Hi! I am looking for a car under 15 lakh and also ready to increase 20-30 thousand if the car gives value. I have been considering few cars like Skoda Kylaq signature plus AT, Kia Seltos 6 MT HTK, Kia Sonet HTX 7DCT, Hyundai venue HX6 Turbo but I am very much confused and not able to decide. I want good features, good feel, moderate maintenance and reliable car which doesn't give me trouble. Could u please help. Thanks

autocar.india

•3h

Go for the Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tayron, which are sister models from different brands. They are among the best driver’s SUVs in the segment, with strong performance, excellent handling and a genuinely premium feel. The ride is well judged, the cabin is spacious enough for four adults plus a child seat, and the boot is large enough to comfortably accommodate a stroller and a couple of suitcases. If you stretch your budget, you can get the 7-seat versions with greater space flexibility and more features, but the five-seat versions are closer to your budget with the same performance and handling. Bear in mind, however, that they are still on the expensive side and fuel economy will not be great.A bit easier on the pocket will be the Jeep Compass, which is more affordable and comes with a diesel engine. It's also quite a lot of fun to drive, but doesn't score as well on the reliability stakes. Finally, another option is the outgoing Audi Q3, remaining stocks of which should be available with some good discounts given the launch of the new model is right around the corner. It's a bit smaller than the VW and Skoda, but even more fun to drive, with the same 2.0 TFSI engine. And though it's the outgoing generation, it remains a premium and luxurious SUV that feels worth the money.For your needs, though, the Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tayron are the best bet. Choosing between them is down to preference, but the Tayron has a sportier design for the exterior and interior, while the Kodiaq has more of a luxurious vibe.

Skoda Kodiaq

Volkswagen Tayron

Jeep Compass

autocar.india

•16m

With a monthly running of 1,500 km and 70% highway usage, a diesel car makes the most sense. The higher torque and better fuel efficiency on long runs will pay off over time, and your usage pattern justifies the premium over petrol. Since you prefer a manual car, you will also avoid the complexity and cost of automatic gearboxes, which is a plus for long-term ownership.The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel manual in a lower trim would be our first recommendation. It is a genuinely strong highway car with a punchy diesel engine, good stability at speed and a comfortable ride over long distances.If you want something a bit more compact and easier to live with in the city, the Kia Seltos diesel manual is also a very good option. It is more affordable, feels premium on the inside and is still very capable on the highway.Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel manual is the best fit for your usage and budget.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1d

The Kia Seltos is a good all-rounder, but for a 5-foot-tall driver, it is not the easiest car to live with. The seat height adjustment is limited, and the bonnet is relatively high, which can make judging the front of the car difficult. The A-pillars are also quite thick, which can create blind spots at junctions. The Seltos is also a larger car than you really need for city commutes, which makes parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces more challenging.A better option would be the Kia Syros. It has a higher seating postion, lower bonnet line, better all-round visibility and a more compact footprint, which makes it much easier to drive and park in the city. The seat height adjustment is also more accommodating for shorter drivers. The Syros is also a very comfortable and reliable car with low running costs, which makes it a great long-term ownership proposition.

Kia Seltos

Kia Syros