I am planning to buy a new car with an automatic transmission in Kolkata. My budget is within 17-18 lakhs. I have shortlisted the new Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI facelift and the Hyundai CRETA IVT. Please suggest or advise which car I should go with. Or is there any other car do you suggest me?

Autocar India

•21h

The Kia Seltos with the 1.5 NA petrol engine is a nice pick if you are not necessarily looking for exciting performance. Power delivery is smooth, refinement is good, and there's enough performance for average city driving. There is enough power for gentle cruising on the highway, too. You will miss the punch from the engine when you want a fast overtake, though. The 1.5 NA petrol engine works particularly well with the IVT auto gearbox. If it's a punchy performance you are looking for, the Seltos with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is worth a look. Alternatives include Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, whose 1.0-litre/ 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines feel strong and exciting.

Kia New Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Autocar India

•1d

Since your usage is split evenly between city and highway and you plan to sell the car in about 3–4 years, choosing the model that feels the most modern and premium today would make more sense.Among the three, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos IVT. It is the newer car compared to the Hyundai Creta, and it is also slightly larger and more spacious, which helps it feel more premium overall. Both the Seltos and Creta share the same powertrain, so either car will offer a similar driving experience. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is one of the most refined units in this segment and the IVT/CVT transmission is silky smooth, making it well suited for both city and highway driving.Also, considering that the Creta is expected to be replaced early next year, it is unlikely to have a higher resale value compared to the Seltos in the coming years.The Honda Elevate is also a safe and reliable option. However, compared to the Creta and the Seltos, it does not feel as premium and the engine is a bit noisier than the Hyundai/Kia unit. It is also an older product compared to the Seltos.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta

Honda Elevate

Autocar India

•2d

Since you have had a positive experience with the Rapid, sticking to a Skoda would be ideal. The updated Skoda Kushaq was recently revealed, and the price launch is just around the corner. It will continue to get the 1.5 TSI engine that is unanimously loved for its performance inside the city and out on the highway. The facelift has not been tested for the Global NCAP rating, but the old Kushaq had scored a perfect 5-stars and the facelift is likely to follow the same.The new Kushaq is a facelift that brings with it new equipment and refreshed design, but mechanically, it has carried over its powertrain for the bigger engine. The smaller 1.0-litre TSI will feature a new 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, but since you are a keen driver, we would recommend you stick to the 1.5.The engine also features cylinder deactivation, which helps save fuel in the city, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and effortless. The top-spec version would be well under your budget when it gets launched.

Skoda Kushaq