Delhi

•14h

Hi Team, I need your help in making a head vs. heart decision. I am a new driver and this would be my first car. My budget is around Rs. 15-16 lakh and I want a car with automatic transmission and should have BH number. I work in Delhi but my hometown is in Uttarakhand. My usage will be around 60% in the city and 40% on highway/hill runs. My overall running will be around 1,000 km per month. Since I am a bachelor, I will be mostly travelling alone and only sometimes with passengers. Jimny and Kylaq are front runners but I have a soft spot for the Gypsy, which used to be my dad's government car. Which car should I choose? I like Jimny Alpha AT but logically Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ makes more sense. I am open to other options as well.

•3m

The Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ automatic is the better choice for your usage, even though the Jimny has the stronger emotional appeal. The Jimny’s biggest strength is its off-road ability, which you’re unlikely to use often. In the city, its heavy steering and large number of turns lock to lock can make manoeuvring tiring, while the ride, though impressive for a ladder-frame SUV, still feels lumpier than the Kylaq’s. Its engine is also less suited to relaxed, quick highway overtakes.

The Kylaq, on the other hand, fits your Delhi commute and Uttarakhand trips better. Its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol has enough punch for highway driving, the six-speed torque converter automatic is smooth in traffic, and its comfortable ride and agile handling make it enjoyable without being demanding for a new driver. It should also feel more settled on long highway runs.

The Jimny will always have that Gypsy connection, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to want one. But buy the Kylaq with your head and heart: it is the more capable everyday companion for the driving you’ll actually do.

Explore cars mentioned

Skoda

Kylaq

from ₹8.47 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Jimny

from ₹14.55 Lakh

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•1d

I currently own a Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT that has completed 5 years with roughly 25 thousand kilometres. I am now planning to upgrade. Is turbo worth it or will naturally aspirated engine work? I am looking for a car that should not be longer than 4.2m and should offer decent mileage mainly for city driving. Can you suggest the most suitable car in this category?

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•3d

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•2d

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•4h

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•3d

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•4d

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•3d

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