I am planning to buy a new car under a budget of Rs. 22-23 lakh. I drive a 12-year old Chevrolet Sail diesel now. I really enjoy driving this car, particularly its MultiJet engine with a good mid-range torque. I value driving dynamics and pleasure of driving more than fuel efficiency and features. I prefer sedan over an SUV. My dad owns a 2022 Skoda Slavia 1.0 MT. I really like that car but in city driving, I've felt noticeable turbo lag at low speeds. Other than that, Slavia is a very good car. So I have shortlisted 2026 Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG. But only thing that I worry about is the reliability of a DSG with its dry clutch system, because I tend to keep the car for at least next 7-8 years. Also, I have doubts about its city driving manners. But I live in a tier-2 city and encounter stop and go traffic rarely. I hit the highways often though. So, will the Slavia 1.5 satisfy my needs coming from a good torquey diesel engine? Another SUV that I am interested is the Duster/Tekton, because I have heard that they are the closest to the German twins in driving pleasure and dynamics. Can I go with the Slavia 1.5 DSG or should I go with Duster/Tekton 1.3 DCT?

autocar.india

•17h

For a first family car, I’d go for the Honda Elevate. It’s the most straightforward, easy-to-live-with choice here, with a proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a smooth CVT option. Honda’s established service network and reputation for durability should also appeal if hassle-free ownership is your priority.The Kushaq is the driver’s car, but its turbo-petrol engines are more complex than the Elevate’s naturally aspirated unit. The Nissan Tekton is a strong value proposition, though Nissan’s service network is not as extensive as Honda’s. And while its 1.3-litre turbo-petrol makes good power, the naturally aspirated Elevate may feel more predictable in stop-start traffic.One important update: the Elevate facelift is due to launch on October 6, just days away. It’s expected to bring styling and feature changes while retaining the same engine and gearbox options, so it may be worth waiting to see the final pricing and equipment before deciding.The Elevate may not be the most exciting SUV here, but for a family’s first car and a 65 per cent city commute, it looks like the sensible pick.

Honda Elevate

Skoda Kushaq

Nissan Tekton

autocar.india

•19h

Yes, the Renault Bigster will be the better choice if accommodating three adults in the second row is a priority. The Duster is a strong product with excellent ride comfort and driving dynamics, but its rear seat width is not its strongest point. The Bigster is positioned as a larger, more family-oriented three-row SUV, and one of its key advantages is a wider cabin and a more accommodating second row. It is designed to be a more practical family SUV, and that includes better space for three adults at the back. If your primary requirement is rear seat width and comfort for three passengers, the Bigster is the more suitable option but you'll have to wait till the middle of next year

Renault Bigster

Renault Duster

autocar.india

•5d

Given your requirements, the Kylaq Sportline is a good fit. The 1.0 TSI is a genuinely punchy engine that loves to be revved; the manual gearbox is slick, and the car has a great ride and handling balance. The Skoda Kylaq is also compact enough to be genuinely fun on tighter roads, and the ride is well sorted for broken patches, which addresses your concern about sedans.The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good car and has a more powerful engine, but it is not as driver-focused as the Kylaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo is a strong alternative if you want more outright performance, but it is a bigger car and does not feel as nimble as the Kylaq. The Kylaq is the right size, has the right engine and gearbox combination, and is genuinely fun to drive. At Rs 13 lakh, the Kylaq Sportline is also great value.

Skoda Kylaq

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Renault Duster