us for 60-40% city and highway split. I want a car that feels lovely to drive and is engineered well. I am not into "features" for the sake of it. I almost bought the Sierra/Creta EVs, then realized that I don't want to spend so much, and haven't seriously thought about highway charging. I've tried the Kushaq/Taigun and really loved their built and handling. This is when I realized that I really care about the feel of driving. Only issues are firmer suspension and fuel economy. I've also booked the Duster hybrid which should solve these two problems, but I haven't test driven the petrol Duster long enough to know if I get a similar feeling on the drive. What I did feel was a cramped cabin on the duster as my left knee was on the center console and right knee was on the door. This was not a concern with the Kushaq and Taigun. I'll try the Duster petrol again, and then also the hybrid. But I wonder if I should just get the Skoda/Volkswagen since I love them. I should perhaps think about resale, maintenance etc.

autocar.india

•2d

With an on road budget of Rs. 20 lakh, stretchable to Rs. 25 lakh, the best fit is a compact or mid-size SUV with a punchy engine, large alloy wheels and a good factory-fitted sound system. The key is to choose a car that delivers all three without compromising ride comfort on Indian roads. A powerful engine and big wheels can make a car fun to drive, but the largest wheel option isn't always the most comfortable.The Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic is the closest match if you want something distinctive, powerful and with a premium sound system. Its top variants get 19-inch wheels and a banging 12-speaker JBL system. The Kia Seltos is another good option, with an available Bose sound system and 18-inch wheels, while the Skoda Kushaq is worth considering if driving enjoyment matters more than sheer size or visual presence.Before choosing, prioritise a test drive over the wheel size alone: larger wheels can make sharp bumps more noticeable.

Tata Sierra

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

autocar.india

•1d

Given that you're upgrading from a Citroen C3, and looking at an excellent highway cruiser while keeping running costs in check, we'd strongly recommend you to consider the Renault Duster Hybrid Evolution variant, which is priced similar to other cars that you've shorlisted. The hybrid powertrain will be very efficient, and Duster's excellent suspension tune makes it ideal for your kind of usage. Sure, cabin space is not as generous as the Kia Seltos, and Renault's service network isn't as widespread as Maruti's. If you want to pick from the cars you've shortlisted, the Kia Seltos diesel-automatic is the one to get - it feels thoroughly modern; it gives you the most premium feel of the lot; and its diesel engine is smooth, refined and efficient.

Citroen C3

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•7h

If you have already driven the Kia Syros EV and like its space, ride quality and interiors, there is little reason to wait for Hyundai’s upcoming EV purely on the strength of the hype. The Hyundai is expected to be a smaller, more affordable electric SUV, positioned closer to the Tata Punch EV or Nexon EV rather than as a direct rival to the Syros EV.That said, Hyundai has confirmed a compact EV for India, expected to debut in early 2027, with standard range and long-range versions. Battery capacities and prices are not confirmed, so it is too early to assume it will be significantly cheaper or have a shorter range.Since you are stretching your budget for the Syros EV X Line, waiting a few months to see the Hyundai’s pricing and real-world range is sensible. But if the Syros already meets your needs and you are comfortable with the price, there is no compelling reason to delay your purchase for an unlaunched car.

Kia Syros EV

Tata Punch EV

Tata Nexon EV