I’m confused between the Skoda Kushaq and Kia Seltos. My usage will be mostly on the highway, with trips planned mainly on weekends. I’m 5'8" and am looking for a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol SUV with good power, comfort, performance, suspension, handling and stability, along with an overall engaging driving experience. This will be my first car, so please suggest which one I should go for.

autocar.india

•1d

Given your usage pattern, the Mahindra Bolero is the most sensible recommendation. Your monthly running is high, with a significant highway component, but the key factor is the 30% rugged rural roads and the need to occasionally carry 200-250 kg of farm produce. The Bolero is built exactly for this kind of use case. It has a tough ladder-frame chassis, simple mechanicals and a reputation for durability on rough roads. The diesel engine is robust and well suited to long-distance running, and the suspension is designed to handle poor road conditions and heavy loads without complaint. It is not the most refined or feature-rich vehicle, but it is reliable, easy to maintain and has excellent service reach in rural areas. At your budget of Rs 10-12 lakh, it is also one of the few vehicles that genuinely meets your requirements without compromise.If you want something more comfortable and modern, the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel is worth considering, but it will not be as rugged or as load-friendly as the Bolero. For your specific needs, the Bolero remains the most practical and dependable choice.

Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•3d

For a first-time buyer who is new to driving, prioritises highway use and wants an automatic under Rs 12 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza automatic is the most sensible recommendation. It is one of the easiest cars to drive in the segment, with good all-round visibility, a comfortable driving position and a smooth torque converter automatic gearbox that is far more refined than the AMT gearboxes found at this price point. On the highway, the Brezza feels stable and confidence-inspiring, while in city traffic the gearbox is smooth and the car is easy to manoeuvre. Maruti’s service network and low running costs also make it a stress-free ownership proposition, which is important for a first-time buyer. The only real drawback is that the Brezza is not the most feature-rich car in the segment, but it gets the basics right and is a easy car to live with. If you want something with a bit more space and a more premium feel, the Mahindra XUV 3XO automatic is also worth considering, but the Brezza remains the safer and more beginner-friendly choice.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•3d

Given your usage of 30,000 km in a year, a diesel automatic is the right move, and both the Tata Sierra and Tata Curvv are strong options. The Sierra is the better choice if you priorities space, comfort and a more premium cabin experience. It offers a larger, more comfortable rear seat, a more spacious boot and a more relaxed long-distance touring character. There's also a lot of new features and tech with the Sierra, though on the higher trims. The Curvv, appeals with its coupe like styling but the trade-off is that it is not as spacious or as comfortable for rear-seat passengers. Between the two, the Sierra is also likely to hold on to its resale value better and it is the one we would lean towards.

Tata Sierra

Tata Curvv