I currently own a Maruti Suzuki Swift that has done around 130,000 km, and I’ve loved driving it. I’m now planning to upgrade to a petrol manual SUV with a budget of around Rs. 25 lakh. We are a family of 4, and my usage is roughly 70% city and 30% highway. I have an opportunity to buy a Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport 1.5 TSI MT for around ₹28 lakh from a dealer. Automatic is a strict no because my son is learning to drive, and a manual would be good for that Should I go ahead with it? Is it a good upgrade considering my usage and preferences?

Autocar India

•2d

The new Renault Duster 1.3 DCT feels like the most natural upgrade. You already know and appreciate the Duster formula, but this new one moves the game on significantly. The big advantage is the wet clutch DCT, which is smoother and better suited to Indian traffic than the dry clutch DSGs in the VW and Skoda. Ride comfort is another big strength, and if you do long-distance touring, the Duster’s absorbent suspension and SUV character will feel instantly familiar, just in a far more polished package. The only real downside is that rear seat space is not class-leading.The Volkswagen Taigun GT and Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo are both excellent cars to drive. That 1.5 TSI is a strong engine, and both feel quick, polished and in some ways more sophisticated than the Duster. Between the two, the choice largely comes down to taste because mechanically, they are nearly identical. The Taigun has a more understated personality, while the Kushaq Monte Carlo feels a touch sportier. The caveat is the dry clutch DSG, which is brilliant once on the move, but not as naturally comfortable in heavy stop-and-go traffic as the Renault’s wet clutch setup.

Renault Duster

Volkswagen Taigun

Skoda Kushaq

Autocar India

•1d

For your priorities, we would suggest the Renault Duster 1.3 turbo DCT. Coming from an Ignis AMT, this will feel like a massive upgrade in every meaningful way. The wet clutch DCT is a big advantage in Bangalore traffic because it is smoother and less prone to overheating than the dry clutch DCT setups used in rivals like the Seltos and Creta, while still delivering quick responses when you want to drive enthusiastically.More importantly, the Duster is genuinely enjoyable from behind the wheel. It feels involving to drive, has strong performance from the 1.3 turbo petrol and the ride quality is very absorbent and comfortable, which matters on Bangalore’s mixed road conditions. The one trade off is rear seat space, which is not as generous as some rivals in this segment.If rear seat space matters more, the new Tata Sierra 1.5 turbo petrol automatic is also worth considering. It is practical, spacious and still nice to drive, though it is not quite as driver focused as the Duster.If your absolute priority is playing it safe from an ownership familiarity perspective, the Kia Seltos turbo DCT is the safer mainstream pick.

Renault Duster

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Kia Seltos

Autocar India

•1d

For a family of five under Rs. 16 lakh, the Honda Elevate is one of the strongest value for money options right now. It is well priced, offers a spacious cabin, a genuinely usable rear seat for three and Honda’s reliability reputation makes it an easy family car recommendation. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and dependable, though it is not the most exciting if outright performance matters.If you want something that feels more premium and more refined overall, the Hyundai Creta is a great option. It has a richer cabin, better feature set and feels more polished as an everyday family car. It is one of the most rounded choices in this segment.The new Kia Seltos is another strong contender and in some ways feels even more premium than the Creta. It has a spacious cabin, good comfort and a strong overall package, making it a very easy recommendation if you want something that feels a bit more upmarket.

Honda Elevate

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos