Hello Autocar. I have been looking for a second car for our family. We currently own a Tata Tiago EV Long Range, which is used for all our city driving and weekend trips to our hometown, around 80 km one way. However, we now feel the need for a dedicated highway car because we miss taking longer family road trips. Our budget is under Rs. 15 lakh. My primary choice was the Honda Elevate VX Manual. I deliberately avoided the CVT because we already have an automatic EV for city use, and I don't think a petrol automatic can match the smoothness and instant response of an EV. However, I've started reconsidering my decision because I feel the Elevate isn't the ideal highway cruiser. While it is spacious and comfortable, it doesn't feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds, and its highway fuel efficiency isn't very impressive. The next option I shortlisted is the Hyundai i20 N Line N6 Manual. I generally prefer spacious hatchbacks over sub-4 metre SUVs, and I never really liked that segment. Choosing the N Line would also save me around Rs. 5 lakh compared to the Elevate, while offering better cruising ability and fuel efficiency, considering this car will be used almost exclusively for highways and long road trips. My main question is whether the i20 N Line would be comfortable enough for a family of four with some luggage. All of us are lean, under 170 cm tall, and below 60 years of age. Everyone in the family likes the idea of the N Line. We have also ruled out diesel cars because my family doesn't like them, and I didn't push that option either due to DPF concerns and the fact that the car won't be used regularly. Please advise whether the i20 N Line N6 Manual would be a good choice for us.

Question

Autocar India team · Accepted Answer

The Hyundai i20 N Line N6 manual is a good highway car. Its tall sixth gear allows it to cruise comfortably at highway speeds while returning respectable fuel efficiency. The engine has a strong mid-range, making overtakes easy, and it feels stable at high speeds. For your use case, performance will feel noticeably dulled with four people on board, and pushing the engine harder will reduce fuel efficiency. It also suffers from a weak bottom end, so performance below 2,000rpm is not particularly strong. A full load can also leave ground clearance marginal over taller speed breakers, and the ride is on the firmer side, which passengers may find uncomfortable. While cabin space is generally good for the segment, the boot may feel tight when carrying luggage for four.

The Honda Elevate has a definite advantage when it comes to space. While your family of four, all under 170cm tall, will fit comfortably in the i20, the Elevate gives them more room to stretch out, which matters on longer journeys. Its shorter gearing means performance is actually quite good for a naturally aspirated engine, but as you pointed out, it does not feel particularly relaxed at highway speeds.

If you can live with the i20 N Line’s shortcomings, it is a good fit for your needs and significantly cheaper than the Elevate. Before making a decision, take your family on an extended highway test drive to see how they feel in the rear seat. As a family car, though, the Elevate is the better choice.

Alternatively, consider the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI manual. It offers better highway performance than the Elevate, more space than the i20, and is one of the best-handling SUVs in its class, which you are likely to enjoy.

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