I currently drive a 2022 Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo and am planning to upgrade to a new car sometime next year. I am particularly interested in hybrid vehicles, with the upcoming JSW Combat and the next-generation Kia Seltos Hybrid being the two options I am keeping an eye on. My primary requirements are excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and practicality. I need a car that can comfortably accommodate my family while also serving my work requirements, including carrying equipment and occasionally travelling to operational sites in hilly areas. Considering these requirements, which of these two vehicles would be the better upgrade from my current Kushaq? I would appreciate a comparison of their expected real-world mileage, cabin and boot space, comfort, performance on steep and hilly roads, reliability, maintenance and overall value for money. Since both options may not have confirmed specifications or launch details yet, I would also like to know what information is currently available and whether it would be worth waiting for these hybrids or considering other alternatives.

autocar.india

•9h

Given that you seem to be able to increase your budget, we would definitely recommend you do so as you are looking for a car for your family of 5 and you yourself are very tall. The compact SUV's would thus not be very comfy whereas the mid-size SUV's would be far better in this regard. Your choice of the Kia Seltos is a very good one, there's more space in the new Seltos and this Kia car is a very good all-rounder delivering a good ride, decent performance and enough space for you and your family. You would miss a few features compared to the top variants of the compact SUVs however the added space would go a longer way in keeping you all happy and comfortable.

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•5h

We're not aware of your budget so we would recommend a mid-size SUV like the Skoda Kushaq. It meets your requirements of safety, ride comfort and good handling in the city and highways. This Skoda car will also meet your requirement of good performance of the automatic gearbox as it is a torque convertor autobox; these are the smoothest types to have and offer a very seemless drive experience. We would recommend the 1.0 litre engine as the performance is more than adequate for the city as well as highway drives. The boot space is also sufficient for your luggage requirements. As an alternative you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza 1.5 litre variant. The gearbox is also a torque convertor unit and the ride in the city is very plush. However the highway stability and the boot would be just a bit smaller.

Skoda Kushaq

Maruti Suzuki Brezza